Category Archives: homily

Holy Name

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Rosalind C Hughes

His name means saviour, and it has been his name since before his journey into his humanity began. The eighth day marks a new beginning, after the work of creation, after the sabbath rest, the rest of time begins on the eighth day, along with all that is to follow. But he has been our saviour since before time, and will be forever. Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Days, homily, lectionary reflection, sermon | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A perfect angel

Posted on December 24, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

That was when the angel first realized that they might just have made a smidgen of an error, a bit of a mistake.

“Not that way,” the angel cried into the increasingly empty night. “You’re supposed to run towards Bethlehem! A baby has been born this night and, oh, what have I done?” Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Days, homily, sermon, story | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

On the longest night

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

We are not alone. This is what our Communion means: we are here for ourselves, but also with and for one another; and Christ is here with and for us.

We are not alone. Joseph, our ancestor, dreamer and dutiful carer, bearer of the burdens of humanity and holiness, watches our dreams, and remembers, and reminds us, that the angels are attending us, too.

We are not alone. God is with us. May it be enough. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Meditations, homily | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s gift

Posted on December 18, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

We do not get to choose whether or not God loves us. Whether we feel worthy or wormy, God loves us, and we cannot make it otherwise. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Meditations, homily, sermon | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Among the living and the dead

Posted on June 19, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

When the demons saw Jesus, they were afraid. They begged for their lives. When Jesus showed mercy even to the demons, they proved their destructive nature by plunging the herd of swine into the sea. Did he not know it must be so? It was their nature to be evil spirits. It was, it is Jesus’ nature to be love. Continue reading →

Posted in current events, gun violence, homily, lectionary reflection, sermon, Whom Shall I Fear? | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Do not leave us comfortless

Posted on May 29, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

“Do not leave us comfortless.” What if our prayer was not for ourselves, for our own comfort, but that we might not be without comfort to offer to those who are beyond consolation?  Continue reading →

Posted in current events, Gun control, homily, sermon | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

No exceptions

Posted on April 24, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

What are we afraid of? Expanding our understanding of what it is to be human? Jesus has already stretched it beyond our imagining, being both human and divine, mortal and resurrected, all at once. Continue reading →

Posted in current events, homily, lectionary reflection, sermon | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Easter message: we are changed

Posted on April 17, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

What joy it is to return to Easter services together, to be able to gather with loved ones and beloved strangers alike to rejoice that: Alleluia! Christ is Risen! We have missed this, these past two years, huddled around our … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Days, homily, sermon | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Good Friday

Posted on April 15, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

The cross does not narrow down God’s love for the world. It raises up God’s love so that all might see the compassion, the deep and abiding compassion, of God for God’s people, that God would even suffer with us in order to redeem us from our suffering and sin. Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Days, homily, lectionary reflection, sermon | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Peter said no

Posted on April 14, 2022 by Rosalind C Hughes

How hard it is to let Jesus serve us, save us, and know that there is no repayment necessary nor sufficient, that Jesus does not need us to defend him or protect him. Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Days, homily, sermon | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment