It can be said that there are two aspects of the Christian life: the active and the contemplative. Episcopalians are usually good at the first one, because, after all, we want to do things which are pleasing to God, and transmitting faith into action benefits the society in which we live.

However, what if the things we do are not what God has in mind for us? This happens when we decide, without reference to God, what needs to be done in God’s name. History tells us that human inspired actions, however well intentioned, can block the action of God’s grace to heal and transform the world. The solution to this problem is to develop a healthy contemplative life. ...  read more

The Church has ordered the liturgical year in a particular way, with seasons and feasts, which gives shape to the year and guides us as pilgrims on our journey. In our liturgical year we are currently in “Epiphany Season” which began on January 6, the day of the Epiphany of the Lord (this year transferred to Sunday January 5) and this season lasts until Ash Wednesday. 

The color of the altar hangings and priest’s vestments reflect the nature or mood of the season: for example, Epiphany itself starts off as white and then, following the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, the liturgical color changes to green. White or gold are the colors of joy; green is the color of hope and growth.  ...  read more

In November 2020 there will be an election to decide the President of the United States. If recent indications are anything to go by, it will be a bitterly fought contest, with neither side giving much ground. In past years St Barnabas has steered a neutral course during election year, which is a good policy, since the church is meant to be a place of unity in Jesus Christ, whether you are liberal or conservative. The next eleven months will be a test of resilience for all and, whoever you support, it will be important to keep on the right side of sanity. So, as an aid to help you survive and even enjoy the next eleven months, I now humbly offer some do’s and don’t’s.  ...  read more

The most important prayer we know – the one that all parents ought to teach their children – begins: Our Father, who art in heaven. I was taught it by my mother at the age of five and I taught it to my children in turn. It’s a family prayer, because we pray not to someone called “God” but to Our Father. We are praying to a person, rather than to a concept or an idea or a thing. 

It was the plan of God the Father to bring Jesus into the world within a family: the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Significantly, God is at the center of this family, which makes the Holy Family a model for family life. And notice I have not used the term “normal” to describe the Holy Family. In my experience of life and as a priest I have yet to come across a “normal” family, whatever that means. All families are, to a certain extent, imperfect and dysfunctional. If we are not to reject families outright, the task is how best to manage and live within them.  ...  read more

Did you ever wish life was more simple? I once read a book titled “Simplify Your Life”. The sub-heading was “100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter”. The book gave helpful advice on how to make life easier, simpler and more fulfilling. The last section of the book, the section entitled “Hard-Core Simplicity”, is perhaps the most challenging. It proposes solutions such as “get rid of your phone”, “get rid of your cars” and “stop making the bed.”  ...  read more