As I write this, protests continue throughout our city and our nation. Last night was mostly peaceful, and we are starting to hear about civic leaders who are coming together to address the issues that have sparked such justified anger and resistance. As I write this, Covid-19 continues to be a threat all over the world. We know New York has done mighty battle with this foe and has seen some success. We are poised to begin opening on Monday—these next days will tell whether we are still on track for that to happen. And in the midst of all this, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen continues its work to meet the desperate need all around....

This weekend includes Memorial Day, always the last Monday in May, when we commemorate those who have served and died in our nation’s military conflicts. It is also the commonly regarded “official” beginning of summer. After Memorial Day weekend we usually start to move into a more relaxed framework. Days are longer and warmer. Schedules become more relaxed. Schools get out, and vacation plans are made. But not this Memorial Day—or at least not fully. Much is being redefined as we move through this season, imprinted as it is with Covid-19....

In my homily on Sunday I mentioned the anniversary during Holy Week of the devastating fire at Holy Apostles 30 years ago. Some parishioners were sharing photos of that time—before, after and after—and it was so moving to see the photographic record of new life rising (literally) from the ashes of what had once been....

It has been wonderful to be in contact with so many parishioners over the last two weeks; people who care deeply for one another and who have committed to strengthening connections even as we must attempt to do so remotely. It is no surprise that our community is reaching out to one another with love and care. I dare say we will never again take for granted our ability to be with one another in person!....

Last week I had the privilege of giving a chapel talk at an independent school on the Upper West Side. The students were middle-school aged, and despite some very real generalized anxiety about coronavirus, they listened closely and respectfully as I spoke about Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. They had studied HASK as an example in their “Love in Action” unit. I was there to make it real(er).....

The Vestry gathered for a day-long retreat last Saturday, comprised of a morning program and some business-like discussion in the afternoon. This year our time before lunch was led by the Rev. Posey Krakowski, a clergy colleague who is also an artist. She guided us through some exercises that involved looking closely at artwork. She started with a piece that she brought with her (this first exercise was to introduce us to the process and offer us an opportunity to practice). Then we moved into the church. Together we observed one of the stained glass windows, sharing observations, questions and insights.... ...The commission to pay attention is central in this season of Lent. We are asked to pay attention to our sinfulness; to all the ways in which we separate ourselves from God and from the abundance that God puts before us always. The first step in this process is taking some time to look closely and honestly at what is before us, as well as the choices we make accordingly (“things done and left undone”). So as we think about giving things up or adding commitments to our lives during this holy season, it might be a spiritually edifying first step to look closely—and without judgement—at some area of our lives that needs tending and care; to gaze at a part of our existence that, with restorative work and penitence, might be a point of entry for the Holy Spirit.

The musical Come from Away has been running on Broadway since it opened in 2013. It is adored by those who have seen it. Tourists and residents alike continue to fill seats at the Schoenfeld Theater, and no wonder. The show tells a story of open hearts and generosity in the midst of heartache and fear. The plot is based on something that really happened: in the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, when airplanes were grounded in the U.S., 6600 passengers and crew from 38 planes originally scheduled to fly into our country were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.... ...Although romance is the main focus of Valentine’s Day, the real St. Valentine was a healer who ministered to Christians who were persecuted in the earliest days of the church. His actions embodied Christ’s command to love others through acts of mercy. His commitment to Christ was made visible in his commitment to those around him who needed help....