On March 25, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. This feast remembers one of the most incredible mysteries of our faith: the moment the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and proclaimed that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. This day marks the very moment of the Incarnation when God…
Today in the Spirit: Lent 4C
Generally, at Lent 4 every year, we can discern a transition in the Church’s selected readings from the straightforward message of the horrific consequences of failing to repent from sin (recall the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” from last week’s Gospel reading) to the promises of blessing for those who do. This is evident nowhere more than in…
The Annunciation: A Rookie Anglican Guide
The Annunciation refers to the conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary and the announcement of this pregnancy by the angel Gabriel to Mary. The Church celebrates the feast on March 25, which is easy to remember when you realize it is precisely nine months before Christmas! This day reminds us…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. Joseph
Though the Gospels record no words from Joseph, his actions speak volumes, his unwavering faith, obedience to God’s call, and humble strength make him one of the most inspiring figures in Scripture.
Today in the Spirit: Lent 3C
The experience of worship in the third week of Lent is part and parcel of the experience of the whole season of Lent. Once again, we hear stories, prophecies, or songs of Israelites receiving God’s commands in the wilderness of Sinai or Palestinians listening to the words of the Son of God incarnate in Palestine,…
Beyond Lent: Spiritual Disciplines for the Whole Year
For Anglicans and other liturgical Christians, Lent is the time we set aside each year to focus on the spiritual disciplines of prayer, repentance, almsgiving, and fasting. In the weeks leading up to Lent, it is not uncommon to encounter folks criticizing the Lenten practices as unbiblical. Typically, the criticism is that we should not…
Hymn Guide: Before the Throne of God Above
“Before the Throne of God Above” is a moving hymn of praise to the ascended and interceding Christ, the risen Lamb of God. When we sing it, we feel drawn up to heaven and given a glimpse of God’s forgiveness and grace. The hymn is, therefore, fitting not only for the Ascension but also occasions of…
A Deeper Devotion at the Cross
Nothing is more essential to the Christian life than what we make of Jesus’ cross. As we grow in Christ, we do not move on to other, higher planes; rather, our perception of the cross deepens. Our fellowship with our crucified Messiah grows more intimate. The cross grows ever more beautiful in our eyes the longer we linger.
Today in the Spirit: Lent 2C
As we move into the heart of Lent, the overall theme of the readings and Collects is repentance from sin and surrender to God. The Gospel readings feature a variety of teachings of Jesus, mostly coming in response to argumentation from the disciples, the crowds and the religious leaders as he moves his ministry closer…
Praise for At the Cross
Anglican Compass announces the release of Justin Clemente’s “At the Cross: Reflections on the Stations of the Cross,” available on Amazon. This book offers insightful reflections on the Biblical Stations, drawing from various theologians and artists, enhancing understanding of Christ’s Passion, and is suitable for individual or group devotion throughout the year.
