Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Virtually every shampoo bottle that has ever existed contains these three directions. It is simple, clear and states exactly what you are supposed to do. And, for best results, this process is meant to be repeated. Humans, we are programmed to follow patterns, we learn through repetition. If only being Christian were […]
Prophecies are interesting, and I want to talk about prophecy and reality. Some 700 years before Jesus, Isaiah wrote: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.” Today Matthew tells us “… a voice […]
“Ahead of them went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him […]
Earlier this evening, I read the lyrics to The Little Drummer Boy to the children. We usually sing the song almost like a dirge—“Come they told me parumpa papum. A newborn king to see, parumpa papum.” I was in my car a few weeks ago and the song came on the radio. The words “Come […]
In today’s Gospel we have an overview of what was happening before Jesus was born. Mary and Joseph were set to be married, but it comes to light that Mary is with child. In that time there was an absolute three-step process to getting married: the family agrees to a union, there is a public […]
Usually, when you celebrate a coronation there is an awesome party, and excitement fills the air, and just about everyone is in a good mood. Weddings, Ordinations, Installations, Grand Openings usually feel that way. There is hope and anticipation that something new and good is coming, bringing with it new ways of being in relationship […]
Wars and insurrections. Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom. Great earthquakes. Famines. Plagues. Dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. The law that’s helping fuel Delhi’s deadly air pollution. [1] Vast brush fires rip across Australia. [2] The battle against one of the worst Ebola epidemics ever is in trouble. [3] Civilians rush to escape […]
I am so grateful to have all of you here, gathered together to thank God for all of our gifts, especially the gift of each other. Today, following our tradition, through the waters of Baptism and by the power of the Holy Spirit, two more souls will join us as our sisters in Christ. Last […]
I don’t know if many of you have met my brother Brian. Brian and I are quite similar in that we’re both slowly but surely turning into our father, but we’re also quite different. Yes, I’m older; Brian’s taller. Yes, he can grow a decent beard while I must shave. But I think the real […]
Good morning. I’m Clare Beam, and I’m the chair of the stewardship committee. I thank you for the honor of welcoming me to this podium. In turn, I would like to welcome you into the excitement of stewardship, and specifically the annual pledge campaign, at Holy Cross. This is the second year I have overseen […]