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Advent, like all seasons in the church calendar, is an invitation to a journey. We begin our Christian year in waiting. We do not begin with our own frenetic effort or energy . . . Instead, we begin in a place of longing and stillness: “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” Of all the liturgical seasons, … Continue reading "Advent Silence: Engaging The Season Of Hope" The post Advent Silence: Engaging The Season Of Hope appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say .

My Sermon this past Sunday at Church of the Incarnation, expressed my continued reflection on the “Parables of The Future.” The future pulls us and shapes us. In the Christian view, the being of humans is bound up with the future to which we are destined. Ultimately that future is the Consummation of all things, … Continue reading "The Parable of The Talents: Living A Life Of Significance" The post The Parable of The Talents: Living A Life Of Significance appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say .

I shared this homily today at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando, on this 24th Sunday after Pentecost. Maybe the best clue to the inner meaning of this parable of the lamps and the oil can be found in just two words. The parable tells us that when the bridegroom arrived, “those who were ready went … Continue reading "Attentive Living In Christ: The Parable Of The Ten Bridesmaids" The post Attentive Living In Christ: The Parable Of The Ten Bridesmaids appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

The gift of open doors and invitations to offer my vocation as a retired priest, are a treasure in my stage of life. This was true this past Sunday, having the joy of celebrating All Saints Sunday. The Feast of All Saints has deep meaning for me, having served as Rector of All Saints Parish … Continue reading "All Saints Sunday: The Capacity To Make God Real" The post All Saints Sunday: The Capacity To Make God Real appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

It was my great privilege and honor to give the Burial Homily for Alex Robertson, son of my good friends Randy and Pat Robertson, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park, FL.  It was there, when I served as Rector, that our paths crossed on the Journey and the Way. I share these words … Continue reading "For Alex: What God Creates, God Loves Everlastingly" The post For Alex: What God Creates, God Loves Everlastingly appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

It takes a great deal of courage to be a human being. Our journey through life as followers of Jesus is lived in the “now and the not yet” of a new unending kind of life.  We have a transforming friendship with God here and now. There is a deep joy and peace that can … Continue reading "Courage: A Word Of Assurance – A Word of Hope Romans 8:12-25" The post Courage: A Word Of Assurance – A Word of Hope Romans 8:12-25 appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”  Romans 8:2We are in a sermon series on Romans during the summer at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando. I have had the joy of filling in for the Rector, Jonathan Turtle while he … Continue reading "In Christ: The Truth And Way Of My Being" The post In Christ: The Truth And Way Of My Being appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

It was a gift of grace to preach on the Feast of The Ascension. I am grateful to be serving Fr. Jonathan Turtle, Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, as a Retired Associate  in the parish. I preach occasionally  and hope to share my heart with all of you.  Here is a short video clip. The … Continue reading "The Ascension Of Jesus: Everywhere Present And Filling All Things" The post The Ascension Of Jesus: Everywhere Present And Filling All Things appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

What is the basic direction and orientation of a truly human life? When St. Ignatius of Loyola had written his Spiritual Exercises, he added a short preface, a skeletal summary of the inner journey to be made through his Exercises. Later commentators called this preface ‘The First Principle and Foundation'. It has been compared to … Continue reading "I Choose What Deepens God's Life In Me" The post I Choose What Deepens God's Life In Me appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

He was one of my best and lifelong friends. I met Fr. Eric Ravndal III, and his wife Sarah, and their four kids (Chris, Beth, Eric III, and Mary) in 1977. I was just 24 years old. We were both entering Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary on our journey to become Ordained Priests. We were instant … Continue reading "For Fr. Eric Ravndal III R.I.P. – Christ The Consoler And Assurance Of A New Unending Life" The post For Fr. Eric Ravndal III R.I.P. – Christ The Consoler And Assurance Of A New Unending Life appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

As I walk and live in this stage of my life, good friends and companions whom I have known and loved on this earthly pilgrimage are no longer here.  Jane Nies was one of them and she is now in the fullness of eternity with God.  I was privileged to be the homilist at her … Continue reading "For Jane Nies: Consider The Lilies, Behold The Radiance" The post For Jane Nies: Consider The Lilies, Behold The Radiance appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Beginnings and Endings. It is your ending and my ending that mark the beginning of this new season and that we remember on Ash Wednesday. The reality of our ending is always before us. This past January I turned 70, a milestone moment of … Continue reading "Ash Wednesday and The Season of Lent: Being With God" The post Ash Wednesday and The Season of Lent: Being With God appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

In the gospel reading for the third Sunday of Advent, the imprisoned John the Baptist asks the most heart-breaking question in the bible and asks it for all of us: ‘Are you the one … or must we wait for someone else?   When this inquiry is conveyed to Jesus, the Lord does not respond theoretically, … Continue reading "Advent III: ” What You See And Hear”" The post Advent III: ” What You See And Hear” appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

This is my homily from the Second Sunday of Advent at  Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orlando, Florida at the 8:00 am service. I enjoy the quiet contemplative atmosphere of the first Eucharist of the day as it gives me a reflective approach to offering my engagement with the Gospel reading.  I have returned to Emmanuel for … Continue reading "The Spiritual Wisdom of Advent II: John The Baptist" The post The Spiritual Wisdom of Advent II: John The Baptist appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin, the principal feast of Mary in all branches of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church, and even in some Protestant churches as well. Considering that she is regarded as the greatest of the saints, today marks the chief saints day which the church commemorates year … Continue reading "A Fanfare For The Feast Of St. Mary The Virgin. August 15, 2022" The post A Fanfare For The Feast Of St. Mary The Virgin. August 15, 2022 appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

It was a gift today to serve as a Supply Priest at Christ The King Parish in Lakeland, Florida.  We lived in Lakeland in 1981-1982  when I was serving as Assistant Rector of St. David's Episcopal Church (sadly no longer a congregation). The Gospel Story of Jesus being welcomed by the two sisters Martha and … Continue reading "The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost July 17, 2022 “Only One Thing Necessary – Attentive Openness To God.”" The post The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost July 17, 2022 “Only One Thing Necessary – Attentive Openness To God.” appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

I offer this meditation and prayer on the exquisite Hymn: Come Down O Love Divine, sung by Anglicans and Episcopalians around the world on Pentecost Sunday.  The lyric was composed by Bianco de Sienna, Italy, in the 14th century. The tune is from Ralph Vaughn Williams. (I play an instrumentation of the melody I created … Continue reading "Come Down O Love Divine: A Hymn Meditation For Pentecost" The post Come Down O Love Divine: A Hymn Meditation For Pentecost appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

I have just returned from a wonderful invitation to lead a Mens Retreat for The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew of The Diocese of Oklahoma. My very good friend Fr. David Bumstead, The Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Tulsa OK, also invited me to Celebrate Eucharist, Preach, and Officiate at Evensong this past Sunday, May … Continue reading "The Good Shepherd And Confident Companionship" The post The Good Shepherd And Confident Companionship appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

Jesus's ultimate parable of the return of the Prodigal Son speaks truth at every part of our journey through life. Jesus himself is the “parable of God” who is aways revealing the heart of the Father.     The heart of the Father is compassion and he sees us as we are and can be: … Continue reading "Lent IV: The Fathers Heart+The Fathers Hands, The Prodigal Son" The post Lent IV: The Fathers Heart+The Fathers Hands, The Prodigal Son appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

My sermon today is taken from Philippians 4:4-7. It is a letter from jail to God's people and it is saturated with joy. What helps me as I contemplate Paul's advice to “rejoice always” is remembering that he writes his letter from prison, while awaiting trial and anticipating death.   It requires that we hold … Continue reading "Advent III: Joy And The Guarding of God" The post Advent III: Joy And The Guarding of God appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

This past All Saints Sunday I had the gift of preaching on the meaning and healing power of the Communion of Saints, an article of the Christian Faith in The Apostles Creed.    Yet, it is much more than a doctrine or theological commitment. It is a reality we can encounter, experience, and grow toward … Continue reading "The Communion of Saints: Undying Relationships In Christ" The post The Communion of Saints: Undying Relationships In Christ appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

I'm after a deep, authentic, and healthy Christian spirituality and life. It is my deepest longing. Spiritual formation and growth are my hearts desire. It has been my true north in parish ministry and my earthly pilgrimage. It still is.    Over the years, pastors have become many other things: visionaries, entrepreneurs, community organizers, social … Continue reading "“The Ultimate Concern” – Sermon For October 10, 2021" The post “The Ultimate Concern” – Sermon For October 10, 2021 appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

This is one of the most challenging of Jesus's words to his apprentices on his way of crucified love. It is challenging because Jesus is insisting that his disciples take themselves seriously. Not literally, but really, really seriously. And he's inviting you to take yourself seriously, too.   To realize that what you say matters … Continue reading "Homily on Mark 9:38-50: “It Would Be Better For You…”" The post Homily on Mark 9:38-50: “It Would Be Better For You…” appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

In 1984, my twin brother and fellow priest, Rick Lord, recorded a contemporary worship album titled: “Bread for The Wilderness – Wine for The Journey.” It is collection of worship songs, light rock in style, from that era in the early 1980's. These songs attempt to capture an awakened joy in Christian faith during the … Continue reading "Bread For The Wilderness, Wine For The Journey, And The Feeding of The Five Thousand." The post Bread For The Wilderness, Wine For The Journey, And The Feeding of The Five Thousand. appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

It is very important to remember and to always keep before your mind this fact: You are an unceasing spiritual being, created for an intimate and transforming friendship with the creative Community that is the Trinity. On the Sixth Sunday of Easter we hear these remarkable words of Jesus: “I do not call you servants … Continue reading "Beyond Forgiveness: A Transforming Friendship" The post Beyond Forgiveness: A Transforming Friendship appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

It has been a mere seven days after we shouted together, “Alleluia!” and sang, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today!” John invites us to face our doubts, speak our fears, and yearn for more — more intimacy, more encounter, more experience of the living, breathing Christ.   In John’s Gospel we see Jesus having deep and … Continue reading "Easter II: Doubt, Trust, and Personal Encounter With Jesus" The post Easter II: Doubt, Trust, and Personal Encounter With Jesus appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

It was a joy to be Celebrant and Preacher on Easter Day as the Interim Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando Florida. Here is my homily based on John 20:1-18.  May you always find the courage each day to say “yes” to the Present Risenness of Jesus, welcoming him each day with joy. Here … Continue reading "The Open Door of Present Risenness" The post The Open Door of Present Risenness appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say And To Do.

Are you ready? The readiness is all.  If there’s anything we should all be preparing for, it’s eternity. Forming our eternal lives begins now and lasts forever. This is your one and only life. Are you the person you want to be?   The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids teaches all would-be followers of Jesus … Continue reading "Are You Ready? Living The Attentive Life Matthew 25:1-13" The post Are You Ready? Living The Attentive Life Matthew 25:1-13 appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

I am deeply grateful for the invitation to preach and celebrate the Holy Eucharist today at St. James Episcopal Church, in Ormond Beach, Florida. Fr. Roy Allison, their wonderful Rector gave me this gift and opportunity to take his Sunday Service for him.  It was a true joy to share my heart within the beautiful … Continue reading "Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost: The Christ Focus" The post Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost: The Christ Focus appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

In my ongoing journey of life and vocation, I have kept my hands open to the invitations the Lord brings me to companion people through my words and presence.  Yesterday I preached this sermon at Church of The Incarnation, Oviedo, Florida.  My text was from Romans 12: 1-2  I appeal to you therefore, brothers and … Continue reading "Joy: The Fuel of The Spiritual Journey" The post Joy: The Fuel of The Spiritual Journey appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

This podcast episode is a meditation on the flourishing word: Friendship. Here is the question: What does God want in creating us? Why am I here?  Here is my answer which defines my life: God has created us for an intimate transforming friendship with himself—both now and forever. As the Jesuit Priest William A. Barry … Continue reading "A Flourishing Word: Friendship" The post A Flourishing Word: Friendship appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

Trevor Hudson is one of the most respected voices of spiritual wisdom and authentic Christian spiritual life in South Africa and beyond. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to spend time with him.  If you are looking for someone to companion you, lead and guide you, teach and inspire you into an authentic … Continue reading "Sacred Conversation: Trevor Hudson With Rob Lord" The post Sacred Conversation: Trevor Hudson With Rob Lord appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

The heart-rending events we have encountered over the past days, the atrocities we have viewed, and the words we have heard, devastate us. This is a crucible moment in our country. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry reminds us that as followers of Jesus we are to ask ourselves, “What would love do?” Then we are to … Continue reading "Listen: Are You Listening To The Groans?" The post Listen: Are You Listening To The Groans? appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

Dear Friends: In this transition time between what we knew as life before to what life is to become, I have sensed an invitation to deepen my craft and sharing with others. I am entering a season of renewed intentional creativity. God is the Great Creator.  He has called each of us to be creators … Continue reading "A New Podcast Season: Words Of Flourishing Life" The post A New Podcast Season: Words Of Flourishing Life appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

  This is a sharing of my heart, reaching out to all who listen.    This Uncertain Time is one we carry with the whole world, with every human being. Knowing this is as hard for everybody else, we acknowledge that our healing is bound in each other’s. It has made us one.   I … Continue reading "In This Uncertain Time: The Shelter Of Each Other" The post In This Uncertain Time: The Shelter Of Each Other appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

The influential French writer Simone Weil believed that attention is the very heart of prayer, and her French forebear Blaise Pascal also felt that “inattention is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life.” Perhaps Lent is about becoming more aware – through daily attentiveness – to the reality that we are created-from-the-dust-living-spirits, that we are enough, … Continue reading "Reframing Lent: Living An Attentive Life" The post Reframing Lent: Living An Attentive Life appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

Once again, I found joy and synergy with God in the gift of preaching at Emmanuel Episcopal Church today.  I am so honored to serve their very fine Rector and my friend, Fr. David Bumstead. So grateful. The focus of my sermon from the Gospel lesson for today, was receiving the grace to “answer the … Continue reading "Epiphany 3: Finding The Grace To Answer The Call" The post Epiphany 3: Finding The Grace To Answer The Call appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

Today it was my privilege to join the newly established mission congregation of All Souls Episcopal, Horizon West, FL.  I was deeply grateful to supply for their talented and gifted prospective Vicar, Fr. Matt Ainsley, who is doing exceptional ministry there. The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus invites us to live our lives as … Continue reading "Living The Life Jesus Lived: The Baptism of Christ" The post Living The Life Jesus Lived: The Baptism of Christ appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

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John’s condition is heart-wrenching. In an isolated cold dark prison waiting execution,  he is struggling to make sense of it all. He had been so confident of Jesus.   Have you ever confronted his question? Jesus are you the one or should we look for another? We all face the existential reality of heartbreak, tragedy, … Continue reading "Advent III – Are You The One Or Should We Look For Another?" The post Advent III – Are You The One Or Should We Look For Another? appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

It has been one of my joys as a retired priest to serve as a supply priest, and especially to see the dedication and giftedness of the next generation of clergy as they boldly begin in parish ministry. It reminds me of my younger days!  Fr. Cameron MacMillan is the Rector of Good Shepherd in … Continue reading "God of The Living: A Sermon At Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Maitland, Florida" The post God of The Living: A Sermon At Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Maitland, Florida appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

Have you ever cried out, Lord, Increase my faith?  WHAT AM I ASKING FOR? Faith is confidence grounded in reality, not a wild, desperate leap. Jesus agrees we need faith. However, he does not support our assumption that a greater quantity of faith will help us. The disciples do not need more faith. They need … Continue reading "Increase Our Faith: The Gift Already Within You! A Sermon At Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orlando, FL." The post Increase Our Faith: The Gift Already Within You! A Sermon At Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orlando, FL. appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

I am not an expert, but I am in the heart of this stage of life. How do we live to our fullest potential in the last third of life? With careers winding down, and children having long ago left home, we are faced sometimes for the first time in our ever-productive lives with the … Continue reading "The Gift of Years: Pilgrimage Into The Last Third" The post The Gift of Years: Pilgrimage Into The Last Third appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

What can we do to have the manifest presence of God in our lives? What can we do to be sure that we really are living before the shining face of God? St. Aidan of Lindisfarne was one example of the Celtic Christian Tradition for whom God the Trinity invites us to live in two … Continue reading "For The Feast of Saint Aidan-August 31st Practicing The Presence Of God In Daily Life" The post For The Feast of Saint Aidan-August 31st Practicing The Presence Of God In Daily Life appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

This is a test The post Integrity With Ourselves: What Our Soul Longs For appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

Today was the second of two supply Sundays  at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orlando, on behalf of their well loved and gifted Rector,  Fr. David Bumstead+.  I find great joy in these opportunities to express my ministry and to support local parishes from time to time.  It is deeply meaningful.  The Parable of the Good Samaritan … Continue reading "Sermon July 14th – The One Who Showed Compassion" The post Sermon July 14th – The One Who Showed Compassion appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

It was an honor to preach at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orlando today for Fr. David Bumstead, their wonderful Rector and my friend.  My theme for the sermon was taken from The Gospel lesson for Proper 9, on the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20.  ….cure the sick who are there, and say to … Continue reading "Sermon July 7: The Reign of God Has Come Near To You" The post Sermon July 7: The Reign of God Has Come Near To You appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

“By choosing integrity, I become more whole, but wholeness does not mean perfection. It means becoming more real by acknowledging the whole of who I am.” – Parker Palmer Living with integrity, whether you are in your twenties or seventies, is no minor or insignificant task. We have to be honest with ourselves about the … Continue reading "Flourishing: Choosing Integrity" The post Flourishing: Choosing Integrity appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

I enjoyed being supply priest for Fr. Tom Phillips this past Sunday, 2nd Sunday of Easter, at Church of the Incarnation, located at Canterbury Retreat Center, the Diocese of Central Fl. Tom has a strong commitment to preaching and teaching, and this engaging faith community definitely engages and animates the preaching task! Had fun with … Continue reading "An Encounter With The Risen Lord: God Confidence" The post An Encounter With The Risen Lord: God Confidence appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

I had the gift of preaching yesterday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando on behalf of their fine Rector, Fr. David Bumsted+. Deeply grateful for his ministry. The Parable of the Prodigal Sons, also called The Parable of the Father’s Love, offers tantalizing opportunities to connect the parable to our daily lives, to our families, … Continue reading "“We Have Heard The Fact, Let Us Seek The Mystery”" The post “We Have Heard The Fact, Let Us Seek The Mystery” appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.

Remember: “You Are Dust and To Dust You Shall Return” Genesis 3:19 Keep death before your eyes – Saint Benedict, The Rules: Chapter 4:47 On the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, we are invited to have our foreheads crossed with ashes as a reminder that we are creatures of dust. We are fragile, fallible, … Continue reading "Ash Wednesday Meditation: We Are Beloved Dust And Spirit" The post Ash Wednesday Meditation: We Are Beloved Dust And Spirit appeared first on From Silence+Something To Say.