“Giving Thanks”

December 31st, 2009 By Father River Sims

John 1:1-5

At the end of the calendar year we go back to the beginning of St. John’s Gospel, and to the beginning of time. As we cross the bridge to 2010, we recall that the greatest thing of all happened at the beginning, and that God is eternal.  I give thanks for the… Continue reading

“Wasting Time With God”

December 30th, 2009 By Father River Sims

Luke 2:36-40–in a few words scripture captures thirty years of the life of  Jesus:  “The child grew and became strong . . .”

For many years in the ministry I was too damn busy to find time to pray, to say the offices, to celebrate the Eucharist every day.  I have friends who half… Continue reading

“The Greatest of these Is Love”

December 29th, 2009 By Father River Sims

All over the news last night was the arrest of the young terroist who tried to blow up a plane in the “name of Allah”. I have a young friend who is an activist who says: “do not forgive anyone.”  The Bible is clear:  God is a God of love. Through the years that is… Continue reading

“Family” and “Fighting”

December 28th, 2009 By Father River Sims

December 27 and 28

Luke 2:41-50–Feat of the Holy Family Matthew 2:13-18–Feast of the Holy Innocents

Yesterday was the Feast of the Holy Family. The church tends to portray the family of Jesus as a nuclear, homey, family. But in the midst of the picture we see Jesus rebelling against that  concept. The… Continue reading