Reflections: it seems we know very little of what it was like when our Lord was born of Mary into the world. It is mostly shrouded in mystery … seemingly confined to a little stable and a few shepherds and wise men. In contrast, we know a lot more of what happened when His Spirit left from the Cross. The earth darkened as the sun went out. Graves opened and the dead walked the streets. The earth quaked … the temple veil, a massive wall of the strongest cloth, rent in two. No doubt the whole planet groaned and shuddered. The loss of God’s Grace from among us was as terrible as anything could be and still not destroy us during those dark hours before His return on Easter morning. (more…)

Wednesdays: No services this Wednesday 23 December. Wednesday services resume next week December 30th.

Please note that our Choral Mass for the Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord will begin at 6pm on Thursday 24 December. There will be a Low Mass for the Nativity of Our Lord at 10am on Christmas Day.

Next Sunday December 27th, Feast of St. John Apostle,   Morning Prayer at 9:30am; Choral Mass at 11am.

If you are planning to bring a Poinsettia to adorn the chapel, please bring them by Sunday 20th Dec, and latest by Wednesday 23rd.

(more…)

On the Third Sunday of Advent, we anticipate heaven as we participate in the living Liturgy of the Church and  we pray for those guiding us as we dwell here in our in between time. Look again at the charge the Bishop gives the new priest on p. 340 of the Book of Common Prayer, including “the horrible punishment that will ensue” if he were to fall short of his calling.

(more…)

Our Advent II Gospel is a real mind twister if we don’t have a saving and reassuring belief based upon Holy Scripture. Our Lord spells it out in stark clarity. There is no analogy or exquisite symbolism …  He tells it like it is and will be. It is a dramatic and frightening account of the ruination of the world - the end of the world as we know it:

“Jesus said unto his disciples, There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (more…)

The grand theme of this First Advent Sunday is one of Judgment AND Hope.  The scale of perspective is huge … stretching across all time, past, present and future. Judgment looking back … and Hope looking forward.  We look backwards towards the millennia of reasons for our judgment by God.  And look forwards towards hope for mercy and salvation from God. (more…)