Notes

Most cultures worldwide have some sort of rite of initiation, and this initiation is the principal “liturgy” of that culture. Many cultures celebrate an infant rite of some sort, and many also observe the significance of passing from childhood into maturity. These rites all seem to use similar language, passing from the former (often “death”) into a new existence (“new life”). The favorite verse from First Corinthians comes to mind: “When I was a chi... Read More

I wonder what really did transpire in Jerusalem and surrounding areas after the Resurrection. We know the news traveled very quickly, beginning with Jesus speaking to Mary Magdalene in the garden, where she mistakenly took him to be the gardener. From there Mary Magdalene went directly to the disciples to spread the good news. Jesus then appears to the disciples in the Upper Room (the “Doubting Thomas” gospel reading for this Sunday, April 23), to two followers walking in th... Read More

In this parish, we sing the same hymns every Easter Day. No, seriously, we do! And here’s a little secret: Most parish churches are just like us, singing the very same traditional hymns each Easter Day, year in and year out. In my 30-year parish musician career, I have heard so many times, “Oh, it’s just not Easter unless we sing thus-and-so.” Hymns are carriers of the faith. They convey the story in poetry coupled with beautiful melodies. And they elicit memories. S... Read More

'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-11 This passage from the Letter to the Philippians is the Epistle reading on Palm/Passion Sunday in ea... Read More