Blog

Posted on

For Fr. Eric Ravndal III R.I.P. – Christ The Consoler And Assurance Of A New Unending Life

He was one of my best and lifelong friends. I met Fr. Eric Ravndal III, and his wife Sarah, and their four kids (Chris, Beth, Eric III, and Mary) in 1977. I was just 24 years old. We were both entering Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary on our journey to become Ordained Priests. We were instant friends which continued for 46 years. As I said in my sermon, he was given to us by God “to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage.” So true.

A couple of months ago, Eric asked me to preach at his funeral. Today, it was my honor to stand in the Pulpit of All Saints Episcopal Church of Winter Park where I was Rector from 2006-2018. In those years, I asked Eric to officially be the Retired Associate priest while I was there. We had renewed friendship with all of the Ravndals over the years we shared together.

It was a great honor to be with so many today at All Saints. So many wonderful memories to share. The Bach Festival Choir of Winter Park blessed us as the choir for the service. Eric’s four children gave exceptional and inspiring tributes.  Fr. Stu Shelby and Bishop Greg Brewer, led the Liturgy, and several classmates and their spouses from seminary days attended. It was a full house.

He lived a long and fruitful life and will be deeply missed. Loved him like a brother and a dear friend. As we lose those we love on our earthly pilgrimage, may God “give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by God’s call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Eric, I will see you again.

Here is the audio of my Sermon.

With you on The Journey and The Way,

Rob+

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

For Jane Nies: Consider The Lilies, Behold The Radiance

As I walk and live in this stage of my life, good friends and companions whom I have known and loved on this earthly pilgrimage are no longer here.  Jane Nies was one of them and she is now in the fullness of eternity with God. 

I was privileged to be the homilist at her funeral which took place at my former parish, All Saints, Winter Park, FL.  Jane and her husband Perry, became friends during the 12 years I served as Rector, and beyond. 

In my homily, I spoke of the radiance of her life, her lifelong seeking for spiritual, intellectual, and psychological growth in her Christian journey. 
 
I visited Jane’s family after her death, a visit filled with radiance and joy and laughter. Perry shared with me the love that he and Jane had for their summer remote Island home by the sea in Maine. They were surrounded for years and years by all that natural beauty, beholding and contemplating. They grew in their awareness that the natural beauty was not simply external, but was within them as well. In other words, they were aware of their oneness with the seen and the unseen beauty and mystery of God.

They lived at the intersection of two landscapes, where the vital  interplay between the material and spiritual, the visible and invisible  nourished their souls.
 
The Gospel lesson and text for my homily: 

Luke 12:27-31
 
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 

Jane was a seeker of God and God’s Kingdom, God’s active presence and sufficiency. She had a heart filled with radiance, the radiance of God’s love.  My life was enriched by her friendship.  May she continue to grow in the glory and radiance of Christ and eternity. 

I hope my reflections will bring hope and encouragement to you to behold the radiance in your life and of those you love.  

With you on the Journey and The Way, 
 
Rob+ 
All Saints Episcopal Church
Winter Park, Florida

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Ash Wednesday and The Season of Lent: Being With God

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

Beginnings and Endings. It is your ending and my ending that mark the beginning of this new season and that we remember on Ash Wednesday.

The reality of our ending is always before us. This past January I turned 70, a milestone moment of my journey of life. I am seeking many more. Yet, I am much closer to my ending than I am my beginning. Everyone of us, if life is kind, reaches this awareness sooner or later.

That this life does not last forever does not diminish life’s value, it gives it value. The temporality of life means that this one moment, this now, is priceless. There will never be another moment like this one.

“These days are golden, they must not slip away.” – Dougie MacLean

The question that this day is asking, is about your life before death. What do you want to do with your life? How do you want to live? Do you have life before death? How is it with your soul?

At the heart of the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, I find the way to continued grace and engagement with the gifts of life through these words from the Gospel reading, words of transforming wisdom from Jesus.

These are words of Jesus’ vision of fully human life, from the Sermon on the Mount. Scholars have pointed to this passage over the centuries as Jesus’ primary directive to his followers to pray contemplatively, beyond words or thoughts or feelings, as the way to connect with, attune to, and be transformed by Divine Presence:

“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:5-6

Prayer. We are always beginners. Prayer is simply the medium through which we communicate and commune with God. The practice of prayer is learning to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God, in order to become like him and partner with God in the world.

Lent invites us to practice living from a Contemplative Center. Life is like a breath. We must be able to live in an easy rhythm between give and take. If we cannot learn to live and breathe in this rhythm, we will place ourselves in grave danger. —David Steindl-Rast,

The ultimate aim is not to “pray more” or “pray better.” It’s what ancient Christians called union with God. As Julian of Norwich said long ago, “The whole reason why we pray is to be united into the vision and contemplation of him to whom we pray.” It’s to live each day more and more aware of and deeply connected to our Father; to be transformed into the likeness of his Son, Jesus; and to be filled with the fullness of his Spirit, to do what he made you to do in the world.

May I invite you to consider the words of Jesus that call us not only to speaking prayer, but wordless prayer?

For me, Wordless Prayer, Centering Prayer, has been a very treasured friend in practicing my engagement with God. Start slowly. Five minutes daily. Then increase to ten minutes daily. From there you will find your sweet spot, maybe twenty minutes once or twice a day.

Find silence. Be still. De-noise. Deepen your awareness in daily life. Resist reacting from a defensive, over-attached, or fear-driven fight/flight posture. If we want to change at a fundamental level, if we want to rid ourselves of the unconscious psychological baggage that often triggers us and gets in our way of living, we have to actually engage in a practice of being in silence and solitude with God.

Practice contemplative prayer this Lent! 

If you would like to see a full written reflection and prayer guide for contemplative prayer, click this link to my Substack Post: Substack Post and Prayer Guide

Come, Holy Spirit, And show us our Father, Our life source, Our longing, Our home.

With you on The Journey and The Way,

Rob+

 

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Advent III: ” What You See And Hear”

In the gospel reading for the third Sunday of Advent, the imprisoned John the Baptist asks the most heart-breaking question in the bible and asks it for all of us: ‘Are you the one … or must we wait for someone else?
 
When this inquiry is conveyed to Jesus, the Lord does not respond theoretically, but rather by pointing to things that are happening, namely, God’s grace is making people whole again. “Go tell John what you see and hear.”

When I was serving as a priest in the Diocese of Colorado, I had the gift of learning from my Bishop, Bill Frey. I will never forget how often he would proclaim: 
 
“Hope is the song of the future and faith is the courage to dance to its melody today.”

This is simply what Jesus says to John the Baptist and to us.  He is asking us to look and to listen to concrete events. Jesus is effecting something. Something is happening in Jesus. Exactly what  Isaiah 35 says will happen when the Messiah come. The Desert is Blooming!  
 
Suddenly things are happening. We can see and hear the effects of Jesus in the world. He is the One who is with us in all of the joys and sorrows of our lives.  We are never alone.
 
With you and the Journey and the Way, 
 
Rob+
 
 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

The Spiritual Wisdom of Advent II: John The Baptist

Prepare The Way of The Lord

This is my homily from the Second Sunday of Advent at  Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orlando, Florida at the 8:00 am service. I enjoy the quiet contemplative atmosphere of the first Eucharist of the day as it gives me a reflective approach to offering my engagement with the Gospel reading. 

I have returned to Emmanuel for the month of December as they prepare to welcome their new Rector, Fr. Jonathan Turtle in January. It is a gift for me to express the joy of a life long journey as a priest. 

May it bring you wisdom, and above all, deep hope in the friendship of God. 

With you on the Journey and The Way, 

Rob+

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

A Fanfare For The Feast Of St. Mary The Virgin. August 15, 2022

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin, the principal feast of Mary in all branches of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church, and even in some Protestant churches as well. Considering that she is regarded as the greatest of the saints, today marks the chief saints day which the church commemorates year by year.

In the Episcopal Church and Anglican tradition, Mary is honored in a full expression of devotion. In my seminary’s pattern of worship, at the Chapel named Saint Mary The Virgin, (Nashotah House), we began every service with praying the Angelus to the sounding of the Monastic Bell. I still offer this devotion when I stop my day to pray the Noonday Office. It brings calm presence to me.

I am grateful to have served two parishes that held services not only in the main sanctuary but also a “Lady Chapel” – a side Chapel named for Mary. Many people found a quiet place of stillness and silence welcoming them into the presence of Christ.

It has always been a cherished Feast Day for many, and for me too. Mary said yes to the Incarnation. She stood at the foot of the cross as her son was crucified. For these reasons I created a musical Fanfare to celebrate and remember all the many Eucharists I have celebrated in “the Lady Chapel” and all the associations God has given to me with Mary, the Mother of God.

May it be a graceful contemplative offering to you. Listen, pray, and contemplate the Icon of Mary. ( Earphones are best). 

With you on The Journey and The Way,

Rob+

 
 
 
 
 
 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost July 17, 2022 “Only One Thing Necessary – Attentive Openness To God.”

It was a gift today to serve as a Supply Priest at Christ The King Parish in Lakeland, Florida.  We lived in Lakeland in 1981-1982  when I was serving as Assistant Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church (sadly no longer a congregation). The Gospel Story of Jesus being welcomed by the two sisters Martha and Mary gives us much to ponder in the times we are living in.  (Lk 10: 38-42).

Fr. Ron Rolheiser, Roman Catholic Priest says it well:

”Today, a number of historical circumstances are blindly flowing together and accidentally conspiring to produce a climate within which it is difficult not just to think about God or to pray, but simply to have any interior depth whatsoever… We are distracting ourselves into spiritual oblivion… pathological busyness, distraction, and restlessness are major blocks today within our spiritual lives.”

This is the antidote is given by Jesus: “Do not focus on the many things of distraction, but focus on the one thing necessary – the unum necessarium.

 It was Mary, said Jesus, who chose the better part: being present to the presence of God. It was choosing to be in loving union with the Real Presence of Jesus, interpersonal engagement, and to sit at his feet, listening to his word, being still in his presence. Mary took the posture of an apprentice to a teacher. She was becoming a disciple, a follower of The Way. And it will not be taken away from her –  it alone is enduring.

Like both Martha and Mary, we are invited to ground our lives, our words and our actions in the grace, love, and presence of Christ.  This is the pattern of Jesus: loving union first with his Father, then loving those he came to serve.  Listening alway comes first. 

With you on the Journey of Transformation, 
 
Rob+

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Come Down O Love Divine: A Hymn Meditation For Pentecost

I offer this meditation and prayer on the exquisite Hymn: Come Down O Love Divine, sung by Anglicans and Episcopalians around the world on Pentecost Sunday.  The lyric was composed by Bianco de Sienna, Italy, in the 14th century. The tune is from Ralph Vaughn Williams. (I play an instrumentation of the melody I created for the prayer.)

It happens to be one of my most treasured hymns that has brought cleansing, illumination, and union with God in my  journey and pilgrimage of life.  It frames the very heart of a transforming friendship with the Lord. 

May you find a touch of the Spirit in my sharing with you. 

With you on The Journey, 

Rob+

Come down, O Love divine,
seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardor glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.

2 O let it freely burn,
till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
and let thy glorious light
shine ever on my sight,
and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

3 And so the yearning strong,
with which the soul will long,
shall far outpass the power of human telling;
for none can guess its grace,
till Love create a place
wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.

Hymnal of The Episcopal Church #516

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

The Good Shepherd And Confident Companionship

I have just returned from a wonderful invitation to lead a Mens Retreat for The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew of The Diocese of Oklahoma. My very good friend Fr. David Bumstead, The Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tulsa OK, also invited me to Celebrate Eucharist, Preach, and Officiate at Evensong this past Sunday, May 8th. 

Deeply encouraged by the vitality and life of this parish, as well as the new friendships made with the members of the Brotherhood, my cup is running over. 

Hope this sermon from the Gospel for the day, John 10:22-30, captures the gift of “Confident Companionship”  that is ours as we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow him. I begin with a few personal comments, and then the heart of my sermon.

With you on The Journey,

Rob+

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Concluding Reflection: The Serenity Prayer and The Journey Today

A favorite tree in Winter Park, FL. Serenity.

I enjoyed being with you through my Lenten Wednesday Reflections on The Serenity Prayer. Here is my personal summary:

It has been over four years since I transitioned out of full time ministry. Once again, a new season is emerging for me. In my current stage of the Journey of life, I am learning there are few things that really matter, and these are matters of the heart. I have learned the power of Serenity: seeking God’s grace to “accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

“Taking one day at a time” I am claiming my agency. Who am I now? I am a spiritual guide and living under the care of the Good and True Shepherd. I am an apprentice of Jesus and his Way of being. The key is daily surrendering to the life giving will of God. As Ignatius of Loyola says: “God’s grace and love are enough for me.”

Each moment is full of goodness. Why are we in such a hurry to rush on to the next one? There’s so much here to see, to enjoy, to gratefully receive, to celebrate, to share.

It is time to let go of what Cistercian Monk Thomas Keating names as the “emotional programs for happiness,” three instincts that touch our deepest human longings: control, affection, and security. They work through our often unconscious motivations, our shadows, our unawareness. The spiritual life helps us to mature, to grow beyond these early childhood legitimate needs, that in adult life can become the seedbed for addiction, and can also lead to a false and illegitimate way of being in the world.

It is time to change the direction we are looking in for happiness! As the Serenity Prayer concludes:

“That I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him in the next.” In God alone, we have everything. That is truly the case. Trust it deeply.

I’m “reasonably happy.” Reasonably happy is more than enough! 

So when you find you have lost your way and your serenity, step back and:

Slow down.
Breathe.
Come back to the moment.
Receive the good as gift.
Accept the hard as a pathway to peace.
Abide in His love.

With you on The Journey,

Rob+