-
Join 1,128 other followers
Blogroll
Author Archives: Mother Beth Tjoflat
The gate.
In this week’s Gospel reading (John 10:1-10), we encounter Jesus, the good shepherd. And yet in this passage he does not refer to himself explicitly as the good shepherd. Instead he tells his followers, I am the gate. I am the … Continue reading
Wailing wall.
A decade ago I was blessed to visit the Holy Land. One of the most moving experiences for me was visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, an exposed section of a retaining wall built by Herod. Jews and other pilgrims … Continue reading
Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, hunger, love, peace, Uncategorized
Tagged community, gratitude, pandemic, prayer, social justice, welcome
Leave a comment
“We’re starving.”
These words yesterday, coming from one of our “church without walls” congregants, chilled me to the bone. At great inconvenience and physical hardship for herself, she made her way from a camp site to our food pantry, located about one … Continue reading
Believe in the light.
In today’s Gospel reading (John 12:20-36), Jesus told his disciples: “Believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus spoke these words at a time when his own soul was troubled. He understood what was to … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Grace, holy, love, Uncategorized
Tagged community, Holy Week, John 12:20-36, light, recovery
Leave a comment
Compassion crucifies fear.
God makes that possible. We begin our Palm Sunday, singing Hosanna, as Jesus rides into Jerusalem, bringing hope as a compassionate king, a merciful gracious leader who cares for all people, even and especially those who find themselves on the … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Grace, hunger, love, Recovery, Uncategorized
Tagged compassion, food assistance, Palm Sunday
2 Comments
Come from the four winds, O breath.
This morning the prophet Ezekiel reminds us that God is with us, that we can call on the One who created everything that is, even when it may seem, at moments at least, that we are left alone to face … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, Interfaith, love, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity
Leave a comment
Slow down, you move too fast.
This morning I went to gas up the car then stop by the grocery. “They may not have what we want but I’m sure we can find something useful,” I told my son. What I noticed as we ambled up … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
I know you.
Not too long ago, I was walking down a street in the historic section of St. Augustine. I had been to a church there to witness a friend make his vows as a Companion of St. Francis. Suddenly an urgent … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
2 Comments
A new Jerusalem.
The following sermon was offered at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 19, 2019. Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 11:1-18 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 Psalm 148 This morning I want to read a passage to you from … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Alleluia! The unexpected happens.
The Rev. Cn. Beth Tjoflat offered this sermon at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (Jacksonville, FL) on Sunday, April 21, 2019. Feast of the Resurrection Isaiah 65:17-25 Acts 10:34-43 Luke 24:1-12 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
walkingwithclare 