Break Open the Word

All Saints' Sunday, 2 November 2014 Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 I John 3:1-3 St. Matthew 5:1-12 Background: All Saints Day The origin of this day is a bit murky, perhaps originating in the Eastern Church, where it was observed in May, or the Sunday after Pentecost.  In 609, Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs.  In the eighth century celebrations of all the Saints emerged in England, celebrated principally on 1 November, which was brought to England either through the ministry of Egbert of York, or perhaps from earlier celebrations either in Ireland or Gaul.  It is a day in which the Church celebrates saints living and departed, a representation of the totality of the Body of Christ.  The present celebration in the Book of Common Prayer is classed as a Principal Feast, one of seven.  It is also a date on which is recommended the administration of Holy Baptism.  Revelation 7...

The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 25, 26 October 2014 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 Or Leviticus 19:1-3, 15-18 Psalm 1 I Thessalonians 2:1-8 St. Matthew 22:34-46 Background: Leviticus There has been resurgence around the book of Leviticus largely due to its provisions in the Holiness Code ( Leviticus 17-26 ) and how that plays out around the role of women and gay and lesbian people in contemporary Western culture.   The name of the book refers to the Levites descended from the tribe of Aaron.   The Levites were the priests of Israel.   The Hebrew Name ( Wayikra ) is taken from the first word of the book, “And he called.”   The object of the book’s pronouncements is not just the priests of Israel, but rather the entire people.   It is not a book of doctrine.   Its contents address the ritual and cultic life of Israel. Thus it is largely concerned with the Temple and Sacrifice (and the priesthood that ...