I became a student of the liturgical year alongside the ten or so little faces of a Sunday school class. As the church intern, I was new to liturgy, not to mention the church year. I had no prior knowledge of the church year or what a perpetual calendar looked like. I only saw a…
The summer solstice arrives this week on June 21st, which means it’s an opportune time to write a seasonal review. Within liturgical time, this week also remembers St. John the Baptist through Midsummer, a celebration of his birth and agricultural growth. Similar to the solstices and equinoxes, Midsummer is one of several holidays that act…
Symbolized by a fiery red, Pentecost is the liturgical festival celebrating the presence of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-31. In this passage, tongues of fire appear above the heads of the disciples and they begin to speak in different languages. Peter references the prophecies of Joel and quickly identifies this mysterious moment as an…
When describing spiritual direction and companionship, I usually mention the term spiritual hospitality. Though not original to me, I love how this phrase captures a sense of preparation, care, and attention towards another person. Spiritual hospitality is the act of listening in a way that creates a sacred, safe space for another. This applies to…
A Rule of Life, also known as a Rhythm of Life, is a tool I’ve found to be both practical and inspirational as I given more attention to the relationship between my inner and outer life. It has proven itself to be a holistic way to organize my goals, as well as a budget for…
A couple days a week I get some time for a walk by myself in the early morning light. These half-hour loops around our neighborhood are quiet, and recently, fairly crisp as we reach mid-winter. I resist the urge to turn on music or an audiobook. I just walk and notice whatever is around me….