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“We Three Kings of Orient are bearing gifts, we travel afar”
Most of us remember this Epiphany hymn, filled with inaccuracies. I am embarrassed to say, it was written by an Episcopal Deacon who was a professor at my alma mater – General Seminary in New York. First and foremost, they weren’t “kings,” they were astronomers. Secondly, the Bible doesn’t say there were three of them, just that they brought three gifts.
While we love to imagine the feast of the Epiphany with these details, the theology is much deeper. The New Testament would call the wise men pagans, we now think of them as the first gentiles to worship the newborn king. They traveled far to follow a star. They had to practice subterfuge in order to keep the child safe from the authorities who wanted to kill him. And they brought him very costly gifts.
The last line of the refrain of We Three Kings is, for me, the most poignant: Guide us to that perfect light. The star they followed, the light in the sky, was and IS reflective of that perfect light – the coming of God into the world. We still worship that light. It is a light which, for people who believe, lightens our own darkened world to see the glory of God. Happy Epiphany Season.
Joseph+
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Give, rest, O Christ, to your servant and bishop, Pope Benedict XVI, with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, but the life everlasting.
Amen
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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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Eucharistic Prayer Service
Join us at 12:10 pm every Wednesday for a Contemplative Eucharistic Service with Meditation & Healing Prayer. The service will be held in the Chapel. All are welcome to worship with us.
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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, Griselda Ogburn, George Pearson, Rev. James Considine, Bill Berger, Helen Ebanks, Carol Cunningham, Robert Horton, Xaiver Wilson, Dean Banks, Catherine Stahre, Ed and Carrie Jarvis
Altar Flowers
To the glory of God and in Thanksgiving for
Bishop Peter Eaton
Sanctuary Candle
To the glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the birth anniversary of Sylvia Wurrell
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Birthdays
Irene Canizare
Jeremiah Jenner
Roberto Pereira
Sylvia Worrell
Jeanne Merritt
Matteo A. Melendez
Anniversaries
In Memoriam
Bill Berger
Daphne Pullan
Xiomara Soledad Blanco
Haidee Josefina Blanco
Jose Enrique Blanco
Francisco Blanco
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Church of the Province of Myanmar
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Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
on the death of Pope Benedict XVI
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December 31, 2022
With the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, I offer heartfelt prayers for His Holiness Pope Francis and all members of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world. As followers of Jesus, we know that death does not have the final word. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, the Apostle Paul reminded that first generation of Christians that they need not grieve as those who have no hope.
The former pontiff, a renowned theologian, echoed Paul when he said that “one who has hope lives differently.” Benedict’s passing occurs at the end of a year that for so many continued to be fraught with great difficulties and uncertainties—both personal and global. Amid such struggles, may we indeed live differently, with hope, and follow the Way of Love.
And may Benedict, and all who have died, rest in peace.
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
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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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Bible Study Begins January 8th, 2023
This Sunday!
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Beginning Sunday, January 8, Fr. Joseph will hold a bible study in the Chapel directly following the 10 AM Service. This study will continue through Feb. 12, the Last Sunday after Epiphany. The book we will be using to facilitate our discussion is, What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Helminiak. Fr. Helminiak takes the various passages of the bible that have been used against the lgbtq+ community and interprets and defines them in a very different way. He says, "...those who perceive Bible passages as condemning homosexuality are being misled by faulty translation and poor interpretation."
(Please note: this book is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Be sure to get the book by Fr. Helminiak as there are others out there with very similar names. It is available in both paperback and Kindle. The Cathedral will not supply copies of the book - you must purchase your own.)
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January 8, 2023
The Baptism of our Lord
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Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
The season of Epiphany is when we celebrate the revealing of Christ to the world. We mark the arrival of the One who is the light of the world: a light that brings life, a light that brings hope. This light shines its brightest when we are in community – with God and with one another. The Office of Global Partnerships of The Episcopal Church invites individuals, small groups, congregations, and dioceses to use our weekly video series throughout the season of Epiphany to draw closer to each other and our Lord.
Using an adaptation of lectio divina with the gospel passage for each Sunday, you’ll meet and hear from Episcopal missionaries who have served around the world as they read and reflect on Jesus’ revelation to us. Missionary service through The Episcopal Church is accomplished through the Young Adult Service Corps (for Episcopalians aged 21-30) and Episcopal Volunteers in Mission (for Episcopalians over the age of 30). Learn more about these programs at ...
iam.ec/yasc and iam.ec/evim respectively.
This week’s lectio divina features Mary Higbee, Jim Higbee, the Rev. Ranjit Mathews, and the Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell. Watch their discussion select picture below or 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 came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17, 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 1 in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 214).
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episcopalchurch.org
The manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth. The winter solstice was kept on Jan. 6 at some places during the first centuries of the Christian Era. In opposition to pagan festivals, Christians chose this day to celebrate the various manifestations, or "epiphanies," of Jesus' divinity. These showings of his divinity included his birth, the coming of the Magi, his baptism, and the Wedding at Cana where he miraculously changed water into wine. The day was called "The Feast of Lights." Celebration of the Son of God replaced celebration of the sun. Baptisms were done, and a season of preparation was instituted. It was later called Advent.
The solstice was kept on Dec. 25 by the fourth century. Jesus' birth was celebrated on this day in both eastern and western churches. The western church commemorated the coming of the Magi on Jan. 6. The eastern church continued to celebrate the Baptism of our Lord and the Wedding at Cana on Jan. 6. In the east the day was called "Theophany" (manifestation of God).
The coming of the Magi is celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, in the BCP. The Baptism of our Lord is celebrated on the First Sunday after the Epiphany.
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Why is it called 'Epiphany' | |
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anglicancompass.com
“Epiphany” comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.” In 2 Timothy 1:9–10, the word is used to refer to the manifestation of Jesus Christ.
In the context of the Church year, Epiphany refers to the appearance of Jesus Christ as the savior of the world—of Israel and the Gentiles. For this reason, Epiphany is commonly associated with the visitation of the Magi (or “wise men”), who were almost certainly Gentiles, in Matthew 2:1–12. The Church has long viewed the Magi finding Jesus (thanks to the leading light of a star) as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 60:1–3, particularly verse 3.
Note that, in addition to the coming of the Magi, Jesus’s baptism and his changing water into wine at the wedding in Cana are also commonly associated with Epiphany, especially in eastern churches. These are two other “manifestations” of Christ’s glory, and you will frequently find Scripture readings about the baptism of Jesus and his miracle at Cana assigned for Epiphany worship services.
Though the Season after Epiphany is one of two periods in the Church calendar known as “ordinary time,” there’s nothing unimportant or boring about it! As Greg Goebel reminds us, during Epiphany we focus on “the mission of the Church to reach all the peoples of the earth, and the great gift of God’s grace in revealing healing truth and light to the world.”
Read More ...
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Today (January 8) the church remembers Harriet Bedell, Deaconess and Missionary, 1969.
Harriet Bedell was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1875. She served as a teacher for several years, before hearing a missionary speak about the work and the needs of missions. Inspired, she applied and was accepted by the New York Training School for Deaconesses in 1909. Bedell received instruction there not only in church matters, but in hygiene, teaching, and nursing.
After training, she was sent to Oklahoma, where she cared for the Cheyenne people. Bedell helped to organize basic care, and she offered religious instruction, among many other kinds of service. Hearing of her abilities, a bishop requested that she travel to Alaska to work with people in remote Stevens Village. In Alaska, in 1922, she was made a deaconess at last. As funds became scarce, Bedell traveled to New York to raise funds in 1931. She never returned to Alaska.
Learning of the terrible living conditions of the Seminole people in Florida, Bedell went to serve there in 1932. She lived and worked with the people, rather than maintaining the distance of a teacher. She helped to revive nearly extinct craft-making skills, the sales of which helped to fund improvements in living conditions.
We thank you, O God, for the work of Harriet Bedell and all those who serve in your Name, seeking to establish justice and dignity for your people. Amen.
Holy God, you chose your faithful servant Harriett Bedell to exercise the ministry of deaconess and to be a missionary among indigenous peoples: Fill us with compassion and respect for all people, and empower us for the work of ministry throughout the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Bulletin Insert: Episcopal Youth Event ’23
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episcopal church.org
Every three years, in accordance with General Convention Resolution #1982-D079, The Episcopal Church convenes an international youth event so “that the energy of the youth of the Episcopal Church can continue to be utilized in active ministry as members of the Body of Christ.” The 40th anniversary of the Episcopal Youth Event will take place July 4-8, 2023, at the University of Maryland.
The second largest gathering of Episcopalians, this event is planned by youth for their peers. The EYE23 Planning Team has youth representatives from every province of The Episcopal Church, guided by adult mentors. Together, they plan three meaningful days of program, hospitality, and worship.
Attendees to EYE participate as part of a delegation, coordinated by a registrar. In 2023, delegations will be welcome from dioceses as well as from other Episcopal entities, including parishes and schools. Registration for delegations are open January 6 to March 17, 2023.
Youth from across the church are invited to participate in EYE23!
Youth: EYE23 participants must have turned at least 15 and be no older than 19 by July 4, 2023. Participants should be enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2022-2023 school year, or equivalent for students in non-traditional or non-US school settings. Youth can expect a fulfilling three days of workshops, small group discussions, and meaningful worship, and the opportunity to establish new and deeper friendships with teenagers from across the church, representing domestic and international dioceses.
Chaperones: Chaperones have perhaps the greatest impact on the EYE experience for the youth in attendance. They are expected to set excellent examples in behavior and attitude as they provide safety for participants through diligent discipline regarding appropriate and healthy boundaries. Each delegation must have at least two chaperones, with the expected ratio of two chaperones to twelve participants (1:6). Visit the website for chaperone requirements and guidelines.
You! It takes hundreds of volunteers to make EYE23 a success. Visit our website for details on how to apply to serve on the Dorm Crew, Logistics Team, EYE Chaplain Team, Communications Team, Medical Care Team, or to volunteer on-site. We will also invite partners in ministry, organizations that serve youth and young adults, and others to be exhibitors at EYE23. Please email us if you are interested in being an exhibitor at EYE23.
For the most up-to-date information, visit
www.episcopalyouthevent.org or
contact eye@episcopalchurch.org.
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For an Epiphany blessing, chalk the door with ‘holy graffiti’
episcopal news service
From the Epiphany and continuing for days to come, more and more Episcopalians are joining other Christians around the world in writing this ancient yet ever-changing formula on their doors: 20+C+M+B+23.
The numbers, letters and symbols have been called “holy graffiti,” and some people suggest the combination looks like the start of an algebraic equation.
The letters C, M, B come from the traditional names for the wise men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, whose arrival at Mary and Joseph’s home is celebrated on the Epiphany. (Tradition also says that three men visited the infant Jesus because the gospel writer Matthew, the only one who describes such a visit but does not number them, says they brought three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. Their names appear in a Greek manuscript from 500 AD translated into Latin, which many biblical scholars consider the source of the names.) The letters are also an abbreviation for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless this dwelling.” The first and last numbers refer to the current year, and the plus signs in between represent the cross.
“Chalking the door,” as it is known, is seen as invoking Christ’s blessing not only on the physical house but on the people who live there and those who visit. There is a long tradition of blessing homes, especially on the Epiphany, which falls on Jan. 6 each year, and the weeks that follow.
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Archbishop of Canterbury condemns ‘blasphemous’ desecration of Jerusalem graves
episcopal news service
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has condemned the desecration of Christian graves in Jerusalem on Jan. 1 as “a blasphemous act.”
More than 30 graves were vandalized at the Protestant Cemetery on Mount Zion, including crosses being broken and headstones and icons smashed.
Welby said in a statement released Jan. 4:
“The desecration of Christian graves in Jerusalem is a blasphemous act. I join the Chief Rabbi and religious leaders in Jerusalem in condemning it and hope those responsible will be brought swiftly to justice. As we continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land, I stand with Archbishop Hosam Naoum and other Jerusalem church leaders in calling for respect, protection, equality and justice for its Christian community – who are the Living Stones of the church.”
Welby has frequently highlighted the plight of Palestinian Christian communities in the Holy Land, who he has visited twice since taking office in 2013. Writing jointly with the Anglican archbishop in Jerusalem in the Sunday Times last Christmas, Welby warned that the concerted attempt by fringe, radical groups to drive ancient Christian communities away from the Holy Land – combined with the pressures they face living under Israeli occupation – was “a historic tragedy unfolding in real time.”
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Pennsylvania diocese and parish step up opposition to town’s intrusion into poverty ministries
episcopal news service
The Diocese of Pennsylvania and one of its parishes are refusing to back down in their fight against a town government that has attempted to restrict the church’s ministries to homeless and hungry people.
The Pottstown government’s interference in the ministries of local churches started in June 2022, when Christ Episcopal Church and its community partner Mission First were cited for violating the town’s zoning ordinances. The churches’ shared ministries of serving meals, operating an essential goods pantry and providing other services to people in need meant that they did not fit the definition of “church” and could not continue to operate in the downtown area without special zoning variances.
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Clergymen or Spies? Churches Become Tools of War in Ukraine
religious information service of ukraine The New York Times
Andriy Pavlenko, an Orthodox church abbot in eastern Ukraine, seemed to be on a selfless spiritual mission. When war came, he remained with his flock and even visited a hospital to pray with wounded soldiers.
But in fact, according to court records, Mr. Pavlenko was working actively to kill Ukrainian soldiers and Ukrainian activists, including a priest from a rival Orthodox church in his city, Sievierodonetsk.
“In the north, there are about 500 of them, with a mortar platoon, five armored personnel carriers and three tanks,” Mr. Pavlenko wrote to a Russian officer in March, as the Russian Army was hammering Sievierodonetsk and areas around it with artillery.
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religionnews.com
When four Republican congressmen accused Catholic Charities USA of violating federal law by providing food, clothing and shelter to migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border, the organization quickly fired back, calling the allegations “incredibly disturbing,” “fallacious and factually inaccurate.”
Instead of endangering people, as the lawmakers suggested in a Dec. 14 letter that accuses Catholic Charities USA of “aiding and abetting illegal immigrants,” the humanitarian work “is mandated by the gospel” and saves lives by caring for “vulnerable people on the move,” a statement issued by the organization declared.
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Emily and Christian’s wedding | | | | |
