A Statute of Liberty
January 29, 2012
The Reverend Paul Roberts Abernathy, Rector
Though in the midst of winter, it’s not too early to contemplate November and our national quadrennial exercise in democracy as we, the people (with the guidance of the Electoral College!), elect the president of the United States.
This comes to mind as I reflect almost...
Knowing God Through Images
The Third Sunday after Epiphany (RCL, Year B)
January 22, 2012
Kristen L. Hawley, Seminarian (The Virginia Theological Seminary)
In today’s reading of Jonah some of you may have noticed that we skipped a few verses. Unfortunately, those who make the decisions on our lectionary texts saw fit to cut out one of my favorite stories in all of scripture. If you’ll bear with me, I’d like to read the four dropped...
Vocation and Community
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany (RCL, Year B)
January 15, 2012
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Assistant Rector
Several days ago I was out with a friend who asked me a theological question, “Is it okay to be jealous of Jesus?” I think she was wondering if it was okay as in, was it blasphemous to envy the Son of God, would God smite her or put her on some naughty list. “Well,” I said, “given that Jesus...
Cracking the Door Open
Epiphany 1 Year B
January 08, 2012
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Assistant Rector
How to put this scene we’ve just witnessed in context? How to sum up in as few words as possible the play Arcadia? It’s impossible. It’s doomed. Summarizing the plot quickly is like trying to explain the laws of quantum physics before you’ve had your morning coffee. Not that I...
Our Name Day
The Feast of the Holy Name
January 01, 2012
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Assistant Rector
I’ve always had mixed feelings about my name. Introducing myself always necessitates some explaining. Justi, not Jesse, short for Justice…Justice, like liberty and Justice for all. And my last name is Schunior. No really, it’s not as hard as it looks. It rhymes with Junior. Like many...
Glory
Christmas Day
December 25, 2011
The Reverend Paul Roberts Abernathy, Rector
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen his glory.[1]
John, the evangelist, was a close friend of Jesus: at the crucifixion, caring for Jesus’ mother,[2] after the resurrection, sharing the Jesus-story with the world. With one word, John proclaims the meaning of Jesus’...
Out of darkness into light
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2011
The Reverend Paul Roberts Abernathy, Rector
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.[1]
Twenty-seven hundred years ago, Isaiah, spoke to a captive people, prophesying that a king from the ancestral line of David would come to the rescue, a...
Witnessing Like John the Baptist
The Third Sunday in Advent (RCL, Year B)
December 11, 2011
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Assistant Rector
Some of you may be like me – you desire to use Advent as a time of spiritual reflection. Advent is a counter cultural time when we try to resist the busyness and commercialization of Christmas. I always feel like I and others can do better at this. So, I’m trying to pay particular attention...
Keep Awake!
The First Sunday of Advent (Revised Common Lectionary, Year B)
November 27, 2011
The Reverend Paul Roberts Abernathy, Rector
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
With the kids jingle-belling
And everyone telling you,
“Be of good cheer.”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.[1]
Whoa! I’m getting ahead, way ahead of myself!
Yes, Christmas is near. Less than a month away. And, yes, many of...
A Lesson from a Leper on Thankfulness
Thanksgiving Day (RCL, Year A)
November 24, 2011
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Assistant Rector
Why did one of the lepers turn back? What was it that made him stop in his tracks and return the way he came? Return back to throw himself face down before the face of Jesus in gratitude. Maybe it was because his mother raised him right. Maybe he always wrote thank you cards and brought a...