Category Archives: holy

We must do better.

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently I spent several hours in a pediatric Emergency Department waiting room, seeking care for my son.  Many things struck me as I reflected on that evening, but one thing stayed with me: the crowded waiting room included many young … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, compassion, holy, Interfaith, love, Ministry, reconciliation, St. Clare of Assisi, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A gentle giant.

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory, Dear One.  This dear saint –The Rt. Rev. Charles Lovett Keyser — served as the fourth Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and, upon retirement, served generously in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, Interfaith, love, reconciliation | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Perspective.

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Sometimes, when we are in the thick of a struggle or crisis, we lose perspective. That is perfectly normal.  When we are able, stepping back can help us find new eyes to see.  This can be a great gift of … 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 →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, reconciliation, Recovery, unity, urban ministry | Tagged | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace, holy, hunger, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, hunger, love, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“We’re starving.”

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Grace, holy, hunger, Interfaith, love, Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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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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 →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Made holy.

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

At Church Without Walls, we often end the service with a blessing attributed to St. Clare. It includes the words: “Your Creator loves you, made you holy…” What does it mean to be loved, to be made holy? And how … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments