Drastic times may call for drastic measures, but in the Diocese of Central Florida and throughout The Episcopal Church, drastic times also call for giving, caring and ministering where possible. The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, diocesan bishop, made that clear in his statement to clergy on March 18 when he said, “We have to…
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Fourth Sunday of Lent Sunday, March 22, 2020 Lectionary A 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Psalm 23 Bishop Brewer preaches a homily from the Bishop’s Oratory at the office of the Diocese of Central Florida. He shares his reflections on the Propers for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 22, 2020) with emphasis…
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Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Psalm 130 The Collect Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be…
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Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17 Psalm 121 The Collect O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your…
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First Sunday of Lent Sunday, March 1, 2020 Lectionary A Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Psalm 32 As Lent begins, we want to remember that in this season we are seeking to cultivate our desperation for and wonder at the redemptive work of Jesus on Good Friday and Easter. It is helpful to…
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Sunday, February 16, 2020 Lectionary A Deuteronomy 30:15-20 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 Psalm 119:1-8 You are God’s field, God’s building. If I were to ask my 11-year-old son what comes to mind when I mention the word “field,” I imagine he would initially think of a sports field. He would…
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Sunday, February 9, 2020 Lectionary A Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12] 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16] Matthew 5:13-20 Psalm 112:1-9, (10) “Light of the World, Salt of the Earth,” the theme of the 2020 Diocesan Convention is reflected in today’s gospel reading. But what does that mean in the life of today’s Christian? Perhaps,…
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Third Sunday After Epiphany Sunday, January 26, 2020 Lectionary A Isaiah 9:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23 Psalm 27:1, 5-13 We live in a crazy world right now—not only what’s happening in the United States, but across the world. And when we read in Scripture about wars, famine, pestilence and earthquakes (see Luke 21:5-19) the…
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Second Sunday after Epiphany Sunday, January 19, 2020 Lectionary A Isaiah 49:1-7 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42 Psalm 40:1-12 ¡Mira! Is one of the most useful verbs in Spanish whenever you want to get someone’s attention. “Look” or “Behold” instantly causes heads to move, eyes to fixate, and focuses hearing. It functions the same in Spanish as in…
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First Sunday after Epiphany Sunday, January 5, 2020 Lectionary A Isaiah 42:1-9 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17 Psalm 29 Imagine how John felt. The moment Jesus approached the water, his heart skipped a beat. No, it’s not supposed to be this way! This was the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the…
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