Monthly Archives: December 2011

Wednesday, December 7th: Ambrose of Milan

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Rosalind C Hughes

The story is told that Ambrose, a father’s-footsteps-following Governor in northern Italy, was summoned to address the people of Milan as their crowd threatened to become a mob, and their election a melee. The former bishop of Milan had died, and … Continue reading →

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Tuesday, December 6th: Nicholas, Bishop of Myra

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Rosalind C Hughes

A useful online resource for brief biographies of saints and their celebrations, James Kiefer’s page (which I found at http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Nicholas) is unusually perky today. It is entitled, NICHOLAS OF MYRA: FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 … Continue reading →

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Monday, 5th December: Monday Miracles

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Rosalind C Hughes

They are remarkable readings, today’s Eucharistic set. The Psalm describes how “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.” Isaiah looks forward to a … Continue reading →

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Sunday, 4th December: 2nd Advent

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Rosalind C Hughes

Wild honey is easy. At least, easy to imagine eating. The details of foraging for it might entail a little more stinging than one might prefer in food preparation. But locusts; well, in our western culture and civilized suburbs, locusts … Continue reading →

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Saturday, December 3rd: Harassed and helpless

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Rosalind C Hughes

From today’s Eucharistic lectionary: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36) What images does this conjure up for you? Christmas shoppers? Pepper-sprayed protesters? Cardboard … Continue reading →

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Friday, December 2nd: an end to grumbling

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Rosalind C Hughes

First Friday in Advent: Psalm 27, Isaiah 29:17-24, Matthew 9:27-31 I enjoy a good grumble. It’s no secret that complaining can be cathartic, especially when it is done loudly, exaggeratedly, ridiculously. It can also be habit-forming, though. Even the Psalmist, … Continue reading →

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