Matthew Burden's Blog, page 6

Upcoming Trip to England

In lieu of normal posts this week, I wanted to give a sneak peek at an upcoming series on this blog. Next week (Aug. 1) I'm beginning a two-week trip to England, designed as both a mini-sabbatical and a work trip to present an academic paper at a patristics conference. Along the way, I'll be seeking out two of my favorite things in the world--birds and old churches! My trip will include a walking pilgrimage to Canterbury, a stopover at the old anchorite-church of Julian of Norwich, and visits to upwards of fifty different churches and cathedrals which tie into the story of English Christianity through the ages. I'm hoping to post about the journey as I go, so keep your eye out for stories and pictures of that trip here, starting toward the end of next week.

A Prayer from Michael Botting

Eternal and most merciful Father,We praise you for calling your ChurchOut of the darkness of sinInto Christ's marvelous lightAnd exalting us to sit with himAs kings and priests.Grant that our worship may be acceptable,Our living holy,And our witness effective.This we ask in the nameOf our great High Priest,Jesus Christ.Amen.

Sermon: The Plans He Has for Us (Jer. 29-31)

 

The Plans He Has for Us (Jer. 29-31) (click here to listen or right-click to download)

The Evangeliad (29:39-42)

(Click here for an introduction and previous installments of the Evangeliad)
Section 29:39-42 (corresponding to Matt. 20:13-16; )
The owner replied with calm and with grace,'Friends, how did I wrong you in any way?Did you not agree to work for this price?So take what is yours, and let it suffice.
For I choose to give to each one the same,Regardless of how long they've worked for my name.Aren't I entitled to give what is mine?Does my grace grieve you and make you repine?'
Thus the last ones are first, the first ones last,Not counting toil or time that has passed.For the goodness of God is not fixed by you,But lavishly granted to all He will choose."

Photo of the Week

This grace was given to me [...]:To make everyone seeThe plan of the mysteryHidden for ages in God,Who created all things,So that through the churchThe wisdom of GodIn its rich varietyMight now be made known...
- Ephesians 3:8-10

Quote of the Week

"The truly wise talk little about [religious debates in Christianity] and are not given to taking sides on doctrinal issues. When they hear people advocating or opposing the claims of this or that party in the church, they turn away with a smile such as men yield to the talk of children. They have no time, they would say, for that kind of thing. They have enough to do in trying to faithfully practice what is beyond dispute."
- George MacDonald

A Prayer from Paul VI

Make us worthy, Lord,To serve our fellow men throughout the worldWho live and die in poverty and hunger.Give them through our hands, this day their daily bread,And by our understanding love,Give peace and joy.Amen.

Sermon: Power and Prayer

  Power and Prayer (Mark 11) (click here to listen or right-click to download)

The Evangeliad (29:35-38)

(Click here for an introduction and previous installments of the Evangeliad)
Section 29:35-38 (corresponding to Matt. 20:9-12):
So those who had worked but an hour all came,And the vineyard owner gave them their pay:A denarius was pressed into each hand,The same reward given to every man.
When came the men who had labored all day,They, seeing the others receive their pay,Assumed that in their case, more was enjoined,But they too received a denarius coin.
The men protested and answered in wrath,'We've labored all day in your fields and paths!And yet you assign us what you gave those menWho scarcely toiled, made us equal to them?'

Photo of the Week

Earth, with her ten thousand flowers,Air, with all its beams and showers,Heaven’s infinite expanse,Sea’s resplendent countenance—All around and all aboveBear this record: God is love.
- from a hymn by Thomas Rawson Taylor