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For Christians in the west, the season of Lent, which is a time of preparation for Holy Week and Easter begins in 2 ½ weeks. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, this year Feb. 22 as Easter is April 9.
In the Episcopal Church, we say that Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, self-denial, and reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. For generations of Christians, it was a time to “give something up for Lent” as a way of “self-denial.” The one most talked (joked?) about is giving up chocolate for Lent.
People have been very creative in how they will practice “self-denial” and what they will give up. I had a teacher in High School who was a terrible smoker – he actually had an ash tray in the desk and smoked during class! (This was 50 years ago.) Every Lent he would give up smoking. There is no doubt in my mind that it was true self-denial because he made US miserable. I’m not sure that is what the Church had in mind as a “Christian practice.”
In our current generation of Episcopalians, and possibly in other Christian denominations, the trend has been not to “give something up” for Lent, but to take something on. As the Book of Common Prayer states, taking on more and different types of prayer, spending time daily (even 10 minutes) reading and meditating on Scripture, being more intentional about attending Sunday Worship.
Another way to observe a holy Lent might be a concentrating on and practicing more fully the two great commandments – Love God and love your neighbor. Possibly being more conscious of the needs of others as you go food shopping and purchasing a couple of more cans of food to donate.
Another practice during Lent is to avoid temptation – as the Lord’s Prayer says, “Lead us not into temptation.” I’m speaking here of a different type of temptation than breaking down and having a Dove bar. In his book True Wilderness, Harry Williams reminds us that the true temptations of our time are not external but internal. To paraphrase, in Lent you might want to give up: despair, cynicism, cruelty, the temptation not to help others because we think, “What’s the use.?” Giving up the temptation to banish from our life that which we hold most dear, and that is love. Finally, to banish from our lives during Lent the temptation to disbelieve in what we are, which are beloved children of God.
These practices will not make us miserable but are life giving. They help to increase our faith, so that even after Lent is over, our lives are filled with the goodness and love of the Lord and our neighbor.
Father Joseph Krasinski
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Choral Evensong 5:30 pm at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church | |
Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Knudsen - 10 am / 12:15 services | |
Annual Meeting after 10 am service | |
Morning and Evening Online Reflection | |
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Begin and end your weekday with online reflections. Reflections feature prayers, readings from Holy Scripture, and contemplative music and are led by clergy from National Cathedral in the morning and from Canterbury Cathedral in the evening. In addition, daily Choral Evensong song by the Canterbury Cathedral Choir is available online. Select the applicable link below for access.
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If you would like to include someone on the Prayer List or add an anniversary or birthday for special prayers, please call the Cathedral office, use the 'Contact Us' link on our website, or send an email ...
office@trinitymiami.org
pastoralcare@trinitymiami.org
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Sick - In Recovery
Rev. Winnie Bolle, Domenica Brazzi, Doris Gray, Rev. James Considine, Helen Ebanks, Carol Cunningham, Robert Horton, Dom Spaziani, Jreve Simanelli, Ashley Ramos, Cathy Stahre
Altar Flowers
To the glory of God and in Memory of Zaida Soto
- Roberto Soto
Sanctuary Candle
To the glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the Canons of the Diocese
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Birthdays
Robert Watson
Hank Bush
Anniversaries
Fr. Mario Millan - 22nd Ordination Anniversary
In Memoriam
Robert "Bob" Bell
Caroline Brumbaugh
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea
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Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights advocate, believed that Jesus' teaching of "love thy neighbor" could "transform the world."
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Bishop Chilton R. Knudsen Visits Trinity | |
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On November 14, 2022 Bishop Eaton began his Sabbatical. As announced in a video Q&A with Canon Roberson, Bishop Chilton R. Knudsen (ret.) will serve as Visiting Bishop of the Diocese.
Sunday February 12, join us as we welcome Bishop Knudsen to Trinity and back to the Diocese. Bishop Knudsen will preach/preside at 10 am and preside at 12:15 services. Mark your calendar!
Bishop Eaton' video Q&A
Bishop Knudsen' biography
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These are difficult times and many struggle to make ends meet. When you come on Sundays, please consider bringing one or more items of canned or boxed food. Items to consider include canned goods, peanut butter, packaged cereals, paper products, dish and laundry soaps, boxed dinners, toiletry items, and feminine hygiene products. Remember that we cannot accept expired food or items that need refrigeration.
Gift Card Ministry
The LGBT ministry has organized an on-going Gift Card collection drive to aid in the purchase of perishable food items for food pantry recipients. Our Sacristan - Roberto Soto - personally distributes these cards on a weekly basis. To continue to help this cause or if you or someone you know could benefit from this ministry, please contact Roberto Soto at:
Trinity Cathedral, c/o Roberto Soto
464 N.E. 16th Street, Miami, FL 33132
(787) 586-8262 or via email probosoto@hotmail.com
Names of donors and recipients will remain confidential
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Fr. Mario Millan - Thank you for your ministry!
22nd Ordination Anniversary
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February 5, 2023
Epiphany 5 (A)
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Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]; Psalm 112:1-9, (10); 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]; Matthew 5:13-20
This week’s lectio divina features Joris Bürmann and Derby Guerrier. Watch their discussion at iam.ec/epiphany2023 and follow along by yourself or in a small group. To participate:
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Read today’s Gospel passage: Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-20, NRSV)
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Reflect: Which word or short phrase caught your attention or came to mind? Whether you’re alone or in a group, say it aloud.
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Read: Reread the passage, perhaps in a different translation.
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Reflect: Where does the passage touch your life today? If you’re with a group, share your responses with each other, without discussing further. If you’re alone, say your response aloud or write it down.
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Read: Reread the passage, perhaps in yet another translation.
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Reflect: Where is God calling you to go? Where, either near or far, can you cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus? You might consider journaling out your response and meditating on it over the course of this week.
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Pray: In closing, say the Collect for Epiphany 5.
Collect for Epiphany 5
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Select image below to view the video
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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our friend and Trinity Cathedral member
Mr. Robert “Bob” Bell
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museum of the bible.org
Many colonists were thrilled by the Declaration of Independence penned by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Lemuel Haynes was somewhat less impressed. He responded by writing his own treatise in that same year titled, "Liberty Further Extended." As an African American and former indentured servant, he saw troubling inconsistencies between the claim that “all men were created equal” and the ongoing institution of slavery in America. Haynes referred to the book of Acts to make his case against slavery:
“It hath pleased god to ‘make of one Blood all nations of men, for to dwell upon the face of the Earth’ … And as all are of one Species … we may reasonably Conclude, that Liberty is Equally as pre[c]ious to a Black man, as it is to a white one, and Bondage Equally as intolerable to the one as it is to the other.” In addition to his passionate opposition to slavery, Haynes achieved a number of “firsts” in American history. He was the first ordained African American minister, the first to serve as the minister of a white American congregation, and the first to receive a Master of Arts degree.
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Josephine Margaret Bakhita
Feast Day: February 8
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Bakhita's legacy is that transformation is possible through suffering. Her story of deliverance from physical slavery also symbolises all those who find meaning and inspiration in her life for their own deliverance from spiritual slavery. She is venerated as a modern African saint, and as a statement against the brutal history of slavery. She has been adopted as the patron saint of Sudan and human trafficking survivors.
Learn more ...
Collect:
O God of Love, thou didst deliver servant Josephine Margaret Bakhita from the bondage of slavery to serve you in true freedom; by her example help us to see those enslaved among us, and work to release them from their chains. In your mercy, give to all survivors healing from their wounds and joy in their liberation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Weekly Bulletin Insert
The Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs
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episcopal church.org
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites people of all backgrounds and faiths to support the hope-filled, life-impacting work of two historically Black institutions of higher education through donations and dedicated offerings on the Feast of Absalom Jones—the first Black priest ordained by the church—observed Feb. 13.
Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina, were founded after the Civil War to create educational opportunities for formerly enslaved people. They provide a liberal arts education to thousands of students, as well as offer robust campus ministries to help form young adults as followers of Jesus and his way of love.
“Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are essential engines of justice, equity, and social mobility,” Curry said. “They provide high-quality education to students whose backgrounds and experiences may not have prepared them well for college success. They nurture talent that may have otherwise been discouraged by obstacles.”
Donations to the HBCUs (divided equally between the two) help support scholarships and financial aid for students in need as well as funding for quality facilities, faculty recruitment and retention, and the development of religious life on campus. Voorhees and Saint Augustine’s are seeking to build strong programs in STEM fields and the health sciences as they overcome the financial pressures created by COVID-19.
Supporting HBCUs is an investment in the ministry of reconciliation and building a better future for all, Curry said. “As much as we give to these institutions, they give back to our world many times over,” he said.
To give: Make a donation online at https://iam.ec/ajf, scan the QR code, or text GIVEHBCU to 41444. If you would like to celebrate Blessed Absalom Jones in your parish or diocese through a “love offering” or wish to give through stocks or securities, please contact T.J. Houlihan at thoulihan@episcopalchurch.org or (800) 334-7626 x6271.
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Presiding bishop sends pastoral word on the death of Tyre Nichols
episcopal news service
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a pastoral word on Jan. 28, the morning after the Memphis Police Department issued body-camera footage of the beating of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old motorist was beaten by Memphis police officers after a Jan. 7 traffic stop and died as a result of the injuries three days later. The five police officers involved were charged on Jan. 26 with second-degree murder. Protests took place in cities across the U.S. on Jan. 27 as the footage became public.
The Presiding Bishop’s message
W. Tennessee Bishop's message
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Diocese of Pennsylvania’s century-old bishop’s staff found for sale in online auction
episcopal news service
The mystery of the missing crozier is solved – its location at least, if not its reason for going missing.
The Diocese of Pennsylvania’s century-old bishop’s staff was crafted by renowned blacksmith Samuel Yellin, a European immigrant who arrived in Philadelphia in 1906 and died in 1940. Its existence, however, has long been little more than local legend, and Pennsylvania Bishop Daniel Gutiérrez had been on the hunt for the missing crozier nearly since his consecration in 2016.
More...
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Church of England sheds light on 'shameful' slave trade ties
ap news.com
Three centuries ago, an enslaved person in Virginia wrote to a leader of the Church of England, begging to be released from “this cruel bondage.” There was no reply from the church, which at the time was accumulating a tidy profit from the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The handwritten letter from 1723 — whose author says they must remain anonymous for fear they will “swing upon the gallows tree” if exposed — has gone on display in London as part of efforts by the Anglican church to reckon with its historic complicity in slavery.
“It’s a very poignant document, and also extraordinarily rare,” Giles Mandelbrote, archivist at the church’s Lambeth Palace Library, said Tuesday.
The letter is included in an exhibition at the library exploring the church’s role in the 18th-cenury slave trade. It coincides with a new report setting out that role in hard facts and figures.
The Church Commissioners, the body that administers the church’s 10 billion-pound ($12.3 billion) investment fund, hired forensic accountants in 2019 to dig through the church’s archives for evidence of slave trade links. They spent two years poring over centuries-old ledgers, and what they found is “shaming,” the church said.
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Christian Quarter Targeted as Jerusalem Spirals Into Weekend of Violence
catholic news
Following a rampage of a radical Jewish gang in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City on the evening of Jan. 26, the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land called on political and religious authorities to bring civil and religious life in Jerusalem back to “greater serenity.
“This is only the latest in a series of episodes of religious violence that is affecting the symbols of the Christian community and beyond,” they said in their Jan. 27 statement. “We condemn such attacks and express our concern for the escalation of violence in the Holy City.”
The incident took place as Jerusalem spiraled into a weekend of violence when seven Israelis were killed on Jan. 27 at a synagogue after prayers and another shooting the next day left two Israelis injured just outside of the Old City in the Palestinian village of Silwan. This village is where Jewish settlers have established themselves and an archaeological site.
The shootings followed days of violence in the West Bank and Gaza, including the killing of nine Palestinians in an Israel raid on Jan. 25 in the Jenin refugee camp. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the raid was needed to foil an imminent terrorist attack and all those killed were part of an Islamic Jihad Terror cell. However, Palestinians say civilians also were killed in the attack.
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Celebrating Erin and Dilip's Wedding | | | | |
