The God of Israel does something no other ancient deity does: He makes promises and stakes his name on keeping them. The gods of the nations make demands. This God enters covenant. He puts his reputation on the line. And then he makes promises that are, by every human measure, absurd.

The turn from Maundy Thursday into Good Friday is a cascade of desertion: from a table full of disciples at the Last Supper to that supper’s host hanging alone on a cross. First Judas disappears into the night. Then the disciples invited to keep watch with Jesus are unable to stay awake. Even Peter turned away from being identified with Jesus after his arrest; Peter doesn’t even make it to the first Station of the Cross.

“The Christian life is not an easy thing,” admits Malcolm McGregor, a member of St. Bartholomew’s in Dallas. And yet, he adds, “It’s worth investigating; it’s worth pursuing; it’s worth going deeper. And sometimes poetry helps us to do that.” This idea runs through the three Lenten poems Malcolm recently composed: “Ash Wednesday,” “Lent Beckons”…

Beyond the Jordan lies the wilderness, From waters of baptism steeped in mud, Go, follow fast on him, if life one dares possess.

Lent beckons all, as kneeling penitent, Faith smelted by consuming fire, combust, The dross, annealing joy forged from lament.

From dust you came, to dust you shall return, Short mortal life the blink of one’s eyelash: But in this knowledge deep, eternal life discern.

Jesus goes to extreme measures to reach us with his love. This is radical hospitality. He calls us to do the same by carrying His Presence to others.

“When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.” Te Deum, 1979 BCP “‘Thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb,’ so we sing. Thou didst not abhor the beast’s manger, so we may sing too; and is not this hoc erit signum, a very ensign of love?” Lancelot Andrewes…

In a culture where Christmas displays start appearing on the heels of back-to-school sales, AMiA churches like the Abbey at Pawley’s Island take a distinctly measured approach—one that intentionally sits in longing for the coming King. And music plays a key role in helping congregants experience both the waiting of Advent and the joy of…

A trio of reflective poems for All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.