Mercy and Truth Have Met Together

Deep within the wonder of God’s very being, seeming opposites coalesce, truth and mercy meet.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalms 85 & 86; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Ephesians 2:1-10; Matthew 7:22-27

This morning’s Canticles are: Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9-10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Welsh Hymn performed by Matt Redman, "Here is Love Vast as the Ocean":

fWelsh Hymn performed in cymraeg (welsh), "Here is Love Vast as the Ocean":

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Crowned with Glory and Honor

David, in Psalm 8, ponder the wonder of the Lord’s having put us humans at the pinnacle of creation.

Today is the Feast of the Ascension of Christ

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalms 8 & 47; Daniel 7:9-14; Hebrews 2:5-18; Matthew 28:16-20

This morning’s Canticles are: Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3-4, BCP, p. 94)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

The One True Israelite

That True Israelite—Son of their greatest king—would also be the embodiment of Yahweh himself, David’s Lord.

Wednesday • 5/25/2022 Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 78:1-39; Leviticus 26:1-20; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; Matthew 13:18-23

This morning’s Canticles are: Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9-10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Our Hearts Are Fertile Ground

Jesus’s point is that our hearts are fertile ground for all kinds of things—some good, some bad.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 78:1-39; Leviticus 26:1-20; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; Matthew 13:18-23

This morning’s Canticles are: Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9-10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Today’s passages from the Psalms, Leviticus, and Matthew are strong warnings about a failure of faith. They caution against allowing oneself to become impervious to God’s abundant grace.

A text version of this podcast can be found here

A Lasting Inheritance

One day, I will discover that my Father’s inheritance is the one truly valuable thing I have.

Monday • 5/23/2022 Monday of the 6th Week of Easter

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 80; Leviticus 25:35-55; Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 13:1-16

This morning’s Canticles are: Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2-6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3-4, BCP, p. 94)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

What We Celebrate

In the shape of Israel’s cycle of festivals it is difficult not to see an anticipation of the Eucharistic life.

Friday • 5/20/2022Friday of the 5th Week of Easter

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 106:1-18; Leviticus 23:1-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Matthew 7:1-12

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Safe and Protected

Jesus is telling us to take ourselves less seriously. I’m grateful for the soft reminder.

Thursday • 5/19/2022Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 70; Psalm 71; Leviticus 19:26-37; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Matthew 6:25-34

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Instruction on the "So What?"

Israel’s hopes remained focused on the coming of a King who would rule justly, make Israel a showcase for God’s kind intentions.

Wednesday • 5/18/2022Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter 

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 72; Leviticus 19:1-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; Matthew 6:19-24

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1–3,11a,14c,18–19, BCP, p. 87);  following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68–79, BCP, p. 92)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Peace Between God and Us

We can say good-bye to those sinful holdovers.

Tuesday • 5/17/2022    Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter. 

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 61; Psalm 62; Leviticus 16:20-34; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 6:7-15

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90);following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

That You May Not Grieve as Others Do

Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer

Monday • 5/16/2022
Monday of the 5th week of Easter. 

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Psalm 58; Leviticus 16:1-19; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

There Is One True Story

He realized right then that “it was possible to keep one foot in the ideal world and the other foot in the real world.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; Acts 7:55-60; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

God's Word Will Stand

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you …

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 119:49–72; Exodus 33:1-23; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Matthew 5:17-20

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1–3,11a,14c,18–19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68–79, BCP, p. 92)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

If You Are A Friend of God

If you are a friend of God, ... you can tell him what's on your heart. However, then ... you should be ready to listen.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 119:49–72; Exodus 33:1-23; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Matthew 5:17-20

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1–3,11a,14c,18–19, BCP, p. 87); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68–79, BCP, p. 92)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Bringing Well-Being to Our Lives

There is a Mediator who would rather see Himself excluded if it means you can be included.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 45; Exodus 32:21-34; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 5:11-16

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90);following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Golden Calves

It makes me reflect on the possible “golden calves” we fashion for ourselves: degrees, titles, income, status.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 41; Psalm 52; Exodus 32:1-20; Colossians 3:18–4:18; Matthew 5:1-10

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Principles for Worship

This is a time to find out what you really love.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 105:1–22; Exodus 24:1-18; Colossians 2:8-23; Matthew 4:12-17

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

The Walk that New Life in Christ Enables

This is a time to find out what you really love.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 37:1–18; Exodus 20:1-21; Colossians 1:24–2:7; Matthew 4:1-11

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

Bringing Well-Being to Our Lives

We like to think of ourselves as enlightened and beyond superstition. But even today athletes have their rituals, and people carry rabbit’s feet or other good luck charms.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 38; Exodus 19:16-25; Colossians 1:15-23; Matthew 3:13-17

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 11 (“The Third Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 60:1–3,11a,14c,18–19, BCP, p. 87);  following the Epistle reading, Canticle 16 (“The Song of Zechariah,” Luke 1:68–79, BCP, p. 92)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

A Thrilling Perspective

This is why Christians are a people of prayer.

This This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 26; Psalm 28; Exodus 19:1-16; Colossians 1:1-14; Matthew 3:7-12

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90);following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

A text version of this podcast can be found here

God's Got This

They are on their way to an “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you”

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 25; Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Matthew 1:1-17; 3:1-6

This morning’s Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum(“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)

A text version of this podcast can be found here