Always with Christ

In 2018, the Feast of St. Gilbert of Sempringham is celebrated today, February 8 (transferred from its usual date of February 4). In St. Gilbert we find the story of a sickly and surly boy, who in the grace of God, learns what it means to go the way of the cross and finds the strength, in Christ, to bring peace in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of England, and to elevate the regard of women, who had been so abused during the war, to its rightful place in Religious life and in English society. Matthew 19:27-30.

On February 7th, we remember St. Romuald, Abbot and founder of the Camaldolese order. Much of his youth was spent in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, though there was a spark of desire toward holiness. In the powerful grace of God, that spark was fanned to a flame and through his witness, many were brought to faith and repentance. Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6

In this very special episode of Homilies from Holy Cross, we are pleased to bring to you a homily by the Most Rev. Ray Sutton, who was visiting with us at Holy Cross on Sexagesima Sunday and brought us this excellent reflection on this day's Gospel lesson from Luke 8:4-18

On this day, February 6, we are called to remember St. Titus, a Gentile convert and companion of St. Paul in his missionary journeys, i\who was consecrated by the same St, Paul as the first Bishop of the Island of Crete, and receives the New Testament letter from St. Paul that bears his name. Luke 10:1-9

On February 5, we a called to remember St. Agatha, one of the precious Virgin Martyrs who show us, even in their youth, how to love our Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Against the claims of the "super-apostles," in today's Epistle, St. Paul reveals to us that the way of the true faith leads us into the cross-shaped life. But the glory of the cross is hidden from those who count success and failure by the things of this present age. How do we learn to see the truth? How can we receive the truth in faith? By taking heed to our hearts, examining what we love and seek, and in the grace of God, breaking up the fallow ground of our heart, removing the stones and thorns of temptation and competing loves, 1 Corinthians 11:19, Luke 8:4

Always with Christ is a presentation of Holy Cross Anglican Church in Alpine, Texas, and is presented by Fr. Damien Grout. In this special episode for February 2, we celebrate the end of the 40 days of Christmas celebration that began on the Feast of the Nativity with the 40th day of the life of Christ in which he is presented at the Temple. To assist us in our joy, we hear a homily from St. Ambrose of Milan on this great feast. Luke 2:22

On February 1, we are called to remember St. Ignatius (35-107), Bishop of Antioch, who lived during the days of the Apostles themselves, was trained in the Faith by St. John the Apostle, was made Bishop of Antioch by St. Peter, and who lived and died for the life of the Church. He is best known for his 7 letters that he wrote to that various Churches in the region as he was being transported from Antioch, where he was arrested, to Rome, where he would receive the martyrs crown. Today, we read from a Homily from St. Ignatius himself. John 12:24-28.

January 30th is a remembrance precious to all Christians, but especially to catholic minded Anglicans, for on this day we remember the martyrdom of Charles Stuart, who gave his life to uphold the apostolic faith in England. Matthew 21:33-41

All of the lessons today point us to the theme of preparation, which is the perfect way to enter these 3 Gesima Sundays. which is a season of preparation for the coming season of Lent. Joshua 1:1-9, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Matthew 20:1-16