Author: Catherine Lee

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Advent Word 2019, Day 22 ‘Restore’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Restore “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;” the Psalmist cries out three times, “show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.” There are many sources of pain and suffering, but only one source of life and peace. Advent’s clarion call is to turn back and find oneself anew in the light of the face of God, restored to wholeness by the one whose return we await. The Rev. Canon Frank Logue (VTS ’00) is the bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. The Gethsemane Chapel at Coventry Cathedral Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 22 ‘Restore’

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Advent Word 2019, Day 21 ‘Rest’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Rest Rest is where the magic happens. True rest changes us at the cellular level. It is the space in which the body is strengthened and the soul restored. Catch your breath, let down your guard, rest and let God come especially close. Relieve yourself of the adrenaline rush and the accolades wrought of busyness so that Jesus can be born anew in you. The Right Rev. Jennifer Baskerville Burrows is the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. Coventry Cathedral Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 21 ‘Rest’

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Advent Word 2019, Day 20 ‘Go’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Go Go see. Go hear. Go tell. Following Jesus involves movement, witnessing to his ministry, using our agency for positive change through word and deed. As we go, we must keep our eyes and ears open to what the world is telling us, so that in our going, we are prepared to authentically address the needs of others and of creation. Alan Yarborough is the Communications Coordinator and Office Manager for The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. A Thames Clipper sails past St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 20 ‘Go’

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Advent Word 2019, Day 19 ‘Bless’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Bless In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us of the power we all have to BLESS others when we are following the way of love. “…the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” Every day and every encounter is an opportunity for blessing. Jenny Grant is the Officer for Global Relations and Networking in the Global Partnerships office of The Episcopal Church. Looking down from among the octagon … Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 19 ‘Bless’

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Advent Word 2019, Day 18 ‘Worship’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Worship In the weeks prior to Jesus’s birth, the Magi left the familiar on a long trek to an obscure town in a foreign land. It’s a long way to go to worship the new king born in Bethlehem. It was not an easy journey. Advent is our own long journey leading us to a place where we can recognise God revealed to us and to worship him. The Rev. Richard Sewell is the Dean of St. George’s College, Jerusalem. The west window at Chester Cathedral showing the Holy Family with Saints Werburgh, Oswald, Aidan, Chad, Wilfrid, and Ethelfleda Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 18 ‘Worship’

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Advent Word 2019, Day 17 ‘Pray’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Pray It is not easy to pray. The apostles knew that. That is why instead of a lesson on preaching, they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus replied, “When you pray, say ‘Our Father.’” Prayer is relationship. When we say, “let us pray,” we open ourselves to a deeper and intimate relationship with God. We also open our hearts to humanity so we may intercede for the world. The Rev. Fred Vergara is the Missioner for Asiamerica Ministries for The Episcopal Church. Following the bombing of the mediaeval Coventry Cathedral in 1940, Provost Howard had the words ‘Father … Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 17 ‘Pray’

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Advent Word 2019, Day 16 ‘Learn’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Learn Isaiah encourages: Say to those of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear!” In these polarized times it is often fear that keeps us from knowing neighbors who are “not like us”. God’s Way of Love encourages us to learn from those whose culture, religion, race, way of life is different from our own, there to exchange rich gifts of God’s whole creation. Margaret Rose is the Ecumenical Officer for The Episcopal Church. Creation Window at Chester Cathedral Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 16 ‘Learn’

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Advent Word 2019, Day 15 ‘Turn’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Turn I watched some children play hide-and-seek at a party recently. The little girl turned away, squeezed her eyes closed, and counted. Then, with a loud giggle, she spun back around. The look on her face when she turned was one of pure joy and excitement as she anticipated finding her friends. We are invited this day to turn our hearts towards God. May we do so with great anticipation and find joy in discovering that God is ready to be found. The Rev. Kim Jackson (VTS ’10) is an Episcopal priest based out of Atlanta, Georgia and sits … Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 15 ‘Turn’