Come by Day and by Night
In the name of God whose glory shines in both darkness and light, Amen. Good morning, everybody, and…congratulations! Since you’ve made it here today that means you’ve remembered to “spring forward”- and survived losing an hour of sleep in the process. This time of year we accept rising and beginning our day in the pre-dawn hours as the trade-off for longer evenings of light, embracing how the sun slips below the horizon later with each unfolding day. Here in central…
Transfigured
Over twenty years ago, in a parenting book I’ve long since given away, I remember reading an account of the Transfiguration story and strongly identifying with Peter. I can’t help feeling a little sorry for Peter because I completely understand why he responded the way he did, a reluctant character in this scene that goes from comical to monumental in just a few words. Taken high up this mountain by Jesus, with only James and John for companions, the physical…
See the Light. Be the Light.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they…
A Sacred Opera
The opening lines of the movie Amadeus highlighting the genius of Mozart and the divine gift of his compositions, begins with words of an aged Antonio Salieri, speaking from a place of despair and ridicule, and reflecting on the first time he heard the beginning notes of Mozart’s Serenade No. 10 in B flat major — “On the page, it looked simple, nothing. The beginning simple, almost comic. Just a pulse. Bassoons, Basset Horns. Like a rusty squeezebox. And then,…
How Can This Be?
I say the same words each week to many people, but, they never become mundane or repetitive, because it’s the same invitation Jesus makes to John’s disciples in today’s gospel, “Come and see”. These words, repeated weekly from my heart to yours are, “The body of Christ, the bread of heaven” or in Lent “The body of Christ, broken for you.” These words, uttered often soft and pensive, as they come from the soul place of my being, are designed…
Beloved
Beloved First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord January 12, 2020 RCL readings, Year A, Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17 Dina Carter Ishler; St. Andrew’s, Shippensburg Baptize us with your Spirit, Lord, your cross on us be signed, that, likewise in God’s service we may perfect freedom find. In the name of God who calls us all beloved, Amen. I am certain I am not the only person here who does not clearly remember…
JOURNEY ON WINGS OF THE HEART
Second Sunday of Christmas, January 5, 2020 RCL readings Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 84; Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a; Matthew 2:1-2 Here is the little door-lift up your hands, O lift! We need not wander more but enter with our gift. In the name of God who loves us, sustains us and guides us on our way, Amen. Today’s Gospel- actually, all of today’s readings-tell us the story of pilgrimage. They took the journey first- Joseph, Mary on the patient donkey, the shepherds,…
Wondrous love
Our faith journey can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride. There can be moments of intense excitement, awe and fear as we near a mountaintop experience, before dipping down into the depths of our soul. And there can be times when we can feel lulled into momentary complacency as we chug along the track in a steady rhythm. There can be times when all our attention is focused on a particular spot or turn when God grabs our full…