Tag: Episcopal Church

Zeal and holy freedom – Mary Magdalene

 

 Correct with kindness and love
but also with zeal and holy freedom.
If you do not speak out,
if you do not sound the alarm
when it is needed,
you will be justly convicted
by your silence.

 

Today the Episcopal Church celebrates the life and work of Mary Magdalene. At least the life and work we think we know. In all these 2000+ years, her name and story have circled the Christian faith, calling for curiosity and attention. Her presence has been strengthening for some and, clearly threatening to others depending on Christianity’s perspective on women at the time.

I have always been intrigued. She must’ve had an important role in the spreading of the good news while Jesus was alive. She certainly was prominent in the discovery of his resurrection. And writings tell us that the disciples relied on her wisdom and advice.

People are drawn to understand more. Studies of ancient texts continue to reveal new and intriguing possibilities. (reference this sermon by Diana Butler Bass preached recently at the annual Wild Goose Festival. “All the Marys” – Diana Butler Bass)

As a woman with a disability and an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, I have always seen Mary as a symbol of determination and confidence. Her voice would be heard -her witness shared. An invitation and example for those of us who know how easy it is for voices to be silenced.

I look forward to this day every year. Taking time to find new images and re-reading the gospel written in her name, the only early text attributed to a woman.  The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

 It is good to take time for these things but St. Mary Euphrasia stirs me to remember that speaking out is my charge, never to be accused of silence when the alarm is needed.

 

Quote: St. Mary Euphrasia
Painting of Mary Magdalene: Clare Elam

With thanks for our Presiding Bishop

She has been a mentor — I am grateful for her wisdom and strength . Proud of my church then and today. All are welcome!!

Ye watchers and ye holy ones . . .

image
+Michael Curry got it right in his sermon this morning. He thanked Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori for her leadership and ministry over the last nine years. And he said, “This is a woman of God. She has led us with passion. Hers is different from mine, now. I want a little of her cool. She has been God’s gift.”

I’ve spent the last week-plus observing the House of Bishops at work. Cool is a good word for our current Presiding Bishop. As another observer commented to me after a few sessions, “No one can run a meeting like she does.” Conversation in the House of Bishops flows smoothly and cleanly. She knows the rules and communicates them clearly. She maintains order but also camaraderie. She makes sure correct procedure is followed. Since she does not have the same electronic queuing system used by the House of Deputies she has to…

View original post 204 more words

look to the sky

10518652_10153509405737925_5485372318241987645_n The Episcopal Church – Facebook

there is peace in the quiet found deep into the night. may this peace weave itself throughout the turmoil of our world, tonight and always.

At the close of day…

1391878_10152873402432925_1623228165_n

For the quiet that surrounds me and your promise of peace deep within me, for the stillness of sleep for my body and the hope of healing for my soul, thanks be to you, O God.

(Celtic Benediction)

FaceBook – The Episcopal Church

Giving all

jonathan_daniels2

Today the Episcopal Church commemorates martyr, Jonathan Daniels. Bright with the light of faith and social conscience he joined a growing voice for civil rights in the 1960’s. After hearing Martin Luther King speak, he left seminary to share in the work of social justice in Selma, Alabama. He was arrested in Ft. Deposit, Alabama, in 1965, and was shot dead six days later in Hayneville, jumping in front of a young girl whom the deputy sheriff intended to kill.

From his writings we learn of his deep faith and commitment to equality. Listen closely – they ring true for us today.

He writes, “I began to know in my bones and sinews that I had been truly baptized into the Lord’s death and resurrection… with them, the black and white men, with all life, in him whose Name is above all the names that the races and nations. We are indelibly and unspeakably one.”

O God of justice and compassion, you put down the proud and mighty from their place, and lift up the poor and the afflicted: We give you thanks for your faithful witness Jonathan Myrick Daniels, who, in the midst of injustice and violence, risked and gave his life for another; and we pray that we, following his example, may make no peace with oppression; through Jesus Christ the just one, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (from Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

%d bloggers like this: