Devotional

Reading Psalm 137 in church

The editors who assembled the Psalter were astute, and one way this can be seen is in the juxtapositions and trajectories implicit in the placement of the imprecatory psalms. Consider, for example, Psalm 137, which is appointed to be said on the evening of the 28th day. Here, perched between Psalm 119 and the lyrical psalms of ascent, on the one hand; and on the other, the hymns of praise that end the book, such as Psalm 148, is a psalm with one of the most blood-curdling lines in all of holy writ: Psalm 137’s final verse.

Easter — now what?

Easter is the culmination, not just of Holy Week, but really of all the seasons since Advent. Now Easter has finally arrived. But what’s next?

RSVP to Noah

It is thus that our science, our philosophy, and our theology compel us to decline our invitation to come into the ark.

Divine Love, Tender Love

In the historic Western eucharistic lectionary, the epistles and gospels of the first half of Lent emphasize our struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil, but there is a turn in the Fourth Sunday in Lent. From here on, we are pointing toward the cross.

Lent begins—with a threat

The Book of Common Prayer traditionally began Lent with a service called “A Commination” (which means “a threatening”). You can read the service here. You might find it a bit harsh. Many others have found it too difficult and the service has been excised from modern editions of the prayer-book. The …

Lent begins—with a threat Read More

Empty vessels

What would you say is the defining characteristic of a Christian? Faith? Love? Kindness?  Zeal for the gospel? A Christian certainly should cultivate these and many other virtues, but is there one that underlies all the others? From the list above, my guess is that most people would say love …

Empty vessels Read More

white ceramic vase on brown wooden table

Aspiring to heaven

Inflamed with ardour half divine,For heaven I earthly gain resign;Those starry lamps that grace the pole,Inspire with joy my raptured soul. O the dear festivals of night,What glorious dazzling to the fight!A fair angelic band maintainsDelightful watch o’er heavenly plains. Why am I kept a prisoner here,So distant from that …

Aspiring to heaven Read More

black and white mountains under cloudy sky during daytime

What is humility?

To be nothing in order that God may be everything. That is Murray’s definition of humility. And I dare say it was John the Baptist’s definition as well. 

The fruitless fig tree

That God that dwells in heaven above,
Whose glory none can tell:
He condescends, in matchless love,
With worthless man to dwell.

green leafed plant
Scroll to Top