Preparing for the present and the future (Advent 2024)

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The road from Christ Church, St. Peter's, St. Simon to Bishop White's House

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My sisters, I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ,  Welcome to Week 3 of our pilgrimage. I was asked to attend the Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.  As I was driving into the parking lot, I felt sadness in that we place “racism” into a committee.  Racism is a sin against God’s creation and destroys lives, people, and communities.  We are committed as a Diocese to not only address racism, but to systematically and institutionally eradicate racism in our churches, public places, private spaces and in our homes. I am moved by the tireless efforts of our brothers and sisters who have worked to remove this stain.  I want to thank the members of the committee who put their hearts and souls into substantive change.  As we begin a new narrative, we will highlight the work of the committee, emphasize training and education and make things new in the name of Jesus Christ.  It is who we are as followers o...
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Do we look like Jesus?

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As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness. Psalm 17:15 I pray you are covered with Christ as we journey through the Holy Season of Lent. I am struggling over the lingering question: Do our churches and faith look like Jesus? Can we say yes? I am not speaking of looking like Jesus architecturally or artistically (e.g. carved in stone, Tiffany stained glass, Jesus covered in gold or European Jesus).  I wrestle with something more profound. If someone walks through our door, will they find a place where they belong? Will the person wearing dirty clothes feel they belong? Will the immigrant who does not speak English or the single mother or father with three screaming kids? Maybe that guy who smells like alcohol and needs a shave. Anyone who does not look, think, act, or talk like us. This is a time of Lenten reflection, and we all like to believe we welcome everyone.We know that despite the smiles, and the quick w...
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St. Anthony of Egypt

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We celebrate the life and legacy of St. Anthony of Egypt, the founder of Christian monasticism whose radical approach to discipleship permanently impacted the Church.  Anthony was born around 251, to wealthy parents who owned land in the present-day Faiyum region near Cairo.   Anthony become the spiritual father of the monastic communities that have existed throughout the subsequent history of the Church. Anthony's whole life was not one of observing, but of becoming. When his parents died when he was eighteen or twenty he inherited their three hundred acres of land and the responsibility for a young sister. One day in church, he heard read Matthew 19:21: "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." Not content to sit still and meditate and reflect on Jesus' words he walked out the door of the church right away and gave away all his property except what he and ...
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