In this sermon, the Rev. Canon Anna E. Rossi explores the profound theological and emotional struggle to find meaning and God's presence amid suffering and atrocity, using the lens of the aftermath of the Shoah (Holocaust.) In all circumstances, even in the face of overwhelming evil, there is a human impulse to seek understanding through faith. The message affirms God's presence not in power or escape, but in solidarity with suffering —  applying Jewish feminist theologian Melissa Rafael’s assertion that God is in the ashes.” Through the crucifixion, it portrays divine compassion and calls the faithful to witness, serve, and love amid injustice, embodying Christ’s presence in a wounded world.

The Rev. Canon Mary Carter Greene

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

Exodus 12:1-14

Psalm 116:1, 10-17 

1 Corinthians 1:23-26

John 13:1-17,31b-35

Clergy and laity of the diocese gather to renew their vows of ordination and services in a beautiful Holy Week liturgy with the Rt. Rev. Austin Keith Rios, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California, preaching and presiding. This year, we will joyfully install the Very Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge as Dean of the San Francisco Deanery. Further, Oil of Chrism is consecrated in the midst of the liturgy, and healing oil blessed. Oils will be made available to the congregations of the diocese, and containers will be provided.

In her Palm Sunday homily, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde reflects on the tension between purposeful action and humble acceptance, using Jesus’ journey to the cross as a model of courageous surrender. She draws on Scripture, the Serenity Prayer, and personal experience to explore how we are called to live with intention even when faced with hardship or circumstances beyond our control. Jesus' deliberate path into Jerusalem and his ultimate acceptance of suffering illustrate a profound trust in God—not passivity, but a love-rooted surrender that brings strength and freedom. Budde invites listeners to open their hearts during Holy Week, to name their struggles honestly, and to find grace in the stillness, the silence, and the shared journey with Christ through whatever cannot be changed.

The intensive sensory experience of today’s Gospel might obscure the context of a meal. This is especially poignant in a gospel that has no institution narrative, but offers a rich Eucharistic interpretation through themes of memory, community, and ethics. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus symbolizes memory, recalling Jesus’ command to remember Him. The community aspect is highlighted by Mary’s role as a full disciple, reversing social hierarchies. The ethical message challenges Judas’ insincere concern for the poor, urging the community to embody Christ’s love in service to the world.

Isaiah 43:16-21

Philippians 3:4b-14

John 12:1-8

Psalm 126

Lent 5C

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

March 30, 2025

Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 32

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Luke15:1-3, 11b-32

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 2F12

3 Lent (Year C) 11:00 a.m. Eucharist Sunday

23 March 2025

Exodus 3:1-15

Psalm 63:1-8

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Luke 13:1-9

The time has come to change your life. Alex Ross writes about a sound and light installation by the composer John Luther Adams (1953-) at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. It is called The Place Where You Go to Listen. The title refers to Naalagiagvik, a beach on the Arctic Ocean, where a particular Inupiaq woman could hear and understand the voices of whales, birds, other creatures and even the whole planet around her.

“O God… my soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast” (Ps. 63).

March 16, 2025

The Second Sunday in Lent

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Luke 13:31-35

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 2F10                                           

1 Lent (Year C) 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Eucharist                                     

Sunday 9 March 2025 | Litany of Penitence                                       

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Romans 10:8b-13

Luke 4:1-13

Are you living your real life? Or are you merely trying to avoid or dull the pain of existing? So much is at stake these days. And because we are involved there is no simple answer.

We give this holy instant to you O God. Guide us as we follow, certain your direction will lead us into peace. Amen. [i]

[i] Based on Norwood Pratt’s prayer. “This holy instant I would give to you. Be you in charge this day. I would follow you certain your direction gives me peace. Create in me a clean heart O Lord and renew a right spirit within me” 6 March 2025.