For 800 years Franciscans have gathered around the globe on the evening of October 3rd to commemorate the death of St. Francis of Assisi who died on this day in 1226. This evening I was able to pray, reflect, and celebrate with my new community here at Good Shepherd and I am incredible grateful for the beautiful service we had this evening! I also preached my second sermon of the day! Which you can find below along with the bulletin for the service of the Transitus of St. Francis.
New Homily: Loneliness and Connection
New Homily: Discipleship is A Bloody Business
Learning to ride a bike is a bloody business.
When you fall—not if—the skin on your knees will break.
You will taste the salt of tears on your lips,
From the streams on your cheeks.
Your chest will hold the fear of another stumble,
And your ears will be ringing with the mantra,
“Never again, Never again.”
But you get up again.
Wiping gravel from your palms,
Unashamed of amputated wheels you’ve outgrown,
Committed to whatever it takes.
Because while the pain of shedding blood
Can sometimes feel too much to bare,
The cost will be worth it
With the wind in your hair—
It’s a bloody business.
But it’s in the rising from the earth
and starting again that you know
you’re really living.
New Homily: The Shape of the Cross
A Prayer and Moment of Reflection for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
A Prayer and Moment of Reflection for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
On this 20th anniversary weekend of the 9/11 attacks, let us hold in remembrance all those whose lives were radically changed that tragic day, and let us pray for the continued healing and reconciliation of the world and the coming of God’s kingdom.
O God of tenderness and compassion, who forms us at birth and greets us at death, we remember before you the 2,996 people who died in the senseless attacks 20 years ago and all those who loved them; we hold in our hearts those who suffered and continue to suffer grief and anxiety in the aftermath; and we call to mind all those who have suffered and died since that day at the hands of prejudice and violence.
In the silence of our hearts, we pray for comfort and healing.
A moment of silence is observed.
O God of unrelenting love, whose justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream, we remember before you the selfless toil of those who put others before themselves: firefighters, police officers, service members, counselors, chaplains, and other community leaders; we hold in our hearts the places of worship and community centers who offered hospitality and refuge to those in grief; and we call to mind all those activists, educators, and public servants who tirelessly speak on behalf of the victims of violence.
In the silence of our hearts, we pray for peace and justice.
A moment of silence is observed.
O God of restoration, who makes the lion lie down with the lamb, we remember before you the hands which caused such pain and suffering—victims of their own fear, misguidance, and hatred; we hold in our hearts those whose grief in the face of injustice collapsed into enmity and bitterness; we call to mind the violence turned against innocent Muslims, Sikhs, and those from the middle east.
In the silence of our hearts, we pray for forgiveness and reconciliation.
A moment of silence is observed.
A Collect for Peace (BCP, 258)
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Sing the Prayer of St. Francis with the Larsons!
And be sure to check out the album Justice Songs by the Porter’s Gate. It’s amazing!
New Homily: Be Strong in the Lord!
New Homily: We are Members of One Another
This morning I had the wonderful privilege of preaching for the first time at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tequesta, FL as Assistant Rector. Looking forward to sharing the Word many more times to come!
The Gift of Color
Ordained to the priesthood
Last Saturday I was ordained to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church and last Sunday I served as celebrant at the Eucharist for the first time at our sponsoring parish, St. George’s Episcopal Church. I am so grateful! God is good; God is love.
Thoughts on Faith 