Notes

Signing off, at least partially and only temporarily. Sabbatical for me begins at the end of this week, actually the second sabbatical of my life and career. Yes, 14 years has gone by quickly at Church of the Holy Communion. Where does time go? When you’re having as much fun as we do in this parish, it’s easy to let it slip by without paying attention. Perhaps my sabbatical leave will help me pay better attention. Of course, 14 years in any one place is not filled with all wine ... Read More

For someone about whose life so little is known, Julian of Norwich (1342-ca. 1416) is revered for her writings alone. Her book Revelations of Divine Love (ca. 1395) is the first known English-language book to have been written by a woman. She is venerated in the Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic traditions. Born in Norfolk, Julian was an anchoress, from the ancient Greek for “one who retires from the world.” Unlike a member of a monastic community, as an anchoress, Julian lived alone in a... Read More

After Christmas and Easter, the Day of Pentecost is perhaps the third most significant festival of the Christian Church year, the day on which we celebrate the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.” He then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:19-23) This is the Holy Spirit traditionally symbolized with a descending dove such as the gold-leafed dove atop the reredos behind our high altar. The Holy Spirit is also symbolized... Read More

Symbolism, numbers and a little mathematics are required for a thorough understanding of the scriptures, the liturgical year and the feast days of the Church. Some in the Protestant world will disagree with me, and I’m sure this was not all directly dictated by God. It just adds up this way. And Christians who worship in the liturgical tradition prefer things to make sense. As an extreme J-type on the Myers-Briggs test, I certainly do. Looking slightly back, 40 days comprise the season of Len... Read More