St Mary in Palms

Monday, April 6, 2020

Meditations for Holy Week 2020

This will be the first of DAILY meditations I intend sharing with you while we are "apart" this Holy Week. Each meditation will be in two parts: lyrics of a hymn and, a couple of questions for your private reflection. Okay to share your reflection with me, thanks.

FOR MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK

Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,

That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?

By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,

O most afflicted.

Who was the guilty- Who brought this upon Thee?

Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee.

'Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee!

I crucified Thee.

Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;

The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;

For our atonement, while we nothing heeded,

God interceded.

For me, kind Jesus, was Thine incarnation,

Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life's oblation;

Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion,

For my salvation.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee,

I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee,

Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving,

Not my deserving.

Words: Johann Heerman (1585-1647; tr. Robert Seymour Bridges (1844-1930)

Please, see Hymn #158 of the 1982 Hymnal for music

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

1. What in this hymn strengthens your faith at this time?

2. What in this hymn challenges your faith at this time?

Fr. Vincent

stmarypalms.org

Friday, April 3, 2020

Re: The Observance of Lent and Covid-19

Chapter 49: The Observance of Lent

1 The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent. 2 Since few, however, have the strength for this, we urge the entire community during these days of Lent to keep its manner of life most pure 3 and to wash away in this holy season the negligence of other times. 4 This we can do in a fitting manner by refusing to indulge evil habits and by devoting ourselves to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and self-denial. 5 During these days, therefore, we will add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food or drink, 6 so that each of us will have something above the assigned measure to offer God of his own will with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess 1:6). 7 In other words, let each one deny himself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing

My reflection:
My caveat: I am NOT a Benedictine scholar and have no extensive experience in Benedictine spirituality but I'd like to start a conversation on the above chapter of the Rule of St. Benedict.

St. Benedict obviously wrote for another generation and audience - his monastic community - but I find this particular chapter on "the observance of Lent" especially #1 above "the life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent" challenging for two reasons:
1. some christians hold the view that the christian life should be "a continuous Easter and not Lent" because Easter gives meaning to Lent.
2. some christians also hold the position that without the observance of a holy and disciplined Lent, Easter would not make much sense.

I think St. Benedict suggests this latter position in #7 above "let each one deny himself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing".

Questions for further reflection:
1. As a person of faith, how has the Shelter in place and Safer at Home time impacted your Lenten observance and spirituality, preparing you for Easter?

2. As a person of no faith, how has the Shelter in place and Safer at Home time impacted your spring season so far preparing you for a post-Covid-19 lifestyle to transform our shared humanity?

3. For all of us, have we been so preoccupied with just surviving the COVID-19 pandemic that we have not used this time as an opportunity to cultivate and deepen our spiritual/interior or religious life in preparation for the celebration of Easter or a post-Covid-19 world?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and comments. Please, leave a comment for me below. Thanks.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Of COVID-19: "Who sinned?"

Lectionary Readings for The Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 22

1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Psalm 23

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

My reflection:

There are still many including some prominent tele/megachurch evangelists in our contemporary society who still subscribes to the theory of a direct causal relationship between wellness and sin. You may have even heard similar versions from some who are attributing COVID-19 to being a "spiritual attack on humanity" or "signs of the end-times" or even a generational attack based on Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me" - King James Version - or that humanity is being punished by God for the sins of one nation which has finally caught up with us. I do not know where you stand in all of these but I ask you consider sharing your thoughts with me by leaving a Comment.

FOR YOUR FURTHER MEDITATION

1. Do you see a direct causal relationship between wellness, sin and COVID-19? What is the basis of that relationship?

2. How does that (basis) shape your understanding of individual and corporate social justice responsibilities? Or of the incarnate God's concern for humanity or even the Psalmist's thoughts in the portion of Psalm 23 below:

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

3. If the John text above is considered at "face-value" what works of God might (possibly) be revealed to humanity through the COVID-19 pandemic?

Friday, March 13, 2020

COVID-19: Where is Jesus?

Text: Mark 4:35-41

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!

For those who practice the discipline of praying the Daily Office appointed in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), you would recall the above text was the third reading for Morning Prayer today, March 13. At St. Mary in Palms, we still are praying Morning Prayer as part of daily Mass. We are still praying for all whose lives have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic including all who work tirelessly day and night to find lasting cures for the many diseases facing our generation.

My short reflection:

As I read the above passage, I wondered how many people - in light of the anxiety, confusion and uncertainty created by the presence of novel coronarirus (COVID-19) - are probably asking the questions: where is the Jesus "The disciples woke and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Where is the Jesus who "got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." Why can't that Jesus "just do his thing and remove" the coronavirus from our world and let life return to normalcy? Impact on free will??

Where is the Jesus who asked "his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Has our faith got anything to do with the ongoing work by researchers and policy makers and laboratories to find a lasting cure for the coronavirus?

For your meditation:

How do you see Jesus and faith present in the current challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19?

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Reflections on Lectionary readings for Third Sunday in Lent A

Lectionary readings for Sunday, March 15, 2020, Third Sunday in Lent Year A:

Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 Psalm 95

My short reflection:

The readings for this Sunday reminds one of two important facts of life:

First, drawing from a well. Many people - first century Israelites included - understand this metaphorical "drawing". For many Jews, wisdom can be drawn from the Torah. Hermits from antiquity drew wisdom from the solitude of the desert and their cells. Students draw knowledge from institutions of learning. Many draw and impart wisdom from life's experiences. Christians draw LIFE from the mission and life truly and honestly lived in Jesus Christ.

For further meditation: from which source(s) are you drawing daily (constant) strength and faith-filled hope to live your life as a maturing (human) person and disciple of Jesus Christ?

Secondly, the Samaritan woman in a way becomes the first missionary for Jesus Christ for she goes into the village and invites her neighbors to “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” She invites her neighbors to explore a possible new relationship with this stranger called Jesus who could be the Messiah they'd be hoping and praying for.

Missionaries come in different shapes and passions. Perhaps, as the first person in one's family to finish High School or College, acquire a professional degree, own her/his own house or even become a disciple of Christ. Whatever the role of missionary is, one is invited to spread the great news of a particular mission.

For further meditation: In what way are you a missionary? How does it feel to be a missionary?

I look forward to and welcome your comments which are highly appreciated.

Friday, January 11, 2019

Parish UPDATE: Sunday, January 13

Beloved of God and of this parish:

Here's what's happening THIS WEEKEND AT ST. MARY'S:

1. SUNDAY, JANUARY 13: THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY [BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST]

Color for the day: WHITE

Readings at Mass:

Isaiah 43:1-7

Acts 8:14-17

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Psalm 29

2.  FUNERAL OF FR. OTTO HAROLD ANDERSON

Date: Saturday, January 12, 2019

Venue: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Glendale, 1020 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale. CA 91201. https://www.saintmarks.la/

Time: 11 am

Additional Note: The family desires that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to "St. Mary in Palms" with "Fr. Anderson Memorial Fund" on the Memo line.

3.   BIBLE STUDY on Wednesdays at St. Mary's:

Class meets from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

We meet in the Sacristy. Enter from the parking lot off Watseka Ave.

Our current study is focused on the Gospel according to St. Mark.

No previous Bible knowledge required

We are using the NIV 2011 translation.  We'll have a Bible for you if needed.

4.  MASS SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK: Morning Prayer at 8:45  & Mass at 9 am

Monday, January 14: George Berkeley

Tuesday, January 15: Paul of Thebes

Wednesday, January 16: Feria

Thursday, January 17: Anthony, Abbot

Friday, January 18: THE CONFESSION OF ST. PETER

Saturday, January 19: Wulfstan

5. CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF OUR PARISH

On Sunday, September 8, 2019, our parish will by the grace of God, celebrate 100 years of continuous ministry in God's reign and especially in Southern California.

If you are a former parishioner or know of one, please, let us know so we can pray and thank God for you/them by name.

Spread the word. Email: stmarypalms@yahoo.com

6. OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE, PRAY (FOR):

The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor, Bishop Diocesan, Diocese of Los Angeles

all Anglican Monastic communities and for all who are discerning vocations to the ordained ministry and the monastic life

continued healing for all who are sick in spirit, mind and body especially Myra; Presiding Bishop Michael Curry; Bishop Edward Mackenzie; Fr. Mark Stuart; Gerda; Jai Joseph; Anthony Joseph; Rose Quaye; Lyra; Ben; Fayetta; Edgar; Sr. Rosina; Anthony Alarcon; Vivian Perry; Nathan Greenspan; Beatrice Mensah and, Alice Vickers.

the repose of the soul of Otto Harold Anderson, priest; Peter Bergstrom, priest; Andy Parker, priest; Alan Kuller, Steve Hahm, the souls of departed former members of our parish and all the departed. May they rest in peace.

the children and young persons of our parish especially: Natasha, Vincent, Larry Jr, Jeffrey, Simone, Obed, Audrey, Michelle, Yasmine, Charlene, Victor, Jason, Annabelle, Biko, Amani, Rohan (Andrew), Oscar Antonio, Diego, Ezra, Sebastian, David, Sanaya Evelyn, Brondzie, Senyah, Saulito, William.

7. A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU

to our partners in ministry

for making the mission and ministries of our parish possible in 2018. May God richly replenish what you generously shared with our parish and its ministries.

We pray you would consider partnering us in 2019 to help share God's good news of reconciliation and build the kingdom of God

Benefactors: You can also make DONATIONS at our website or include our parish in your  WILL or leave some STOCKS for us. Thank  you.

8.  FOR NEWS ABOUT

the Palms Emergency Preparedness Coalition, please, visit and Like us on Facebook: PepC90034

the Diocese of Los Angeles: https://diocesela.org/

the Episcopal Church:  http://www.episcopalchurch.org

the Anglican Communion: https://www.anglicancommunion.org/

the Palms Neighborhood Council: http://palmsnc.la/

9. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @stmaryinpalms

Fr. Vincent

http://www.stmarypalms.org

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Parish UPDATE: Sunday, January 6

Beloved of God and of this parish:

Here's what's happening THIS WEEKEND AT ST. MARY'S:

1. SUNDAY, JANUARY 6: THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Color for the day: WHITE

Readings at Mass:

Isaiah 60:1-6

Ephesians 3:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

Psalm 72:1-7,10-14

2. MASS SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK: Morning Prayer at 8:45 & Mass at 9 am

Monday, January 7: Feria

Tuesday, January 8: Harriet Bedell

Wednesday, January 9: Julia Chester Emery

Thursday, January 10: William Laud

Friday, January 11: Mary Slessor

Saturday, January 12: Aelred of Rievaulx

3. BIBLE STUDY on Wednesdays at St. Mary's:

Class meets from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

We meet in the Sacristy. Enter from the parking lot off Watseka Ave.

Our current study is focused on the Gospel according to St. Mark.

No previous Bible knowledge required

We are using the NIV 2011 translation. We'll have a Bible for you if needed.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS

FUNERAL OF FR. OTTO HAROLD ANDERSON

Date: Saturday, January 12, 2019

Venue: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Glendale, 1020 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale. CA 91201. https://www.saintmarks.la/

Time: 11 am

Additional Note: The family desires that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to "St. Mary in Palms" with "Fr. Anderson Memorial Fund" on the Memo line.