The Prayerful Preacher – Convergent Streams

No, Society is NOT a S***hole, but God’s Kingdom

April 3, 2018 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

Recently I was challenged to not just write about prayer, but to live it. I have accepted that challenge. The fire that was lit under me has, for all intents and purposes, become a wildfire. My writing has become my clarion call to action in regard to social justice and commentary on the events of […]

Reflections on a Pentecost Past

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

I was reading my Pentecost homily from 2012 today (Ironically Pentecost fell on the first anniversary of my ordination). I was amazed at how much has changed and how much has stayed the same in the intervening six years. As for changes, my writing and preaching style have, improved (I hope!). The message of hope […]

A Small Parish Rejuvenated

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

On thinking about new beginnings, the historian in me came out and I was immediately drawn to the story of my own parish. In 2009, I began formation in the United Independent Catholic Church. I was appointed lay administrator for our ministry, SS Cyril and Methodius UICC was created. We began celebrating with simple prayer […]

A Commentary on Prayer

October 1, 2017October 2, 2017 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

‘We set forth our petitions before God, not in order to make known to Him our needs and desires, but rather so that we ourselves may realize that in these things it is necessary to turn to God for help.’ – St. Thomas Aquinas I am really bothered by all of the “prayers” that are […]

When Is A Cube of Bread Not A Cube of Bread?

July 1, 2017June 29, 2017 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

Growing up in a liberal protestant church, I had no conception of transubstantiation or consubstantiation. The church that I grew up in used cubes of white bread for communion. As a child, I knew however that little cube of bread was something very special. Because it was on a silver plate in church, it somehow […]

Ignorance, Love, and Enlightenment

July 1, 2017June 29, 2017 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is fulfilling the law.” (Romans 13:10) I am troubled that this most simple command is so blatantly ignored in society today. Many people fail to take the time to even think about their neighbors; to truly care about the […]

A Journey Home Finding One’s True Faith in an Unexpected Place

April 2, 2017April 2, 2017 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

I never thought when I entered college as a Religion major in 1979, that 30 some years later I would be an Old Catholic priest. I did not grow up Catholic. I was a member of the United Church of Christ. My plan was to finish college, go on to seminary and become a UCC […]

The Glory of Love and Salvation

January 2, 2017January 21, 2017 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

The prophet Jeremiah condemns Israel for its infidelity, but also reminds the people that God would not abandon them. God would offer a new covenant to his people; one that would be “written upon their hearts”. In the Bible, the heart is not the center of one’s affections, but rather the center of intellect. By […]

For the Love of God…

January 2, 2017January 21, 2017 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, […]

Ramblings on a Divisive Society

July 1, 2016December 21, 2016 The Rev. Father Andrew SmithLeave a Comment

There is so much division in the world today. Society tends to put everyone into boxes without looking deeper into their souls. We are all guilty of this. We tend to separate ourselves from those who are different; physical appearance, race, religion, political and social ideals, and any number of other categories. In an ever-changing […]