Septuagesima, or the Third Sunday before Lent, January 28th, 2024

 Septuagesima, or the Third Sunday before Lent, 

January 28th, 2024

On Sunday, January 28th, 2024, the Church celebrates Septuagesima Sunday . . .  or the Third Sunday Before Lent . . .  The "Gesima Sundays" are the final countdown, if you will, or the three Sundays of preparation for the holy season of Lent. The Gospel for today's Mass comes to us from the Twentieth Chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew.  In this Chapter, St. Matthew recalls the words of Our Lord in regards to the householder who hired laborers to work in his vineyard.  And the householder went out at various points throughout the day to hire laborers to come and work in his vineyard.  And at the end of the day each of the laborers got paid the same exact wage whether they worked the whole day or just the last hour of the day.  God invites those whom He chooses to invite.  But the key is that it is up to us to accept or decline the invitation.  The very end of the passage that we heard today ends with:  " . .  .  for many be called, but few chosen ."  (St. Matthew 20:16)  I speak to so many people and it's the same thing for most people:  they are involved in a whole host of activities.  Just think about all the different "hats" that you may or may not have in your own life:  worker; homeowner; spouse; parent; neighbor; volunteer; friend; customer; etc.  The list could go on and on.  But I talk to so many people who have been chosen to work on a special committee or who have been chosen to be in charge of a special project of one sort or another.  Even at work, we get chosen by our boss or our manager to be in charge of something.  Throughout our life, all of us can think of one example or another where we have been chosen.  God has chosen His people as well.  "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord Thy God: the Lord Thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all the people that are upon the face of the earth."  (Deuteronomy 7:6)  We are chosen by God to be a "special people" unto Him.  We must never forget that.  God has chosen YOU!  It is up to us whether or not we accept the invitation.  Remember who you are:  You are "special"; You are "chosen" You are "loved."  I do not think that most of us realize the importance of this fact.  If we did, we would spend more time focused on the things above as opposed to being focused on the things here below.

St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church is a traditional Anglican parish, which uses the Anglican Missal and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  We also use the King James Version of the Bible.  We believe strongly in Our Lord's words . . .  "this is My Body and this is My Blood" . . . and believe that Our Blessed Saviour is truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and we receive Him at Communion time.  Come join us every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM as we gather together as God's family to worship Our Blessed Lord.  We celebrate Mass in the Chapel at Marquette Manor, which is located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.

Third Sunday after Epiphany, January 21st, 2024

 Third Sunday after Epiphany, January 21st, 2024

In the Second Chapter of St. John's Gospel, we hear the familiar story of the Miracle at Cana, where Our Blessed Lord turned water into wine.  For those of us who have read the Bible our entire lives, in particular the Gospels, it is easy for us to overlook the miraculous works of Our Lord because we are so used to seeing Him perform miracles all throughout the Gospel accounts.  But if we are not paying attention we may miss something, we may overlook something important.  You see, in this recounting of what happened at the Wedding Feast of Cana, buried deep within the story, we hear some of the most important words ever spoken in the entire Bible:  "His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." (St. John 2:1ff)  Our Lady is telling those in charge of the wedding feast to do whatever her Son tells them to do.  She should know what she is talking about . . .  this is her Son.  She raised Him.  She saw Him grow to become an adult.  The reason she is so confident in what she states is because she spent time with Him every day of His life.  "Do whatever He tells you . . . ."  We, too, are called to spend time with Our Blessed Lord every single day.  If we spend quality time with Our Saviour on a daily basis, we will also have confidence just like Our Lady did when she gave the advice, "do whatever He tells you . . ."  We need to follow this advice as well and this can only be done by making a point to listen to what He is telling us and we can only accomplish this by making a point to listen to Him.  Listen to what Our Lord is saying to you . . .  pay attention to what He is saying to you . . .  heed His advice.  "Do whatever He tells you . . . ."

St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church is a traditional Anglican parish, which uses the Anglican Missal and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  We also use the King James Version of the Bible.  We believe strongly in Our Lord's words . . .  "this is My Body and this is My Blood" . . . and believe that Our Blessed Saviour is truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and we receive Him at Communion time.  Come join us every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM as we gather together as God's family to worship Our Blessed Lord.  We celebrate Mass in the Chapel at Marquette Manor, which is located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.

Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 14th, 2024

 Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 14th, 2024

I kid around that I am always the last one to know something.  And I am out of the loop especially when it comes to popular things or fashionable things, so to speak.  So it  certainly comes as no surprise that I only recently heard about this furor surrounding Stanley mugs/tumblers.  Have you heard about this?   People line up to buy these Stanley mugs and they sell out immediately.  And as a result of these mgs selling out, people are reselling them for 200, 300, 400 dollars.  It simply astounds me.  It is funny, though, because I was washing my coffee mug recently and while I am washing it, I noticed something which I never noticed before.  It turns out that my mug which I have been using for years is a Stanley mug.  The thing that is so popular throughout the world right now is something that I already possessed all along.  This got me to thinking about God or should I say people searching for God.  So often we search for God because we need Him.  So often we search for God in all kinds of places.  But the bottom line is that God was there all along.   So often God is right there alongside us and we don't even realize it.   "Whither shall I go from Thy spirit?  Or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?" (Psalm 139:7)  God is everywhere.  God is with us at all times.  God is always with us.  But at the times when we do not think God is with us, the truth is that we were not focused on God.  We were too busy focused on other things.  We were too busy focused on the things of the world . . . the things that we wanted  . . . focused on things of the world.  But no matter what God remains there with us.  And we are surprised that God was there all along.  At those times we discover that God was not absent from us, we were absent from Him. 

St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church is a traditional Anglican parish, which uses the Anglican Missal and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  We also use the King James Version of the Bible.  We believe strongly in Our Lord's words . . .  "this is My Body and this is My Blood" . . . and believe that Our Blessed Saviour is truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and we receive Him at Communion time.  Come join us every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM as we gather together as God's family to worship Our Blessed Lord.  We celebrate Mass in the Chapel at Marquette Manor, which is located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.

First Sunday after Epiphany, January 7th, 2024

 First Sunday after Epiphany, January 7th, 2024

Have you ever noticed when a teacher is checking to make sure the answer is correct, the teacher will not only look at your answer, but will also want to know how you arrived at the answer?  In other words, the teacher wants to check what path you took to find the answer to the question.  I remember when I was young, going to elementary school, I remember asking the teacher how to spell a particular word and the teacher would respond:  "Look it up in the dictionary."  How are you going to look up a word in a dictionary if you don't know how to spell the word, I would wonder.  Well, the answer if obvious.  A good teacher will not only provide you with an answer but will provide you with the knowledge and the know-how to obtain an answer.  A good teacher, in other words, teaches you how to find out the answer to a question instead of simply giving you the answer.  This is because often times, in life, there are different ways to find the answer that we are looking for.

In the Second chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke, we hear the story of when Our Blessed Saviour was left behind in the Temple.  And St. Luke tells us that when Our Lady and St. Joseph returned to Jerusalem to find their Son, they found the Divine Child in the Temple, "sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions." (Chapter 2:46)  After Our Lady approaches her Son and tells Him that they were worried and looking for Him, the Divine Child responds:  "How is it that ye sought me?"  (Chapter 2:49)   As pointed out above, a teacher may ask the path you took to find the answer.  Our Lord often asks us the same question.  He wants to find out what path we took to find Him.  So often in life, people look for God in so many different places.  Sometimes the path we take to find happiness takes us down a wrong path.  Sometimes we end up feeling lost and miserable.  Often, when we think we have found happiness, we end up not feeling as satisfied as we thought that we were.  As a Christian, we realize that God is our ultimate happiness.  Other things that we think will bring us happiness and joy . . .  whether it be drink, or drugs, or money, or wealth, or honor in the eyes of the world . . . these things only give us contentment for a time.  God, we know, gives us everlasting contentment.  St. Augustine teaches that in trying to find joy and fulfillment, we are really searching ultimately for God.  Because he states that all things that we think will bring us satisfaction will ultimately fail us.  Only God brings everlasting joy and contentment.  What path have you followed to find God?  Have you searched for Him in your longing to find joy and contentment in earthly possessions?  Things of the world never bring everlasting joy.  Only a true, dedicated, committed, personal relationship with God will bring us true satisfaction.  Give Him your heart.  Make Him the King and Ruler of your life.

St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church is a traditional Anglican parish, which uses the Anglican Missal and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  We also use the King James Version of the Bible.  We believe strongly in Our Lord's words . . .  "this is My Body and this is My Blood" . . . and believe that Our Blessed Saviour is truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and we receive Him at Communion time.  Come join us every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM as we gather together as God's family to worship Our Blessed Lord.  We celebrate Mass in the Chapel at Marquette Manor, which is located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.

First Sunday after Christmas, December 31st, 2023

 First Sunday after Christmas, December 31st, 2023

In the Fourth Chapter of the Letter to the Galatians, we hear the following:  "God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."   It is never good to be "full of ourselves."  In other words, we should never think too highly of ourselves than we ought, but when you consider the fact that God thinks so highly of His creation that not only did He send His Son into the world to save us, but that as a result we are now considered "sons" and "daughters" of God, the honour is beyond comprehension!  Think about it, God has chosen you . . . He has redeemed you . . . He has made you His very own child!  The only thing that we have to do is to respond and then act accordingly.  So often, when we are out and about, we may see a child in a store who is acting up and not listening to his parents.  And the first thought to our mind is:  "What an ungrateful child" or "what a spoiled child."  And, yet, when it comes to the spiritual life, are we not "spoiled children" to Our Heavenly Father?  Perhaps, we ignore God completely.  Perhaps, we only approach God when we want something.  Maybe, we don't hear God speaking to us because we are too far away and not paying attention.  We have to always remind ourselves on a daily basis the dignity and honour that God has given to each one of us by being called "son" or "daughter" of the Almighty.

St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church is a traditional Anglican parish, which uses the Anglican Missal and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  We also use the King James Version of the Bible.  We believe strongly in Our Lord's words . . .  "this is My Body and this is My Blood" . . . and believe that Our Blessed Saviour is truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and we receive Him at Communion time.  Come join us every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM as we gather together as God's family to worship Our Blessed Lord.  We celebrate Mass in the Chapel at Marquette Manor, which is located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.

Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 24th, 2023

 Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 24th, 2023

It just seems to make common sense that you have to have all the parts in order to make something complete.  For example, if a bike is missing the wheels . . . .  it is incomplete.  How frustrating would it be to work on a 5,000 piece puzzle and discover some of the pieces were missing?  Or if you are in the kitchen, how are you going to prepare something if you do not have all of the ingredients?  I might have it in my mind to bake a cherry pie but what if I do not have any cherries for my cherry pie?  Again, it only makes sense that we must have all the parts or all the ingredients on hand if we are going to make something.  In essence, St. Paul is saying this to the Philippians in the fourth chapter of that epistle when he writes:  " . . . . but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God." (Philippians 4:6)  When it comes to prayer, very often we are missing some of the elements. Many people only pray when they need something.  Many of us only go to God when we are in need of a favor from Him.  And it is fine to go to God when you are in need of something . .. or in trouble . . . or in need of mercy . . . . after all, God is our loving Father and He wants to be there for His children.  But, that being said, we should not ONLY approach God solely when we need something.  That would be the equivalent of a neighbor who won't give you the time of  day but will only come to you when they need something.  Or having a relative that never contacts you except when they need to borrow some money.  We need to go to God in prayer not only when we need something from Him.  This is what St. Paul is saying.  We need to also praise Him when we pray.  And we certainly need to pray in Thanksgiving when we pray.  In other words, we need to thank Him for the many blessings He bestows upon us during our lifetime.  "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to Him with psalms."  (Psalm 94:2)  Christmas is the season of giving.  Let each of us focus on giving more time to God.  Let us dedicate more prayer time to God.  Do not let the fast pace of the world and all the being busy in life keep us from approaching God.  Let us take time each day from our busy lives in order to dedicate that time solely to God.  

NOTE:  On Sunday, December 24th, 2023, Mass will be celebrated at our normal time of 10:30 am on Sunday morning.  On Monday, December 25th, 2023, Christmas Day, we will celebrate Mass at a special time of 11:00 am.  Please make a point of joining us one day or both days if you can.  

 Third Sunday in Advent, December 17th, 2023

Have you ever been overjoyed by something and before you knew it, the joy had worn off?    As children, especially at Christmas time, we are overjoyed at what Santa Claus will bring us.  We anxiously look forward to all the presents under the tree and try to figure out what is wrapped inside.   Let's be honest, whether as children or adults,  . . .  whether it is a gift given to us or something we have purchased ourselves  .. . .  whether it is an actual physical product or whether it is simply a good meal that we look forward to devouring . . . . the point is the same:  things of this world do indeed bring us joy for a time but then the joy eventually fades.  Even if you look at it from the perspective of someone who turns to drink or drugs to find their "happiness,"  . . . . what happens when the effect of either drink or drug wears off?  That person goes back to feeling like they did before.  The "high" feeling . . .  the "drunk" feeling only lasts so long.  Things of the world . . .  whether they be electronics .  . . or food . . . . or clothing . . .  or positions of honour . . . . or titles at our jobs . . . or booze  . . . . or drugs . .  . all these things only bring temporary fulfillment.  They do satisfy, yes, but only for a time.  The joy we find in them  is only temporary, never lasting.

For the Christian, on the other hand, the joy that is everlasting is our relationship with God.  "Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous, for it becometh well the just to be thankful." (Psalm 33)  Our personal relationship with Our Blessed Saviour will never disappoint.  Our personal relationship with Our Lord and Saviour is one that will last an eternity.  While other things in this earthly life will fade away . . .  or be consumed . . . or rust away . ..  or go out of fashion . . . . the relationship that God offers to us is forever.  God will always be faithful to His people.  "Gaudete in Domino semper" ("Rejoice in the Lord always")  (Philippians 4:4-5)  Rejoice in the fact that God loves you!  Rejoice in the fact that God sent His only Son to die for you!  Rejoice in the fact that God offers you the possibility of eternal life!  Give your heart to the One that offered His Heart to you!  Give your life to Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and rejoice in the Lord always!

The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Gaudete Sunday."  And this is because "Gaudete" is the Latin word for rejoice, which comes from the first word of the introit, "Rejoice ..  . . "  As such, the Church is past the midway point of the season of Advent, and we use this opportunity to take a breather, so to speak.  Remember, the season of Advent is supposed to be somewhat somber in nature . .   . this is why the liturgical colour during this season is violet or purple as it is in Lent.  But today the Church lightens its' mood just a bit and rose coloured vestments can be worn instead of violet for today. 

Make a point to join St. Margaret Church on Sunday, December 17th, 2023 as we continue our Advent journey.  Take time out of your busy schedule and dedicate that time to God.  Come listen to His Word and receive His Precious Body and Blood at Communion time.  St. Margaret Church worships at the beautiful Chapel at Marquette Manor, located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.  Mass begins at 10:30 am every Sunday morning.  Please make a point to visit us.