The Church will celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene on July 22nd. Mary Magdalene, known as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” holds a special place in Christian history. Her humble faith and love for Jesus have made her an enduring symbol of devotion. All four Gospels mention her, and she plays a significant role in Jesus’ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. On her feast day, we remember her profound role as the first witness to the resurrection. We also acknowledge her crucial part in spreading the Good News of the Risen Christ. The Church has always revered Mary Magdalene as one of the faithful women present at the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Consequently, Christian art has depicted and commemorated these women since the 3rd century. The Eastern Church refers to them as “The Myrrh-Bearers” because they carried myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body on the morning of the resurrection. Their celebration occurs on the third Sunday of Pascha (Easter), known as the “Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women.” Hymns and readings focus on their encounters with the risen Christ and their role in spreading the Good News of the resurrection. Icons of the myrrh-bearing women at the empty tomb are prominently displayed in Eastern churches. In keeping with Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ body with spices, create something spiced, such as Spice Cupcakes. Spiced Cupcakes Cupcakes 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup unsalted butter, softened ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup light brown sugar, packed ½ cup sour cream 2 large eggs – room temp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Cream Cheese Frosting ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp 8 oz cream cheese, room temp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 4 cups confectioner’s sugar 1-2 tablespoons of milk, as needed Dust with cinnamon Cupcakes To begin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Once sifted, proceed to beat the softened butter and sugars in a large bowl until creamy. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Following this, add half of the dry mixture and incorporate it into the batter along with the sour cream. Then, mix the remaining dry mixture until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. Place the batter into the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. To check if they are done, use a toothpick to test the center of the cupcakes. The toothpick should come out dry. Afterward, let the cupcakes cool on a wire rack until they are completely cooled before frosting. Cream Cheese Frosting For the Cream Cheese Frosting, begin by beating the room-temperature butter until creamy, then add the cream cheese and beat until well combined and smooth. Mix in the vanilla and salt. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth. If necessary, you can thin the frosting by adding one to two tablespoons of milk. Recipe from www.mamaneedscake.com HELPFUL LINKS: Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene with Books

Happy (almost) first day of March! This is such an exciting month in the Liturgical Year as we finish the season of Epiphany and begin to move through the season of Lent! I can’t wait to celebrate it with you! Here’s an overview with helpful links: March 4th - Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras March 5th - Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) March 17th - The Feast of St. Patrick March 19th - The Feast of St. Joseph, Earthly Father of Jesus March 25th - The Feast of the Annunciation March 30th - Laetare Sunday Helpful Links: If you'd like a calendar of the entire liturgical year, here's a PDF printout: Or a physical calendar you can hang on your wall: The Liturgical Home Liturgical Calendar for 202 4-25   Current Season: Epiphany then Lent The Season of Epiphany The Season of Lent March 4th - Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras The day before Lent begins is known as Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday ) , a day of feasting before the season of fasting begins. Traditionally, Christians would use rich foods like eggs, butter, and sugar before entering into the simpler meals of Lent. This led to the tradition of eating pancakes or King Cake on Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras The Very Best Southern King Cake March 5th - Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) We start Lent  with a very special service: Ash Wednesday.  On Ash Wednesday, the Body of Christ gathers to enter this time of devotion corporately. During the service, we look at our mortality and the consequences of our sins. Observing Ash Wednesday in Your Home The Season of Lent Quick and Easy Pretzels for Ash Wednesday March 17th - The Feast of St. Patrick On the Feast of St. Patrick, we honor the beloved missionary bishop who brought Christianity to Ireland. Captured by pirates as a young man and enslaved in Ireland, Patrick later escaped, only to return as a missionary, spreading the Gospel and establishing the Church throughout the land. Celebrating the Feast of St. Patrick Traditional Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick's Day My Favorite Children's Books on St. Patrick March 19th - The Feast of St. Joseph, Earthly Father of Jesus Celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph March 25th - The Feast of the Annunciation How to Celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation Waffles for the Feast of the Annunciation March 30th - Laetare Sunday Celebrating Laetare Sunday Simnel Cake for Laetare Sunday

Palm Sunday is coming quickly! Throughout Lent, we have been on a journey with Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem and to his eventual death. As Christians, Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey and being hailed by the people as the "King of Kings." It is also the first day of Holy Week, the last week of Jesus' earthly life. Holy Week is one of the most critical weeks of the Liturgical Year. We begin with Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and we walk with him through the days that follow. We will walk through every event in the bible that occurs; the flipping of the tables, the betrayal by Judas, the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It is a holy time filled with great sorrow and sobriety as we watch a man who knew no sin to be made sin for us. And yet, there is always hope in our hearts because we know that through his death, death, and sin will be defeated and he will rise in glorious triumph on Easter Sunday! Follow along as I share each special day along with the ways to commemorate each day in your home. To help you and your family to get ready for Palm Sunday, I am sharing my Palm Sunday Paper Doll Set . I created the set to help your children imagine and meditate on the moment when Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the last time. They can move Jesus and the donkey closer to Jerusalem each day and then on Palm Sunday, they can lay the cloaks and palms out for Jesus and the donkey to walk over. The play set was designed to be easily downloaded and set up so that you and your family are able to engage with the story. For individual purchase , click here . For groups or churches , click here .

As Christians, we know that Easter is the most important day of the Christian year. It is the day of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his triumph over sin and death. The death and resurrection of Jesus are the basis of our faith for, as St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15 , “if Christ is not risen then your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” But “in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead!” And in his resurrection, he has defeated sin and death and hell forever! This is why for Christians Easter is the most joyful and jubilant celebration of the entire year. For All of Easter But what happens after Easter Sunday? For many Christians, the celebration begins and ends on Easter Sunday and life returns to normal. But the miracle of Easter can’t possibly be contained in one day. Just as the birth of Jesus has an entire season of celebration known as the Twelve Days of Christmas or Christmastide, Easter also has a season of celebration known as the season of Easter. Unfortunately, many Christians are unaware of this season and miss out on its rich spiritual significance. This is why we need a book for all of Easter, the whole season of Eastertide, The Liturgical Home: Easter . 50 Days of Easter Since Easter is the summit of our faith, Eastertide is a season of feasting and celebration that lasts for 50 whole days! Eastertide begins at the Great Easter Vigil on Easter Eve and lasts until the giving of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church on Pentecost. During the season of Eastertide, we bask in the glory of the resurrection and celebrate the new life that we have in Christ. For 50 days, Christians around the world feast together, sing together and rejoice together in the resurrection of Our Lord and Savior. It is a deep and meaningful time that helps us to fully appreciate what Christ has accomplished for us. Eggs & Baskets Eastertide has a rich history with beautiful traditions and incredible foods from around the world. In this book, I’ve set about to recover those rich traditions that accompany the season. Not only are there explanations on the overall history of the seasons of the Church but also on the season of Eastertide. I recommend traditions for celebrating the whole season, as well as specific days such as the Rogation Days and Ascension Day. I provide the history of all of the symbols and traditions that we associate with Easter: Why are eggs a symbol of Easter? What’s the significance of the Easter basket? Why do we flower the cross on Easter Day? The background story to all of these things is just beautiful and will delight you as they did me. Devotions & Recipes I also include family devotions for the weeks of Easter as well as the special days, and (of course!) amazing Easter recipes from around the world. Now you may want to know which recipes I’ve included. I have 22 in the book , but I’ll only name a few here since I want to leave you some surprises! Look forward to Czech Sweet Easter Bread, Piquant Leg of Lamb, Blueberry & Lemon Tart, Divinity, and Osterfladen! The Journey Through the Season of Easter My hope is that this book will be a valuable resource for families who want to deepen their understanding and celebration of the beautiful season of Eastertide. Whether you are new to the Anglican tradition or a lifelong member, there is something in this book for everyone. So join me in celebrating this beautiful season of new life and resurrection, and let’s journey together through the joyous 50 days of Eastertide. Get your copy here: The Liturgical Home: Easter Let’s walk through the 50 days of Easter together, celebrating with feasting an joy the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Happy first day of April! Let's look at the special days! Easter was on the last day of March which moved us right into the season of Easter! Easter season begins with the Great Vigil of Easter and concludes 50 days later with Christ's Ascension and the birth of the Church on Pentecost Sunday. We celebrate the 50 days of Easter as one enormous feast or one enormous Sunday. There is absolutely no fasting allowed during this season of rejoicing! For 50 full days, we feast together, sing together, and rejoice together in the resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The first week of April is also the week after Easter and holds special significance. It is a special time to rest and celebrate the resurrection of the Lord. We also start April with Easter Monday, a day for rest and taking an Emmaus Walk. During April, we have an unusual occurrence, since the Feast of the Annunciation fell during Holy Week, it was moved to April 8th, so keep a lookout for that unusual date for the feast day! On April 21st, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, where we celebrate Jesus as the Good Shepherd. On April 25th, we will celebrate the Feast of St. Mark, honoring a faithful disciple of Jesus and writer of the Gospel book. Get ready! It's a busy but incredible month. Let us embrace it with wonder and awe! Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate this special month, including the history, recipes, and traditions. Helpful Links: The Season of Easter Easter Monday The Feast of the Annunciation The Feast of St. Mark

Make a traditional Simnel cake for Laetare Sunday! Traditionally, in England, they eat Simnel cakes (special rich fruitcakes) on this day. Simnel Cake is a rich cake filled with spices and dried fruits and decorated with marzipan. The cake is decorated with eleven marzipan balls representing the eleven faithful apostles (excluding Judas).  Simnel Cake Ingredients ½ cup candied cherries ( I used maraschino cherries) 3½ cups mixed dried fruit ( I bought bags of dried apricots, raisins, dates and prunes and combined them) 12 tablespoons soft unsalted butter 1 cup superfine sugar zest of 1 lemon 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ cup almond meal 3 large eggs 2 tablespoons milk 2½ pounds of marzipan to decorate (recipe for marzipan at the bottom of the page) confectioners’ sugar for rolling 1 tablespoon apricot jam (melted) 1 egg white (optional) Instructions Take everything you need out of the fridge so it can get to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter and line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform cake tin with a double layer of brown baking paper. Chop the cherries very finely and add them to the rest of the fruit. Cream the butter and sugar until very soft and light, and add the lemon zest. You could do this by hand, just with a bowl and wooden spoon, but I own up to using my freestanding mixer here. But it’s not crucial, not least because the intention with fruit cakes is not to whip air into them. Measure the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and ground almonds into a bowl and stir to combine. Add one of the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar with two tablespoons of the dry flour-and-spice ingredients. Then, beat in the remaining eggs in the same way. Beat in the rest of the dry ingredients and then the milk. Finally, fold in the fruit. Dust a surface with a little icing sugar, then roll out about 14oz of the marzipan. Cut it into an 8-inch circle, which will fit in the middle of the cake later. Spoon half of the fruit cake mixture into the cake tin, smoothing it down with a rubber spatula, and then lay the marzipan circle on top of it. Spoon the rest of the mixture into the tin on top of the marzipan circle and smooth the top again. Bake for half an hour and then turn the oven down to 300°F for another 1½ hours or until the cake has risen and is firm on top. Let it cool completely on a rack before you spring it open. Unspring the cooled fruit cake and unwrap the lining. Roll out another 14-oz circle of marzipan, paint the top of the cake with the melted apricot jam, and then stick it on. Make 11 apostle balls out of the remaining marzipan, roughly 1 inch in size. Beat the egg white just till it’s a bit frothy and loosened up a little, no more, and use that as glue to stick the apostles around the edge of the cake. Now for the part I love (but you can ignore it altogether). Paint the whole cake with egg white, then blow-torch the marzipan so it scorches slightly, giving a beauteously burnished look. Recipe from Nigella Lawson . Homemade Marzipan This recipe makes about 5 ounces of marzipan. I tripled it and had enough for the Simnel Cake. Ingredients 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp blanched almond flour  9 tbsp powdered sugar  1 1/2 tbsp water  1/4-1/2 tsp almond extract  Instructions First, process the almond flour and powdered sugar in a food processor. Add the water and almond extract and pulse a couple of times until the dough holds together and forms a ball. If the dough is too dry and doesn’t hold together, add a tiny bit more water. Make sure to add just a little until a thick dough is formed. If it’s too sticky and wet, add more almond flour. Take out the marzipan ball and knead it on a clean surface for about 30 seconds. You can now shape it into a log, wrap it in cling wrap, and refrigerate it. It will firm up slightly in the refrigerator.

Amid the seasons of penitence and preparation in the church calendar, Advent and Lent, little gems exist known as Refreshment Sundays. On these days, the penitential tone eases, hence the name. The Refreshment Sundays are Gaudete Sunday, which falls in the middle of Advent, and Laetare Sunday, which falls in the middle of Lent. Refreshment Sundays offer a pause in the austerity of their respective seasons, allowing us a moment of respite from the spiritual disciplines that we have taken on. They also shift the somber mood towards a more joyful anticipation. This pause is not a complete break from the season’s focus but rather a reminder that our preparation and penance have a purpose, that they lead us towards the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas and His Resurrection at Easter. A Lenten Pause Falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent, approximately halfway through this penitential season, Laetare Sunday offers a pause to remind us that we are almost through with our journey and Easter is almost here! It is an apex, a turning point, where we are offered a glimmer of hope and a lightening of the somber mood. It increases our sense of anticipation and serves as a reminder of the joy that the Lord brings into our lives, even in times of waiting and preparation. Laetare Sunday reminds us of the Christian journey’s duality: the balance of repentance with forgiveness, weeping with laughing and suffering with joy. It reminds us that even as we prepare, reflect, and repent, we do so with the joyful anticipation of the great mystery of our faith: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Rejoice! Laetare Sunday derives its name from Isaiah 66:10, the opening antiphon for the day.  “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her,     all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her,     all you who mourn over her.” Laetare means “rejoice” and not just “rejoice” without punctuation or emphasis. Laetare is an imperative, more like an enthusiastic exhortation or command: “Rejoice!” Right in the middle of Lent, we, as a people, are encouraged or urged to rejoice! This powerful scripture sets the tone for the day. It serves as a beautiful reminder that even in times of repentance and self-denial, there is hope! Laetare Sunday stands as a beacon of light, guiding us through our spiritual journey with the promise of joy and renewal. It invites us to pause and reflect on our journey so far. It also strengthens us to renew our spiritual disciplines in our home and to continue on our Lenten journey towards Easter.  Alternative Names   Laetare Sunday has many different names. Along with Refreshment Sunday, it also bears the names Mid-Lent Sunday, Mothering Sunday, and Rose Sunday. Before the adoption of the modern common lectionaries, it was called “the Sunday of the Five Loaves” since the Gospel reading for the Sunday was the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  Mothering Sunday In England, Laetare Sunday was known as “Mothering Sunday.” On this day, people could return to the church where they were baptized, called their “mother church.” Those who visited their “mother church” were said to have gone “a-mothering.” In medieval times, Mothering Sunday was a cause for great celebration because domestic servants were given the day off to visit their “mother church.” This also allowed them to visit their families and friends. Often, it was the sole occasion families could gather together since servants weren’t granted free days on other occasions. On Mothering Sunday, it was customary for children and young people to pick wildflowers on their way to church, place them in the church, and give them to their mothers. This religious tradition may have evolved into the secular tradition of Mother’s Day. Rose Sunday Laetare Sunday is also called Rose Sunday because clergy wear rose-colored vestments, unlike the typical penitential purple of Lent. The rose color, rather than purple, represents joy and rejoicing amid preparation and penance, serving as a visual reminder of the hope and light that the Resurrection of Christ brings to the world. Note: If reference is made to a single “Refreshment Sunday” or “Rose Sunday,” it usually means Laetare Sunday. Ways to Celebrate Laetare Sunday Visit your “mother” church, as they do in England, where people return to the church of their baptism on Laetare Sunday, known as “Mothering Sunday.”  Give your mother flowers. In some regions of the world, children present their mothers with flowers and small gifts, a custom that beautifully ties into the themes of joy and appreciation. Light a rose-colored candle. Embrace the tradition of using the color rose by lighting a rose-colored candle during your prayer time or meal.  Switch out your purple decor for rose. Decorate your table with rose pink-colored roses. Make a rose-colored dessert. In keeping with the theme of “Rose Sunday,” many families prepare rose-colored or flavored desserts. This can include strawberry or raspberry desserts, rose-colored macarons, and cakes adorned with rose petals or pink icing. Make a traditional Simnel Cake . The English eat Simnel cakes (special rich fruitcakes) on this day. Simnel Cake is a rich cake filled with spices and dried fruits and decorated with marzipan. The cake is decorated with eleven marzipan balls representing the eleven faithful apostles (excluding Judas).

Another "No Meat Friday" is coming up! I thought it would be helpful to give you one of my family's tried and true meatless recipes before Friday. That way you can shop and prepare ahead of time and you won't have a panic attack as I do when I realize it's Friday and I haven't thought through what I am going to cook! French Onion Soup during Lent is a family tradition of ours. We don't make it every Friday but we do make it at least once during the season. I was always intimidated by French Onion Soup. I thought it must be complicated to make but it is the easiest soup! The only thing that might be difficult is having stale bread on hand! The soup's flavor is rich and intense and when you add the homemade croutons and cheese, it's absolutely incredible! French Onion Soup 4 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 6 cups yellow or white onions, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 3 tablespoons flour (I use almond flour) 2 quarts water 1 cup red wine 1 bay leaf salt and pepper to taste croutons 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated thin slices of Swiss cheese Melt 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and stir to coat. Cover the onions and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover the pan, raise the heat, and stir in the teaspoons of salt and sugar. Cook until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Sautéed Onions, the base of the soup. Lower the heat. Stir in the flour and 1 more tablespoon of butter. Cook slowly, stirring for 2 to. 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Slowly add the water and the wine, stirring well. Add bay leaf. Simmer partly covered for 30 more minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Water and wine are added to the French Onion Soup base. Prepare large croutons. Pour the soup into a large casserole or individual ramekins. Sprinkle parmesan over the top. Add the croutons. Then lay down the thin slices of Swiss cheese. Sprinkle again with parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes and then broil until lightly brown. Homemade Croutons 1 loaf of stale French or Sourdough bread olive oil or butter Slice bread into 1/2" slices. Brush with olive oil or melted butter and broil until golden brown. Recipe from A Continual Feast Embrace the warmth of Lenten reflection with each spoonful of this rich, comforting French Onion Soup.

“Today is the beginning of our salvation, God is come among men; He who cannot be contained is contained in a womb; the timeless enters time. A great mystery! His conception is without seed, his emptying past telling! So great is this mystery! For God empties himself, takes flesh, and is fashioned as a creature when the angel tells the pure Virgin of her conception: ‘Rejoice, you who are full of grace; the Lord who has great mercy is with you!’” Stichera of Annunciation, St. John the Monk Today is the day we celebrate the Incarnation of the Son of God, the day when God was made flesh. On this day, we remember the Angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would bear the Messiah. And we remember Mary’s beautiful response, “I am the Lord’s servant... May it be unto me according to your word.” We celebrate the Annunciation on March 25 because it is nine months before another important celebration: the Nativity of our Lord which falls on December 25, Christmas day! Ways to Celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation Read Luke 1:26-38. Discuss what it must have been like for Mary to discover that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Ask them if God has ever called them to do something that felt impossible or scary. How did Mary respond? Since today is a feast day, make waffles ! Waffles covered in whipped cream are the traditional fare in Sweden for the Feast of the Annunciation. The tradition dates back to the 12th century. Make Feast of the Annunciation cupcakes. Insert a single chocolate chip or small piece of candy into the batter of each cupcake. Bake them and ice them with pale blue icing. Explain to your children that pale blue is the traditional color for Mary and that the melted candy center of the cupcake represents the baby Jesus inside Mary. Place a centerpiece of red carnations on a central table in your home. Red carnations are symbolic of the Incarnation. Plant marigold seeds. Marigolds are named after the Blessed Virgin Mary. Explain to your children that although you cannot see the seed, it is there much like the baby inside Mary. Make an Annunciation Candle. Take a pale blue or white pillar candle and carve out a niche in its side. Take a small image of the baby Jesus from a Christmas card or website, cut it to size, and place it inside the niche. Cut a small piece of fabric to fit over the niche. Pin the fabric into the candle in order to cover the niche. Explain to your children that the candle represents Mary and the baby Jesus.   Jere Lewis' Famous Waffles 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 2 cups milk 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons oil 2 heaping teaspoons of baking powder Preheat the waffle iron. Mix all ingredients until well blended. Pour slowly into greased iron. Cook until golden brown. Serve with syrup or whipped cream and fruit.

As the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude approaches on October 28th, the Church anticipates a unique celebration that honors not one but two remarkable saints. These apostolic partners are commemorated together due to ancient Christian traditions and writings that suggest their collaboration in spreading the Gospel and a shared martyrdom in distant Persia. Their cooperation and shared mission continue to inspire and guide the Christian community, reminding us that great deeds can be accomplished by working together. St. Simon the Zealot St. Simon was a devoted disciple of Jesus. He was distinguished from Simon Peter in that he was referred to as “The Zealot.” His epithet "Zealot" or "Zelotes" suggests that Simon may have belonged to the Zealot party. This ardent Jewish nationalist group resisted Roman occupation. While the Bible doesn't explicitly confirm this connection, it underscores Simon's passion and fervor for his beliefs. St. Simon the Zealot is one of the lesser-detailed apostles in the New Testament, and as such, much of his iconographic representation has been established by tradition. He is often shown with a saw which is about the tradition that he was martyred by being sawn in half. St. Jude St. Jude, also known as "Thaddeus," was another faithful disciple of Jesus. He was the brother of James the Less (Jude 1:1), another disciple of Jesus. He is specifically remembered for his inquiry into why Jesus chose to reveal himself to only a select few rather than the entire world. This intriguing question, posed by St. Jude in John 14:22-24, reflects his contemplative nature. Moreover, St. Jude's contribution to the New Testament includes the authorship of the Epistle of Jude—a letter that offers guidance and wisdom to early Christian communities. The Legend of King Abgar According to Legend, King Abgar V of Edessa (a city in modern-day southeastern Turkey) was suffering from leprosy. Having heard of Jesus' miraculous healing powers, Abgar sent a letter to Jesus asking Him to come to Edessa and cure him. Jesus replied to King Abgar's letter, expressing appreciation for his faith but explaining that He couldn't come to Edessa because His mission in Jerusalem was not yet complete. However, He promised to send one of His disciples to Edessa after His Ascension to heal the king and bring him the truth of the Gospel. Jesus then took a cloth and pressed it to His face. His image miraculously appeared on the cloth. Later, St. Jude brought the miraculous image of Jesus to Edessa along with the Good News of the Gospel. Upon receiving the image, King Abgar was healed. Consequently, King Abgar and many of his subjects converted to Christianity. Some ancient sources, like the historian Eusebius of Caesarea, mention the exchange of letters between Abgar and Jesus but not the image. Over time, the story of the image, known as The Image of Edessa or the Mandylion, became an integral part of the legend. The image became one of the most venerated relics in Christian history. It was believed to have been taken to Constantinople in the 10th century and, according to some traditions, might have been identified (or confused) with the Shroud of Turin in later times. This is why St. Jude is often depicted holding an image of Jesus in his hand. The Epistle of Jude The Epistle of Jude, written by St. Jude, is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, with only one chapter containing 25 verses. The letter is a passionate and urgent call for believers to remain faithful to the teachings they have received, and to be wary of false teachers. One of the most distinctive features of the Epistle of Jude is its reference to non-canonical texts. The mention of the dispute between Michael and Satan over Moses' body (Jude 9) does not appear elsewhere in the Bible, and the quote from the Book of Enoch (Jude 14-15) directly cites a text that is outside the canonical Jewish and Christian scriptures (though it is considered canonical in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church). Jude uses vivid and somewhat harsh imagery to describe the false teachers, making his warnings very graphic and memorable but the concluding doxology (verses 24-25) is one of the most beautiful and frequently quoted passages in the New Testament, acclaiming God and his son, Jesus Christ. Brothers in Apostleship Both St. Simon and St. Jude were witnesses to significant moments in the life of Jesus and the early Christian community. They followed Jesus as he preached and ministered up until his crucifixion, they witnessed his resurrection, received his teachings during the 40 days post-resurrection, and were present at his ascension. Their enduring commitment led them to the upper room, where they joined fellow disciples in awaiting the promised Holy Spirit and became Apostles of the Early Church. The joint celebration of St. Simon and St. Jude also reflects their shared missionary journey. Tradition holds that they ventured to distant Persia, where they fearlessly preached the Gospel. Their unwavering dedication to spreading the Good News ultimately led to their martyrdom. Today, the relics of St. Jude find their place of honor in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, serving as a testament to their bold faith and joint mission. The Acts of St. Simon and St. Jude The "Acts of Simon and Jude" is an apocryphal text that narrates the missionary journey of the apostles Simon the Zealot and Jude to the Persian Empire. This text, like many other apocryphal acts of the apostles, was written to provide a narrative about the later lives and missions of the apostles, for whom the canonical scriptures provide limited information. In this account, the apostles arrived in the ancient city of Babylon and began preaching the Gospel. Their endeavors, however, were not without resistance. The apostles encountered two powerful magicians, Zaroes and Arphaxat, who tried to oppose their missionary efforts with their magical abilities. In response, Simon and Jude began to perform a series of miracles that stood as a resounding counterpoint to the magicians' enchantments. These miracles, performed in the name of Jesus, served as a testament to the power of Jesus and validated their message in the eyes of the local population. Even influential figures within the Persian realm found themselves drawn to the Christian faith, leading to a profound wave of conversions. After many successful conversions and the establishment of Christian communities, both apostles were eventually martyred for their faith. Legend has it that St. Simon was sawn in half and that St. Jude was clubbed to death. The relics of St. Simon and St. Jude are believed to be located in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude Read the Epistle of Jude. Locate the area that used to be Persia on a map, then look at where Israel is. Discuss how far of a distance it would have been to travel by foot or by boat to spread the Gospel. Make Soul Cakes. Since The Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude occurs so close to All Hallow’s Eve and All Saints Day, traditionally Christians used to begin to prepare food such as soul cakes beginning on this day.

On October 23rd, Christians worldwide celebrate the Feast of St. James of Jerusalem, also known as James the Just or James, the Brother of the Lord (more on that later). St. James of Jerusalem was a remarkable leader and writer of the early Christian Church. His wisdom, character, and contributions to Christian thought continue to inspire and guide believers worldwide. As we honor his memory on this special day, may we also reflect on the timeless teachings in the Epistle of James, embracing a life of faith, wisdom, and good deeds. The Man Behind the Name According to Eusebius of Caesarea, the “father of church history,” St. James had a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, and this experience led to his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. From there, we learn about St. James of Jerusalem primarily from the Book of Acts and the writings of Paul in Galatians. These accounts shed light on his pivotal role in the early Christian Church. From Acts 1:14, we read that St. James was in the upper room praying when the Holy Spirit fell and was part of the early church in Jerusalem. Our next mention of him is in I Corinthians 15:7-8, where Paul recounts the risen Christ appearing to James, then all of the apostles, and last to Paul. In Galatians, Paul says that three years after his conversion and, after traveling and preaching to the Gentiles, he returned to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and saw no other apostle but James. Pillar of the Church We jump ahead in time in Galatians 2; Paul shares that it had been fourteen years since his conversion. He had been traveling and preaching the Good News to the Gentiles. He returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus to meet with the leaders of the Church and to make sure that they approved the gospel that he preached. Paul refers to James, Peter, and John as “esteemed pillars of the church” and says that they gave him and Barnabas “the right hand of fellowship” when they recognized the grace given to them. They agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles and that they would go to the Jews. They only asked that Paul and Barnabas continue to remember the poor. (Galatians 2:9-10) The Council at Jerusalem One of the most significant events in James’s life was his leadership in the Jerusalem Council, as documented in the Book of Acts (Acts 15). This council addressed critical issues related to the inclusion of Gentile converts into the Christian community and the observance of Jewish law. After hearing accounts from Peter, Paul, and Barnabas concerning the movement of the Holy Spirit amongst the Gentiles, St. James stood and spoke eloquently about God’s inclusion of Gentiles and their role in the Christian faith. His wisdom and leadership played a pivotal role in reaching a decision that allowed Gentiles to become part of the Christian community without adhering to all aspects of Jewish law. According to several early Christian historians, St. James is considered the first bishop of the Church in Jerusalem. He was highly esteemed among the Jews and Christians and was known for his piety, righteousness, and dedication to Jewish law. During his bishopric, the Church experienced famine and persecution from the Jewish religious leaders, eventually leading to his death.  A Martyr for the Faith Tragically, James’s life came to a violent end. According to the historian Josephus in his “Antiquities of the Jews,” James was brought before the Jewish high priest Ananus, who was known for his bold and insolent character. Ananus saw an opportunity to exercise his authority and rid himself of James because the Roman governor Festus had died, and his successor, Albinus, was not yet in office. In AD 62 or 69, Ananus assembled the Jewish Sanhedrin, a council of judges, and accused James and some of his companions of breaking Jewish law. Ananus then ordered that James and his companions be stoned to death for their alleged transgressions. This was a massive blow to the early church. The Controversy Surrounding James’s Brother There is an ongoing debate among Christian denominations regarding James’s relationship with Jesus. The concept of “brother” in Hebrew and many other ancient languages is more inclusive than the strict modern Western definition. In ancient cultures, people often used terms like “brother” to refer to male relatives within an extended family, including cousins, nephews, and other close male kin. This linguistic flexibility is relevant to discussions about the “brothers” of Jesus mentioned in the New Testament because it has led to different interpretations among scholars and within various Christian traditions. Some Christians interpret the term “brothers” to mean close relatives or cousins rather than biological siblings when discussing Jesus’ family. Others interpret it more literally, believing that Jesus had half-siblings, such as James, mentioned earlier.  The Epistle of James Tradition attributes the Epistle of James to St. James of Jerusalem. The Epistle is unique in its focus on practical Christian living and ethical guidance. Unlike texts that delve deeply into theology or doctrine, James offers practical advice on faith, patience, and justice . It emphasizes the importance of living out one’s faith through good works and challenges Christians to examine and improve their way of life. Symbols and Icons In Christian art and iconography, St. James of Jerusalem is often depicted holding a book or scroll, symbolizing his authorship of the Epistle of James. This image serves as a reminder of his enduring influence on Christian thought and practice. The Cathedral of St. James St. James of Jerusalem is considered the patron saint of Jerusalem, and the Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem is said to be built upon his remains. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. James of Jerusalem and St. James the son of Zebedee . It was built during the 12th century on the remains of a 5th-century Georgian church on a site identified as the burial place of St. James of Jerusalem. It is located in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem and is one of the few cathedrals from the Crusades to have survived almost intact.  Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. James Read the Book of James (it’s not long!) to gain insights into his teachings on faith and wisdom. Since St. James wrote a letter or epistle, take a moment to write a letter to a loved one. Explore Armenian culture and cuisine by making lavash, a traditional Armenian flatbread. Making lavash connects us with the rich heritage of the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem, where St. James’s Cathedral stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. the recipe —

As we celebrate the  Feast of St. Luke  on October 18th, I love incorporating small traditions into our daily life that bring the liturgical calendar into our homes. One fun way to do this is by baking something special that’s tied to the day. Did you know that pumpkins are a traditional St. Luke’s Day food? In Venice, Italy, there’s an old proverb that says pumpkins go stale on St. Luke’s Day! This idea may have been tied to the harvest season and the autumn transition. While we may not think of pumpkins as "going stale" now, it’s a great excuse to bake something warm and cozy with them as fall settles in. Since the Feast of St. Luke often comes with lovely “summer-like” days in the northern hemisphere (often called St. Luke’s Little Summer), I think baking a comforting treat with the rich flavors of fall is a wonderful way to celebrate. That’s where these  Pumpkin Muffins  come in. They’re moist, lightly spiced, and just perfect for an afternoon snack with tea or as a quick breakfast. Plus, they fill the house with that lovely autumn aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. Whether you're familiar with the  Feast of St. Luke  or simply looking for a reason to bake with pumpkin, this recipe is a delicious way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen. So, let’s get started! Pumpkin Muffins for the Feast of St. Luke 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease the muffin pans. Whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl until well combined. Add the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredient mixture. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding over-mixing. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pans. Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a central muffin comes out clean. The recipe yields 2 dozen muffins. Enjoy! These  Pumpkin Muffins  are a simple, sweet way to celebrate the Feast of St. Luke. As we honor this special man, may this small tradition remind us of the goodness God and the richness of our faith. Enjoy baking and savoring these muffins with your family or loved ones this St. Luke’s Day! And if you'd like to learn all about St. Luke and more meaningful ways to celebrate him in your home click here .