Small Deeds
Dear St. John’s,
Every generation or so, a young Black child or teen is thrust into the mainstream, capturing the hearts and minds of the American public—think Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, or a 16-year-old LeBron James gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Tragically, other Black youth become household names not for their extraordinary talent, but because of unthinkable tragedy—Emmett Till, Trayvon Martin, and countless others. Now, the name Nolan Wells joins that heartbreaking list.
The investigation into the 18-year-old’s death is ongoing (you can read the full background story here). But the optics are troubling: Nolan traveled to an island with three white friends over the 4th of July weekend. They returned the following day; he did not. His body was recovered two days later. The local sheriff ruled out foul play before an autopsy report was completed, and weeks later, key answers remain missing. The backdrop for all of this? Mississippi.
To be clear, rushing to judgment is never wise. We need only look back to 2006, when white members of the Duke lacrosse team were falsely accused of sexually assaulting a black striptease dancer. Social media and civil rights leaders leapt to conclusions before the truth emerged. While the circumstances here are entirely different, the principle remains: we must hold space for facts to surface.
Yet securing those facts is precisely what feels so broken in modern society. Whether it’s a mysterious death in Mississippi, the lack of transparency following a fatal ICE traffic stop in Maine, or thousands of heavily redacted Epstein files, uncovering the truth feels more elusive than ever.
This is not merely a 21st-century problem; human nature has long sought to bury uncomfortable truths. Even following the death of Jesus, early authorities attempted a cover-up regarding His missing body (Matthew 28:11–15).
As Christians, we are called to seek justice and stand against corrupt systems. Most of us will not do this on a grand national stage, but through quiet, persistent faithfulness. As historian Howard Zinn famously observed, “What matters are the countless small deeds of unknown people, who lay the basis for the significant events that enter history.”
Only time will reveal the full story of Nolan Wells' death—and how history will ultimately remember him.
In Christ,
Anthony+
Multiplicity
Dear St. John’s,
Like billions of people across the planet, I am enjoying the World Cup tournament this year! Although I am not an avid soccer fan, I do make an effort to tune in to this global event that occurs only once every four years.
Before each match, there is a computer-generated opening montage that features past World Cup trophy winners, animated football stars, and prominent American landmarks—one of them being the Statue of Liberty (SOL). I could not help but feel a bit saddened by this image.
On the pedestal of the SOL is a bronze plaque that reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” In her left hand, she holds a tablet with the inscription “July 4, 1776,” and her head is adorned with a crown of seven rays, representing the seven continents.
I felt a wave of sadness because the ideals the SOL espouses now ring somewhat hollow.
As I am writing this reflection, the United States has just defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the camera pans through the sea of fans celebrating the victory, there are Americans of every hue and every culture. It’s one of the things that makes our country special: the people.
This is precisely why the Supreme Court upholding birthright citizenship is so integral. Their ruling captures the identity of our nation, which is not defined by homogeneity, but by cultural variety.
It is also one of the reasons the United States Men’s National Team is doing exceptionally well this year. This is the most diverse squad they have ever fielded in World Cup history (12 Black players, 3 Latinos, and 11 White players)!
The benefits of multiplicity go far beyond soccer matches or political debates; it is the heartbeat of the Gospel. Jesus was constantly pushing past the boundaries of his Jewish heritage (meeting the Samaritan woman at the well, healing the Roman centurion’s servant, etc.). His final message to his disciples was to “go and make disciples of all nations,” because sharing the message of God’s love and grace is not for a chosen few, but for everyone.
So, as we embark on the 250th anniversary of “The Great American Experiment,” let us be cognizant of how far we’ve come, aware of how far we have yet to go, and determined to get there together.
In Christ,
Anthony+
The more things change….
Message from Anthony
Dear St. John’s,
When I was at Oral Roberts University during undergrad, I was the director of a hip-hop ministry group that used music as a tool for ministry. Due to the homogenous nature of the school, having friends who shared a similar culture outside of that norm was a significant source of camaraderie and validation. We have remained friends for over twenty-five years!
This summer, I’ve had the privilege of seeing many of them, either by visiting them or vice versa. Our lives have gone in so many different directions; some of us are married, others divorced; some of us have children, others not; and we’ve all found meaningful careers (or at least ones that pay the bills).
And about half of my friends no longer identify as Christian.
I get the sense they are proud of me for entering the priesthood, though they don't totally get it (most of us have Evangelical backgrounds; I was the only one who grew up Catholic, then eventually became Episcopalian). And no matter where life has taken us, we are in many ways still the same people we were back then. Sure, hair has grayed or thinned (or, for some of us, disappeared), guts have grown, and aches are more frequent, but the essence of who we are remains.
This gets us into all types of theological ponderings, especially with this week’s epistle reading from Romans (6:1b–11) that declares, “our old self was crucified with him.”
Who is this old self?
For Saint Paul, the “old self” is the fallen nature of humanity under Adam—a slave to sin. Through Christ, Paul teaches us we can “walk in newness of life.” While that’s a neat theological treatise, in lived experience it’s not so simple.
When I hang out with my old friends, I don’t feel particularly “new.” If anything, I feel like the same ol’ guy (minus the Evangelical understanding I had of divinity back then).
Perhaps the mystery of the "new self" is not found in the eradication of our history, but in the redemption of it. I am forced to wonder if the "essence" that remains in us isn't the old self at all, but the Spirit of God that drew us together in the first place. What do you think?
Do you get the sense you are a “new person in Christ” when seeing old friends or family? Or are we, ultimately, just who we are?”
Hope Is A Muscle
Dear St. John’s,
If you were in church last Sunday (or listened to the sermon online), then you already know I am a big Knicks fan! This year, they have finally given their fanbase something to cheer about as they face off against the San Antonio Spurs for the NBA Championship. It has been 27 long years since they have even been in a position to win it all. For most of those two-plus decades, the Knicks have pretty much stunk.
Beyond years of longsuffering, it takes a lot of stubborn hope to stick with a team that just can’t seem to win the "big one."
There’s a verse from this week’s reading in Romans that talks about hope in a peculiar way. Paul writes, “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:3-4). We don’t typically think of suffering as a prerequisite for hope, yet Paul sees it as a natural, necessary progression. This isn't a passive hope based on wishful thinking; rather, it is a resilient hope rooted in active endurance.
In the case of the Knicks, that endurance looked like a chaotic combination of front-office hirings and firings, player acquisitions, trades, drafts, and a revolving door of coaches. But for Paul and those early Christians, the stakes were infinitely higher. They were being ostracized, viewed as dangerous outsiders, and would soon face brutal persecution under Emperor Nero.
While nobody enjoys suffering, it can be the exact crucible through which we develop the character that points us toward true hope. Ultimately, this progression reminds us that hope isn't a daydream—it is a muscle built in the dark. Whether we are enduring decades of a championship drought or navigating the far heavier, trials of life, our struggles do not have to be meaningless. When we allow our hardships to build endurance and shape our character, we are cleared of shallow optimism and grounded in a deeper, unshakeable hope—one that promises never to disappoint us, no matter the final score.
In Christ,
Anthony+
Can I Get a Witness?
Dear St. John’s,
During our last Sunday forum, one of the subjects we discussed was the different ways we encounter God. One of the participants shared, “If not for Evangelicals I would have never heard about God, I didn’t grow up in a religious household, and no Episcopalians ever told me.”
I knew what she meant. I grew up Catholic and – much like in the Anglican Communion--sharing our faith was not a common practice. Everything changed when my family converted to Evangelicalism, a tradition where 'witnessing,' or telling people about Jesus, is a core expectation.
Unfortunately, I was also a bit judgmental and self-righteous back then. In an ironic turn of events, years later when I became Episcopalian, I then became judgmental towards the very people who I viewed as judgmental.
This upcoming Pentecost Sunday, we will celebrate by wearing red and reading scripture in multiple languages. The red is symbolic of when the Holy Spirit descended as “tongues of fire” on the disciples and enabled them to speak different languages (Acts 2:3-4). The miracle gave them the ability to spread the Gospel across the known world.
I no longer believe in “witnessing” as practiced by our Evangelical siblings, but I do think sharing our faith is important in growing the church (as a whole, not just St. John’s). And at this particular juncture in life, I do that through kindness.
One of the reasons the early disciples were able to spread the Gospel is because they lived a counter-cultural lifestyle to their pagan neighbors. For us, being counter-cultural in a self-absorbed, guarded society can be as simple as smiling at strangers, giving to the homeless, being forgiving when somebody slights us, or having a nuanced outlook in a polarized environment. There is no shortage of the ways we can be kind to others; there is simply a shortage of kindness.
When we extend this kindness to strangers, as well as those we interact with on a daily basis (family, co-workers, neighbors), I believe we are letting our light shine in a world filled with bad news and dread. Whether we invite those folks to church or not is somewhat beside the point, because at least in that moment we have brought the church to them.
In Christ,
Anthony+
One Day at a Time
Dear St. John’s,
Like many of you, the last few months I’ve been bombarded with ads about the Virginia redistricting vote. I’m glad that’s it’s finally over.
I have spoken with several parishioners, and a common sentiment I’ve noticed, is that nobody was particularly thrilled about the options. Gerrymandering is a tactic that in many ways undermines our democratic system. Yet, since the president has encouraged the practice in ways that favor him, isn’t fighting “fire with fire” a necessary tactic for his opposition?
I don’t pretend to know the answer to this question. Lately, I’ve had more questions than answers about life in general.
Last Sunday, we bid farewell to St. John’s faithful rector, Amelie Wilmer. In her sermon she shared how Jesus can reframe the stories of our lives and how these stories are constantly unfolding. This is not only the case for St. John’s Church, but also for our country.
As we wait to see how this week’s results will eventually impact the mid-terms; or how the choices we’ve made (in our personal lives) will impact us in the future, it’s easy to exist in a state of anxiety. At least, I know that has been the case for me.
It’s during those times I am reminded of the insight from the children’s fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare.” And the wisdom of the 12-step slogan, “One day at a time.” As well as the words of Christ who encouraged his followers, “…do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:34)
All of these are reminders for us how to navigate through the challenges and unanswered questions in life; not by sprinting pass the moment in anticipation, but as Amelie reminded us on Sunday, walking with the uncertainty and allowing Christ to guide us on along the way.
In Christ,
Anthony+
We Want a Transcended Parent
Dear St. John’s,
One of the ways to get Hans, my pup, to relax is by playing classical music; so, I have my radio tuned into NPR throughout the day. They usually have news reports every top of the hour, which ironically gives me anxiety if I hear too many updates. Sometimes I often change the channel or turn it off during that time.
This past week, while having NPR playing in the background, I heard something along the lines of, “Trump threatens to destroy Iranian civilization.” A quick Google search later confirmed this was true:
"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will…WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight,” he posted on Truth Social.
The President was quickly rebuked for his post by everybody from the Pope, to Republican politicians, and even some of his MAGA base. He eventually reneged on his threat; however, he has made threats before (going after political enemies, ousting the Venezuela president) and made good on it. It seems like once things have gone too far; the President finds a way to push things even further.
Similar to NPR updates, I feel like my reflections (and those of fellow clergy) have a common theme: “these are troubling times.” And they are.
However, another consistent theme is that of hope. In this week’s reading from Psalms, the author writes, “Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord, my good above all other." (Psalm 16:1)
One criticism from atheists/agnostics is that Christians are looking for some sort of “transcended parent” to help us deal with the troubles of life. To which I say, “You’re damn right!”
Do I want to place my faith in the government, or the tech industry, or in humanity in general, for ultimate salvation? -- No thanks.
Nations and autocrats come and go, as do religions and ideologies. God, however, is the anchor to which reality clings to, whether God is acknowledged or not.
In Christ,
Anthony+
Paradox
Dear St. John’s,
Earlier this week Michael B. Jordan (with the help of technology) played the role of twin brothers and became the sixth African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor!
It was for Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster, horror flick ‘Sinners.’ The film takes place in 1930s, Mississippi, where Sammie, the son of a preacher, leaves home to sing the blues at a new juke joint that his bootlegging twin cousins, ‘Smoke’ and ‘Stack,’ (Jordan) open up.
One of the fascinating aspects of ‘Sinners’ is how it captures the contentious relationship between the Black Church and the world of Blues Clubs during that time. The film depicts the former as restrictive and judgmental, the latter as licentious and dangerous. This creates a binary between being religious and prude or secular and debauched. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that light and dark, good and bad, are not so easily compartmentalized in distinct categories.
The blues came out of Negro Spirituals and captures the existential bitterness of life. Around the same time, Gospel music was born as a sacred form of the blues. The two genres informed one another, not only musically, but culturally and theologically.
Life is very similar. It is often the hardships we endure that helps create growth and new possibilities. Jesus was acutely aware of this dynamic. Which is why he kept Judas as a disciple. And why he willingly went to the cross. Christ did not avoid the darkness, but rather found ways to transform it.
As we slowly approach the end of the Lenten Season in the next couple of weeks, we are reminded that our time of reflection and repentance, which peaks during Holy Week, will give way to rejoicing on Easter! This does not have to be limited to a liturgical season, but can be the rhythm of our lives as we endure difficulties, recognizing they are not permanent, and are perhaps in some mysterious way even necessary.
In Christ,
Anthony+
Obedient to Death
Last September, the President signed an Executive Order to have the “Department of Defense” take on the title, “Department of War.” This was the department’s original name prior to 1949. So why was it changed in the first place?
There were actually a number of reasons, but the primary motivation was because living in the shadow of World War II prompted a reevaluation of military branding. The United States wanted to project strength and security to other nations, not aggressiveness.
Arguably, World War II was the last major conflict that Americans collectively felt positive about. So much so, they were given the (not so modest) name “the Greatest Generation.” Our views towards war, post-Vietnam, has been increasingly more divided with each conflict.
Perhaps this is where Saint Augustine’s Just war doctrine has merit. Although, some can find no justification for armed conflict (i.e. pacifists), self-defense and right intentions are a couple of factors that even the most non-violent among us can at least understand, even if there is still disagreement.
Yet, a billion-dollar, military-industrial complex, unhinged nationalism and authoritarianism, has made war so financially lucrative and ideologically satisfying to those who espouse to such rhetoric; that finding “pure” intentions for combat is a dwindling ideal.
We started this Lenten season with the Gospel reading of Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan (Matt. 4:1-11). And one of the temptations Satan offers is the “kingdoms of the world” in exchange for Christ’s veneration. Jesus does not refute Satan’s claim about his “ownership” of kingdoms, rather he replies, “It is written worship and serve the Lord alone.”
Satan is indeed very busy creating mayhem, death and destruction through men who succumb to the lure of power and greed. Until the world’s rulers understand the cycle of war is not ceased by instilling fear or sowing seeds of death (of which future generations will reap in bitterness); then we will be doomed to repeat the past. One we have seen before. Detention camps for ethnic groups blamed for societies’ woes. A national identity cemented in the hollow belief of racial superiority. And the threat of global annihilation.
And yet, in the end, “Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Phil. 2:10)
Why? Because Jesus is a tyrant who demands the nations of the world to follow him or else face his wrath? No, it’s because of the preceding verses:
He humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name… (Phil. 2:8-9)
It’s always easier to give orders to send others to be sacrificed, then having to go make the sacrifice themself.
The Bright Side
Dear St. John’s,
The news of Jesse Jackson’s death earlier this week felt like the closing of a long and complicated chapter in the American story. For decades, his voice rang out in pulpits, on picket lines, and in the halls of power. He stood in the shadow of giants and yet became one himself—a bridge between the Civil Rights Movement and the generations that followed. With his passing, we are reminded how quickly even the loudest voices fall silent, how even the most public lives return to dust.
Ash Wednesday meets us with that same stark reminder: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The same cross is traced on every forehead. The same words are spoken over the activist and the laborer, the powerful and the forgotten. In death, there is a great leveling.
(Breaking the fourth wall)
It would be nice if I actually I wrote the first two paragraphs, but I didn’t. That my friends would be courtesy of ChatGPT. And I must admit, “It’s really, really good!” Giving it a simple prompt like, “Write a one-page reflection on the death of Jesse Jackson and tie it into Ash Wednesday, from the perspective of an Episcopal priest” produced the two excellent paragraphs above, in a matter of seconds.
This is the world that Rev. Jesse Jackson has left. One in which reality has become more complicated than ever. Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatens millions of jobs and our socioeconomic structures way more than immigrants do, yet either by ignorance or deception (or both) the blame for society’s ills are pointed towards the “other.” These racist tactics were used during Jackson’s younger days and are sadly still being used today.
I do not believe that our old ways of being will get us through the 21st century. At least, not the negative aspects of ourselves (elitism, racism, authoritarianism, etc.). We have more than enough things to tackle with everything from, living in a world with AI to the climate crisis. Yet, it is the trappings of greed and power that hinder our growth as humans. Will that ever change?
I’m not so sure. Perhaps it is appropriate that I end my reflection the same way I started it, with the words from another. However, instead of AI let us look to the words of Jesse Jackson who in his 1984 DNC address said:
We leave this place looking for the sunny side because there's a brighter side somewhere...We will vault up the rough side of the mountain. We can win. I just want young America to do me one favor, just one favor. Exercise the right to dream. You must face reality -- that which is. But then dream of a reality that ought to be -- that must be. Live beyond the pain of reality with the dream of a bright tomorrow. Use hope and imagination as weapons of survival and progress. Use love to motivate you and obligate you to serve the human family.
Amen!
The Lord is My Light and My Salvation
Dear St. John’s,
This morning (Jan. 21st) I read one forecast that warned this weekend may be the worst winter storm since 2018. I anticipate folks will ‘raid’ grocery stores and brace themselves for the potential snow-filled downpour.
It seems like nowadays there are more than enough reasons to be worried about one thing or another. Storms, the threat of war, political turmoil, the everyday stressors of life; they can all shake our peace of mind, until we are left in a constant state of anxiety.
In this week’s Psalm (27) the author writes, “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?” The Psalm is attributed to David, whom we admire for his courage to confront the giant Goliath. However, this particular passage is most likely penned when David is on the run for his life from King Saul and other political rivals. In spite of all of these threats, David finds his strength in God.
This is a counter-intuitive approach in today’s world. We have self-help books, prescription meds, therapists, support groups, and a whole host of other options to choose from in order to get support. These are all helpful and maybe even necessary for folks to use in order to deal with life. Yet, along with all the aforementioned alternatives, as Christians we should also find time to spend with God in prayer, meditation/contemplation, and devotions.
Even as a priest I find it challenging to “fit” spending time with God into my busy schedule, but I am reminded of the need to, especially when I am anxious more than usual. Will spending time God erase all our fears and worries? Most likely, it will not. However, our faith looks towards One who transcends our struggles, worldly authorities, and even the weather. And with enough devotion, we just might find that some of our concerns were not as alarming as we anticipated.
In Christ,
Anthony+
Both/And
Dear St. John’s,
As I was brushing the snow and scraping the ice from my car this morning (Tuesday) I thought about how different that experience was from the day before. On Monday, I watched the snow beautifully cascade around the city - leaving an otherwise dark “winter” night a brilliant, glowing white! Now all that was left was snow soiled from traffic, pedestrians, and dogs; and the drudgery of cleaning my car off.
Life is in many ways like the juxtaposition of these two images. One day life is pleasant and serene or perhaps filled with joy, and the next it can be dreadful and anxiety-ridden.
In the Gospel reading from last week, John the Baptist was preaching repentance and how he is not worthy “to carry Jesus’s sandals.” (Matt. 3). In this week’s reading, John is sitting in jail asking, “if Jesus is the chosen one?” (Matt. 11 paraphrased). Although chronologically a year or two passes between these two stories, the idea remains that the things we so adamantly believe or admire, can become the things we doubt or disparage. Especially if life circumstances challenge our worldview.
In the first paragraph, I put “winter” in quotations because technically the winter solstice begins on December 21st. However, most folks will agree that it already feels like winter! Nevertheless, our bundling up for the weather does not change the fact that the solstice has not yet occurred; nor does a calendar date change the fact that it snowed and the temperature is dropping at night.
The Christian faith is a lot like that. Anticipating a world of peace and joy, while also believing that through Christ those things are available today, yet they are also still to come in its fullness. So the next time we are tempted to resign in misery, we can hold on to the hope (this week’s advent candle) of Emmanuel…” God is with us.”
In Christ,
Anthony+
Christ the King
Dear Friends,
Out of the various feast celebrations in the church, Christ the King (which is the Sunday before Advent begins), is one that is fairly new. Unlike Trinity Sunday, which dates back to the 1300s, Christ the King was only instituted back in 1925, by Pope Pius XI.*
With the rise of scientific education, technological breakthroughs, and socio-economic changes occurring at the time, many people thought a utopian world was just on the horizon. Then the First World War happened.
The aftermath left much of the planet decimated and populations in mourning. Christ the King was introduced as a reminder that in spite of our advancements as a species and our tendency to follow authoritarian personalities and agendas, Christ and his example are still the highest ideal for us to be subject(s) to. Clearly, people didn’t “get the memo,” because fourteen years later the world was again at war.
And now, a hundred years later, the world has changed in ways that would have been unimaginable to those in the early 20th century. Yet, in spite of the dominance of science; mind-blowing, technological advancements; and social changes that have redefined cultural norms; we still have a tendency to “follow authoritarians” and are no safer from the threat of another global conflict than the generation that lived through the Cold War Era.
The Gospel reading this week (Luke 23: 33-43) is the part in ‘The Passion of Christ’ where he is hanging on a cross, being crucified between two criminals. The mocking inscription over his head declaring, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Beyond the pageantry of a church feast, and the declaration of a former pope, Christ the King points out that God’s way of being authoritative in the world is drastically different from ours. If we are honest, God’s way actually comes across as weak to us. If we had the power to eliminate our political enemies how many of us would do it in an instance?
Yet, God through Christ, chose to hang on the cross and even forgive his enemies while he was there. Let us ponder: What kind of king is that?
In Christ,
Anthony+
*Reference in the link
My Goal Is to Serve All
Hello Friends,
I received a random text from an old pal in Queens this morning (11/5) that read, “New York is in deep crap,” (Although he used a different four-letter word). I assumed he was talking about the election of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. I did not share in his anxiety.
“I doubt it. Fear is an effective strategy on both sides of the aisle,” I replied.
After a bit of back-and-forth on text, I was left with these lingering thoughts. Thoughts about fear, and tribalism, and of course politics.
Jay Jones is the commonwealth’s first African-American to be elected as Attorney General; however, I am not in a celebratory mood about it. Jones sent some rather violent text messages to a colleague about his political rivals.
I by no means want to get into the weeds about how folks voted, nor do I want to come across as judgmental towards Jones. Rather, I want to point out how easy it is for us to look past the faults of politicians we favor, while being anxious towards politicians from the opposing party, who espouse similar rhetoric or actions.
In this week’s second reading Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, “We beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way…” (2 Thess. 2: 1-3). Paul is trying to calm those Christians who thought the end of the world was going to happen soon. And who was driving this fear? Other Christians.
Likewise, corruption and the rhetoric of fearmongering is not a Right or Left, red or blue issue, it is a human issue, that often takes place in echo chambers.
On a high note, Virginians also elected our first female Governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger, who won by a wide margin. Unlike Jones, her political history is less controversial and can perhaps bring about some common ground or at least lessen the flames of radicalism.
Spanberger declared, “And for those Virginians who did not vote for me … my goal and intent is to serve all Virginians." Let us hope in a divided (and increasingly more dangerous) nation that her campaign rhetoric carries over to her political decisions as well.
In Christ,
Anthony+
P.S. A ‘thank you’ to everyone for your prayers and kind words regarding my father, who was recently discharged from VCU hospital and is doing much better. I am so very grateful and appreciative of everyone’s support.
A Life Well-lived
Dear Friends,
Being back in Richmond, I am reminded of how much I love the capital during this time of the year! There’s something inherently spooky about the “River City.”
Aside from the haunted tours, Edgar Allan poem readings at the church (which was excellent last Friday), and other Halloween festivities, it is the darkness that envelops the city that is the most gripping. The splendor of autumn colors yield only to the gray and black tones of the evening.
Going into my second year of the priesthood, I am constantly reminded of the seasons. Not only nature’s seasons, but also those of our lives. Children being baptized, couples marrying, and loved ones passing away. And each pillar of life is filled with countless experiences between them that range from joy to sadness; courage to shame; hope to fear.
In today’s (Feast of St. James) reading from Psalms the writer pens, “Their delight is in the law of the Lord and they meditate on his law day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither….” (Psalms 1:2-3)
The writer recognizes that in order to live a life ‘well-lived’ is not the absence of darkness, but finding sustenance in God, similar to “trees planted by streams of water.” To be clear, this is no easy feat. Trees in that region must survive droughts, flooding, and desert winds. Likewise, we will have challenges in life that threaten to uproot our very being, yet if we remain steadfast in our faith (which does not exclude doubt) then eventually we will see the beauty of life once again; whether in the sunrise of a crisp, fall day, or perhaps even during the darkness of night penetrated by a glowing moon. A reminder that when all seems dark, it never truly is.
In Christ,
Anthony+
Expressing Gratitude
Dear St. John’s,
I remember some time ago a homeless person was soliciting for charity to those passing by on the street. I embarrassingly gave him a couple of coins and apologetically said, “Sorry man, that’s all I got.”
“Hey, hey…” he earnestly replied with a smile, “every little bit counts!”
You would have thought I gave him some great reward and not just pocket change.
That moment has stayed with me, even years later. It was a life-lesson in being grateful.
In this week’s Gospel reading (Luke 11:17-19) Jesus heals ten lepers, while on his way to Jerusalem. They all leave ecstatic from the miracle they received, but one of them, a Samaritan, returns and falls at Jesus’s feet to thank him, to which Jesus responds, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” It is the person who is most unlikely to show gratitude who actually does.
As Americans we are among the wealthiest people on the planet; however, how truly grateful are we?
Often times we are siloed away from those who are in a different class or socio-economic culture than our own, so it’s easy to become oblivious to the suffering of others. I believe this is the core (generally speaking) of America’s insensitivity toward migrants. We really don’t know who these people are and why they risk their life to come into the United States. Meanwhile we take for granted the many necessities (running water, vaccines) and luxuries (internet, Uber) of life.
Yes, we can find moments of appreciation in prayer or quiet reflection, but I think one of the best ways to show gratitude is by helping out those who are less fortunate. Whether its volunteering or giving to someone in need (ideally in person), it connects us with others and with God. So, I encourage you to be on the lookout for opportunities to bless others, out of the abundance of which God has blessed us.
In Christ,
Anthony+
Faith Seeking Understanding
Dear friends,
In this week’s Psalm reading the writer pens, “You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust.” This particular psalm (91:2) is primarily about how God will rescue us when we call upon God.
While this sounds quite encouraging, it is not always the case. King David, who this Psalm is traditionally attributed to, knew this first hand. When his baby son became deathly sick, David prayed and fasted for God to spare his life. Yet, his child still died. (2 Samuel 12)
I’m sure all of us have similar stories to David’s, maybe not as tragic, (or perhaps even more tragic), where we sought God to rescue us from some dilemma, only to find ourselves in the same dilemma.
I was speaking with a parishioner about a particular challenge they have gone through and he/she said, “You know, sometimes we just have to be obedient to the call and understanding will come later. There’s humility in that.”
I’m not sure if they were aware of it or not, but the theologian Anslem wrote something very similar: “ides quaerens intellectum” (faith seeking understanding). It’s this idea that God calls us to believe and we will come to understand later, or we may not in this lifetime (for instance, Moses not going to the promised land, or MLK not witnessing the freedoms gained from the Civil Rights Movement).
We will ultimately find someone or something to place our trust, and inevitably it will let us down. No spouse, career, institution, friend, behavior (healthy or unhealthy) can eternally sustain us, because they are all exhaustible. So, although it may be challenging to trust in God, especially during times of difficulty, and yes, we may even feel let down by God, at least our faith maintains that even death does not have the final say.
In Christ,
Anthony+
*I have his/her permission to share this anonymously.
Do Not Be Anxious
Message from Rev. Anthony
Dear St. John’s,
Today marks the 24th Anniversary of 9/11. Much like the assassinations of Kennedy and MLK, 9/11 was one of those moments in history where people can vividly remember where they were when they heard/watched the news.
Although there is a narrative that it was a time when Americans all came together in the aftermath, there was also a rise in violence against American Muslims; fundamentalists viewed the attack as “God’s judgement on a sexually perverse and ‘godless’ nation;” and left-leaning pundits pointed out the United States’ role in international affairs.
Besides having to take off our shoes before going into airline terminals, another consequence of 9/11 was the Patriot Act, which granted the government an unfettered amount of license into surveillance of Americans.
It seems that government officials believe more oversight equates to safety. Even as I write this, the president is pushing to send troops into Chicago, against the will of the mayor and governor. This is a dangerous precedent, regardless of one’s political leanings.
One of the throughlines between what happened following 9/11 and what is occurring now is: fear. Americans seem to be afraid of everything, including one another.
Scripture says that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, and love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) While we should be vigilant citizens, we should avoid being anxious ones. And there are many ways to do this.
Personally, I recently got off of Facebook (which I have been planning to do for quite some time now) partially because I realize I felt less better when I used it. Besides taking some time away from social media and news, going outside and enjoying the incoming Fall season is another way to nurture our spirit. There’s also volunteering, finding new (or maintaining) hobbies, and of course, there is prayer and meditation.
One of the best ways we can honor those we lost on that terrible morning, twenty-four years ago, is to remain brave, grounded, and aware that in spite of the uncertainties of life, our faith is in a sure foundation.
In Christ,
Anthony+
* I found out about the murder of Charlie Kirk, influential conservative activist and media personality last night. Prayers for his soul, his loved ones, and for our nation reeling under the weight of political violence. Christ have mercy.
And then they came for me…
Dear Friends,
Some of you may have read the disturbing news about Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old Korean student at Purdue University who was arrested by ICE during a routine immigration court hearing. With mounting pressure from the Korean community and faith leaders, she was finally released after being held in custody for five days. (Click here for details.)
This particular incident hits close to home because Go is the daughter of an Episcopal priest.
There’s a trite cautionary prose written by Lutheran pastor Friedrich Niemöller, following the aftermath of World War II titled “First They Came.”
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
While the poem has perhaps been overly used, the premise remains poignant because the nature of autocratic rule, fear mongering, and blind allegiance are still very much active in our world.
Ironically, Go fits into the stereotype of what Americans expect from Asians. According to one report, she is praised by her teachers and guidance counselors, a person of great character, and has even gone with her friends to feed the homeless. Nevertheless, she was still arrested, flown to Louisiana, and detained until the outcry began to swell to a fever pitch.
Go is fortunate to have a powerful network of support through her mother, the Rev. Kyrie Kim (Diocese of NY), but what about the hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people who are just as innocent but not that well connected? Who will speak up on their behalves?
May God give us the strength and courage to continue to stand on the side of those most in need.
Rev. Anthony +
Healing
Dear Friends,
In the Old Testament reading this week (2 Kings 5:1-14) there’s a general, Naaman, who is suffering from leprosy. He finds out there is a prophet (Elisha) who has the gift of healing, so he goes to visit him.
Elisha tells him to wash in the Jordan seven times in order to be healed. Instead of Naaman being grateful for the instructions, “Naaman became angry and went away, saying, ‘I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not…the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?’ He turned and went away in a rage.” (2 Kings 5:11-12)
Naaman was eventually healed by (spoiler-alert) actually following what the prophet instructed. But why was he so mad to begin with?
Naaman was a commander for the king of Aram. He was a powerful and influential man, accustomed to giving orders, not taking them. In order for him to get better he had to undergo the death of his ego, which can be an emotional undertaking.
Without getting too technical, the general idea of “ego death” is that each time we practice non-attachment, we become a little more enlightened. And it is our egos that we are most attached to, because they give us our identities and senses of self. We can never totally destroy our egos (and wouldn’t want to), but we can practice quieting their need to be in control or the center of attention.
This is easier said than done, and I imagine it will take us a lifetime of learning to let go; that has been the case for me at least. Perhaps what we will eventually find, much like Naaman did, is restoration, not in how we demand it happens, but in God’s own time and in God’s own way.
In Christ,
Anthony+