The Great Vigil of Easter, April 4, 2015
Tonight at the Great Vigil of Easter the baptismal themes that were explored during the season of Lent reach their logical conclusion in the words of this prayer, “Through the paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried with Christ by Baptism into His death, and raised with Him to newness of life.” (BCP, 292) As […]
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 […]
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 […]
Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015
The service of Palm Sunday at St. John’s is March 29th at 8:00, 9:00 and 11:15 am. This ancient liturgy is found in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 270. It is called “The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday.” This title explains well what the day is about. Using this liturgy we […]