Category Archives: Christianity

Words matter.

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

After the Christmas break, my son began attending a new elementary school. The decision to move was not made lightly but transitions can be challenging.  As we moved through the first few weeks, I prayed a lot and there were … Continue reading →

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There is only now.

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered on Sunday, May 30, 2021 — Trinity SundaySt. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL Isaiah 6:1-8Romans 8:12-17John 3:1-17Psalm 29 In the name of God, Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. “There is almost no such thing as … Continue reading →

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Holy grit.

Posted on January 2, 2021 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

We enter a New Year with a sense of caution but also with great hope.  Recently someone asked me what title I might give the year 2020.  The first thing that came to mind was “holy grit.”  Many of us … Continue reading →

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Strength beyond our strength.

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

  The following sermon was offered at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, Fl, on the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 31, 2020, by The Rev. Canon Beth Tjoflat. Numbers 11:24-30 Psalm 104:25-35, 37 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23 +++++++++++ May … Continue reading →

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The gate.

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 →

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Wailing wall.

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 →

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Believe in the light.

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 →

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Compassion crucifies fear.

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 →

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Come from the four winds, O breath.

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 →

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Woke by Jesus.

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL, on Sunday, April 7, 2019 Fifth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Psalm 126   May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son … Continue reading →

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