As someone raised within the charismatic tradition, I grew up believing that emotions played an important role in Christian worship. However, after seeing numerous worship leaders and pastors use certain practices to fabricate an emotional atmosphere within worship, I became disenchanted with certain worship styles and their façade of authenticity. I later had the opportunity…
Today in the Spirit: Lent 1C
We have moved now to Lent, a season of penitence in preparation for Holy Week and the careful contemplation of Jesus’ crucifixion. The propers for Sundays in Lent 1 make, as it were, an onramp to the lenten journey, which we have been invited to join from Ash Wednesday. We follow Jesus’ footsteps first through…
A Guide to Guides for Lent
During Lent, many of us choose to pick up a book to guide us through this season of fasting and repentance, remembering Christ’s own fasting in the wilderness and journey to the cross. But, with such an abundance of these guides out there, which ones should we choose as our companion? Dr. Daniel Gullotta is here to give us recommendations.
Transfiguration Sunday: A Rookie Anglican Guide
In the Calendar of the Book of Common Prayer (2019), the Transfiguration of Jesus is celebrated not once but twice! On the fixed calendar, it is celebrated on August 6th. On the movable calendar, it is celebrated on the last Sunday of Epiphany.
Finding Rest by Singing the Psalter
Rest, Inc.: It’s So Hot Right Now! Contemporary society is increasingly marked by a pervasive sense of burnout. We are more developed, advanced, healthy, and connected than ever, yet we are weary. The yoke of modernity appears hard, and its burden is heavy. In this exhaustion lies a hunger for the rest of the Living…
Today in the Spirit: Last Sunday in Epiphany (Transfiguration) C
The Anglican Church concludes Epiphany by reflecting on the Transfiguration of Jesus, focusing on Luke 9:28-36. This event teaches about faith and the call to discipleship, paralleling Moses’ radiant face after meeting God. The readings emphasize the importance of love and grace in the community of believers, urging actions rooted in compassion.
The Liturgical Home: St. Matthias, the Apostle Who Replaced Judas
The Church commemorates St. Matthias on February 24th, recognizing him as the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. A devoted follower of Jesus, Matthias was selected through prayer and casting lots. His legacy emphasizes God’s call to ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, highlighting themes of faithfulness and humility in service.
Polycarp: A Martyr Who Bore Much Fruit
In the providence of God, a person’s name sometimes accurately reflects the meaning of his life. Such is the case with Polycarp, the 2nd-century bishop and martyr. Polycarp is a Greek name that means many (poly) fruits (carp), and in light of scripture, this is an especially appropriate name. Jesus himself said: Truly, truly, I…
Today in the Spirit: World Missions Sunday C
In our BCP 2019, we have the required liturgical observation of a World Mission Sunday every year during Epiphany.
Martin Luther and the Christian Life
Luther’s concern didn’t remain in the ivory tower of abstract theology. Indeed, in many ways, Luther’s aim was a robust recovery of the Christian life.
