Ashes to ashes….

The cross of ashes, traced upon the forehead of each Christian, is not only a reminder of death but inevitably (though tacitly) a pledge of resurrection. The ashes of a Christian are no longer mere ashes. The body of a Christian is a temple of the Holy Ghost, and though it is fated to see […]

Good Friday, April 3, 2015

Tradition explains that Jesus hung dying between the hours of 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm.  For three hours He hung between “two robbers… one on the right and one on the left.” (Matt 27:38) Tradition also explains that one is identified as a “good thief” and the other as a “bad thief.”  This seems appropriate as […]

Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2015

Today is Holy Thursday or in our Anglican tradition we say “Maundy Thursday.” The word “Maundy” is from the Latin “mandatum,” or “mandate.”  “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos.”  Translated this reads, “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you.” (Jn 13:34)  On […]

Wednesday of Holy Week, April 1, 2015

Today is Wednesday in Holy Week.  At sundown tonight the season of Lent officially ends and the sacred triduum begins.  The triduum are the last three days of our Lord’s earthly life celebrated as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day! Our Gospel reading for this day is John 13:21-30.  It is Judas’ betrayal of […]

Tuesday in Holy Week, March 31, 2015

Today is Tuesday in Holy Week.  Our Gospel lesson is drawn from Mark 11:15-19, the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple. What is going on in this story must be carefully understood. So let’s read through it first, “And they came to Jerusalem. And Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out those who […]