“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 for occasions…
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.
The General Confession, Humility, and Healing
The General Confession and the Assurance of Pardon (Absolution) provide us with biblical and true answers to both sides of this equation. As we kneel to confess each week, let us do so with a sober examination of our lives and a grateful heart for Christ’s saving work of redemption.
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.
The Liturgical Home: Good Friday
Good Friday is the most solemn day of the church year. It holds profound significance for Christians, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. We solemnly remember the sacrificial acts of Jesus, who bore the sins of humanity and “reconciled to himself all things, whether in heaven or on earth, making…
10 Ways to Preach on Maundy Thursday
What is Maundy Thursday? The liturgy for Maundy Thursday begins a three-day observance of the most holy events in the Christian Liturgical calendar. Known as the Triduum, the service of Maundy Thursday, followed by Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the Easter Vigil, cover a four-day/three-night journey into the heart of the Christian Gospel. The name…
The Stations of the Cross: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives…
The Liturgical Home: Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the holiest week of the liturgical year. During Holy Week, we walk with Jesus through his final days before his crucifixion. The tone of this week begins with joy as we remember his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Like the people in the Bible, we wave palm branches…
Today in the Spirit: Palm Sunday B
Thus far in Lent, having walked in Mark and John with Jesus through conflict, we now come to Holy Week and the final upsurge of opposition ending in our Lord’s death in Jerusalem. As always on Palm Sunday, the combining of the Triumphal Entry and the Passion narratives will send us as worshipers reeling in…
