FROM FATHER JACOBSON: THE INCARNATION, ICONS & US

While reviewing and updating our Solemn Mass files ahead of Christmas Eve, I was struck by an instruction in the master of ceremonies’ binder which says, “the image is placed in the Crèche,” after arriving at the first station during the procession. The choice of the word “image,” rather than “the statue of the newborn Jesus,” or something else, seemed perfect to me as I also happened to be reading On the Divine Images by Saint John of Damascus (c. 675–749).

On the Divine Images is a collection of three texts that John of Damascus wrote in response to the Iconoclastic Controversy of the 8th century, which questioned whether the widespread and longstanding tradition of Christian iconography was in fact idolatry. The anti-icon—or iconoclastic—movement focused on the commandment, “You shall not make for yourself a graven image” (Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 5:8). In part, it was led by Emperor Leo III, who was searching for what possibly could have gone so wrong that God would have allowed Muslim armies to take a significant amount of territory from his Christian Empire.

These days, given the number of depictions of Our Lord and the saints throughout Saint Mary’s, I don’t expect that many readers of this newsletter would be particularly concerned about icons as idolatry, and so I won’t lay out all of John’s arguments in their defense. Nevertheless, as I write on the tenth day of Christmas, many of his themes are timely, as almost everything he argues flows from the doctrine of the Incarnation.

Once “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), how images were thought about needed to change. Prior to the Son taking on our human nature, it was “impossible to make an image of the immeasurable, uncircumscribed, invisible God” (On the Divine Images, 1.7). This is no longer the case as Jesus “is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), and he can therefore be depicted. It isn’t just in a practical sense of now having something to visualize, but rather, John discusses how matter itself has been transformed by the Son breaking into the world as “God has filled it with his grace and power” (On the Divine Images, 1:16). Matter itself needs to be thought about differently. Even if matter has been transformed, John is clear that the veneration of icons is a worship directed towards God and not the object. He describes it as analogous to bowing before a cross based on what the cross represents (On the Divine Images, 2.16).

It is still common practice in Episcopal parishes to bow as the processional cross passes, so extending a similar veneration to icons may be relatable. I imagine that it might be more surprising for some to learn that John argues that the role of icons is the same as the lessons or a sermon during the liturgy (On the Divine Images, 1.17, 3.12). It isn’t just that icons can depict the biblical scenes we read, but that hearing these stories, or the words of a sermon, paints a picture of God for us, like an icon, and makes God more accessible in a way that deepens our worship. All serve the same function.

Perhaps John’s most important—and most challenging—point concerns Genesis 1:26 and the teaching that we are all made in God’s image. While Jesus is the perfect image of the Father, we also are in God’s image, even if it is often in a not quite so perfect way. As all flesh has been transformed with Christ taking on flesh (On the Divine Images, 1.21), John takes our role as an image to a logical conclusion. He calls on us to worship God through the veneration of each other (On the Divine Images, 3.37). We too are icons of God.

This Friday, January 6, is the Epiphany. The Magi have finished their journey and recognize Christ manifest in the child, and so they worship him. We also return to venerate “the image” at the Crèche one last time. My prayer is that after “the image” is put away and stored, we will continue to see “the image” in others, especially in the poor and the vulnerable, and worship God through our care for them. — MDJ

THE PARISH PRAYER LIST

We pray for those who are sick and for those in any need or trouble. We pray for those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week; for those living with drought, storm, flood, fire, and earthquake;

And we pray especially for Harka, Patrick, Grace, Jason, Derek, Damar, Allison, Peter, Nadira, Gloria, Rachel, Mavis, Marilyn, Jane, Joanna, Ginny, Roger, Catherine, Tony, Clark, David, Pat, Eloise, Penny, Steven, Charles, Gloria, Thomas, Samantha, Larry, Lourdes, Luis, Liduvina, Nora, Harka, Joyce, Mary Hope, Marjorie, José, Linette, Gigi, Julie, Carol, Helga, Gina, Maria, Eric, Carlos, Christopher, Shalim, Greta, Quincy, Laverne, Ava Grace, Bruce, Barbara, Robert, Jeremy, Charlotte, Greg, Robert, Abe, Ethelyn, Gypsy, Hardy, Margaret, Hardy, Rick, priest, and for the repose of the soul of Laverne.

We also pray for the Chemin Neuf Community and the Community at the Crossing;
For the people of Ukraine and for an end to the Russian invasion;
For the people of Buffalo and Western New York;
For coadjutor bishop-elect, Matthew Heyd;
For all refugees and those seeking asylum;
For the work of Neighbors in Need and for its guests;
For those without food, shelter, or work; and for those seeking work;
For those troubled by depression, anxiety, or addiction;
For all those visiting Saint Mary’s this week;
And for the safety and welfare of our nation, city, and neighborhood.

Neighbors In Need, Saint Mary’s Outreach Ministry

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

We need 4 or 5 volunteers during the day on Monday, January 23,

to set up for the clothing distribution the following day. An ability to climb stairs and lift bags of clothing is essential. If you are not available, perhaps you have a friend or family members who is? This distribution is meant to serve the Spanish-speaking immigrants now living in our neighborhood.

We also need volunteers the previous week to prepare for the clothing distribution on  January 20.

Please look at your calendars and see if you can give us a few hours next month. Your help will be much appreciated.

Click here to learn more about our Neighbors in Need program.

ABOUT THE MUSIC ON THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY: THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD, JANUARY 8, 2023

The choral setting of the Mass on Sunday morning is Mass in the Dorian Mode by Herbert Howells (1892–1983). This posthumously published work of Howells was his first to receive a professional London performance when it was sung at Mass in Westminster Cathedral in November 1912 under the direction of Sir Richard Terry, just six months after Howells became a student at the Royal College of Music. Over the next four years Howells composed several more pieces in Latin for the liturgy at Westminster Cathedral, all of which soon slipped into obscurity, and none of which were published in his lifetime. Fortunately, these remarkable early pieces have been published subsequently and are taking their place along with Howells’s many later beloved settings for Anglican services. Howells’s Dorian Mass is clearly a product of the resurgence of Renaissance polyphony which the papal Motu Proprio of 1903 had encouraged, and which Dr. Terry’s work at Westminster Cathedral had anticipated. Almost a decade later, Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Mass in G minor (1921) would similarly reflect the inspiration and influence of Renaissance church music in early twentieth-century England.

The motet sung during the administration of Communion at the Solemn Mass on Sunday is God’s Child by award-winning American composer, Stephen Paulus (1949–2014). Paulus’s more than six hundred compositions include significant works for chorus, orchestra, chamber ensemble, voice, band, piano, and organ, as well as twelve operas. A recipient of NEA and Guggenheim Fellowships, his works have been premiered by many leading American orchestras and received with enthusiastic published reviews. His motet God’s Child dates from 2004. It was commissioned by Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and is dedicated “In loving appreciation for the ministry of the Reverend Dr. John H. Westerhoff.” John Westerhoff (1933–2022) was a noted American theologian and educator whose primary academic home was the Divinity School of Duke University where he had a distinguished two-decade teaching career. Ordained originally in 1958 by the United Church of Christ, Westerhoff was ordained an Episcopal priest early in his tenure at Duke and remained active as a theologian and priest in Atlanta parishes through his retirement years. The text of Paulus’s motet in Westerhoff’s honor is by the English poet, philosopher, and theologian Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834).

Sunday’s postlude, like the prelude, is also a work of J. S. Bach. His Fantasia in C minor (the same key as today’s prelude) may well have been modeled after the five-part fugues of Nicolas de Grigny. Its rich ornamentation, close imitation, and harmonic plan seem to combine features of the French, German, and Italian schools of Bach’s time. The Fantasia begins as an extended tonic pedal-point with four imitative voices entering one at a time above it. After arriving at a cadence on the dominant, a section follows which is similar to the first except that it is based upon a dominant pedal. From this half-way point forward, the pedal becomes a more active member of the counterpoint, and the pace of harmonic activity quickens as the music gradually winds its way back to a final tonic pedal. It is possible that a fugue was meant to follow this Fantasia, and a fragment of such a work exists. — David Hurd

THE ORGAN RECITAL ON JANUARY 6, 5:30 PM: AN ALL-UKRAINIAN PROGRAM

Dr. Gail Archer is director of the music program at Barnard College, Columbia University. She has long had an interest in Slavic music, especially the music of Ukraine.

On Friday evening, January 6, at 5:30 PM, Dr. Archer will play a program of music by Ukrainian composers: Piece in Five Movements by Tadeusz Machl (1922–2003); Chacona by Svitlana Ostrova (b. 1961), Fantasia  by Victor Goncharenko (b. 1959); and Passacaglia Mykola Kolessa (1903–2006). We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine for and an end to the Russian invasion.

CONGRATULATIONS, DR. HURD

On December 13, 2022, the Harvard University Choir presented its 113th annual Christmas Carol service, the oldest such service in America. On the program that evening was the world premiere of a piece written by our own David Hurd. From the service program: “The continuing vitality of the American carol tradition is heard throughout the [carol] service, foremost in the world premiere of Beneath a Dark, Familiar Sky by David Hurd. One of the foremost composers of American church music today, Dr. Hurd is also widely renowned as an organist, choral director, and educator. He was Professor of Sacred Music and Director of Chapel Music at the General Theological Seminary in New York City for nearly four decades and is currently Director of Music at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. His new work is a powerful setting of words by American poet Michael Hudson and pairs rich choral writing with a portentous organ part.” The performance of David’s piece has been archived on YouTube and you may listen to it by following this link. We are enormously proud of David and of all he has done for us, for his students, and for the church. In this season of gift-giving, we are grateful to David for sharing with us the gifts with which God has so richly blessed him.

AROUND THE PARISH

You are invited to come “un-decorate” on Saturday, January 7, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM in Saint Joseph’s Hall and in the church and chapels. It’s not as creative as decorating, but it’s fun to spend some time with fellow parishioners, to chat while working, and it’s a very helpful, satisfying, and useful ministry. For more information, please contact Grace Mudd.

Pledge envelopes were ordered last fall, but still have not been delivered. We have been in contact with the printer, who tells us that they have been experiencing production difficulties and are working on a backlog of orders. We expect delivery at the end of January or in early February. We apologize for the delay.

Our senior sexton, Harka Gurung, fell ill on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 4, and went home a bit early. He tells us that he is feeling much better, and he plans on returning to work on Monday, January 9. Please keep him in your prayers.

Our guest preacher at the Solemn Mass at 6:00 PM on the Feast of the Epiphany is Brother Jim Woodrum, SSJE. Brother Jim is a native of Bristol VA/TN. He studied music and euphonium performance at the University of South Carolina and went on to teach and play music professionally. In 2004, he began a long discernment to the “consecrated life” and arrived at the Society of Saint John the Evangelist as a postulant in January of 2012. He was initially professed in 2014 and life professed in 2017. He has served the community as sacristan, choir brother, facilities brother, and vocations brother, where he helped create the Society’s vocations website https://catchthelife.org. He is currently the brother that guides Mission & Communications and is the editor of SSJE’s Cowley Magazine. He has authored essays for Cowley, the “Earth and Altar” blog, the Saint Mary Magdalen School of Theology blog, and Attention! Magazine (a publication of CHADD–Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). He is an active preacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director. When Brother Jim is away from his desk (and that “Office” in the monastery chapel), he enjoys photography as a means to contemplative prayer, cooking Southern cuisine, exploring different neighborhoods in Boston, and has a keen interest in craft beer. We look forward to welcoming Brother Jim to Saint Mary’s.

Parishioner Jennifer Stevens recently finished her training and has now been licensed by the diocese to serve as a lay Eucharistic minister (LEM). She will undergo a bit of additional training here at the parish and will then begin visitations, brining Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. She and parishioner Marie Rosseels, who is also an LEM, will assist the parish clergy in this important ministry. Marie has been serving the parish in this way for some time now. We are grateful both to her and to Jennifer for their willingness to serve in this way.

Many Sundays and feast days in 2023 are available to donate the altar flowers. Among them are Sundays, February 5, 12, and 19; and Sunday, March 19 (Laetare Sunday). Please contact Chris Howatt if you would like to make a donation for one of the available dates.

Father Matt Jacobson will be away from the parish from the evening of January 8 through Friday, January 27, though can be reached by email. He will be the celebrant at the Solemn Mass on Sunday, January 29, the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.

THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARY’S

Friday, January 6, The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Morning Prayer 8:00 AM, Mass 12:10 PM, Organ Recital 5:30 PM, Procession and Solemn Mass 6:00 PM

Thursday, January 12, Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167, Morning Prayer 8:00 AM, Mass & Healing Service 12:10 PM, Evening Prayer 5:00 PM

Friday, January 13, Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367, Morning Prayer 8:00 AM, Mass 12:10 PM, Evening Prayer 5:00 PM

Saturday, January 14, Richard Meux Benson, Priest and Religious, 1915, and Charles Gore, Bishop and Religious, 1932, Mass 12:10 PM

Saturday, January 14, Eve of the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Evening Prayer 5:00 PM

Our regular daily liturgical schedule, Monday through Friday, is Morning Prayer 8:00 AM, Mass 12:10 PM, and Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM. Holy Hour is offered on Wednesday at 11:00 AM and Thursday’s Mass includes a Healing Service. On Saturday, Mass is celebrated at 12:10 PM and Evening Prayer is prayed at 5:00 PM. On Sundays, Solemn Mass is offered at 11:00 AM and Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM.

ADULT EDUCATION 2023

The Eucharist: the Gifts of God for the People of God
Sunday, January 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 19; April 23, 30; and May 7, 14, at 9:30–10:30 AM
in Saint Benedict’s Study in the Parish House, 145 West 46th Street

After the Christmas break, we will continue our year-long series on the Eucharist. In the fall, we considered the sacrament as a kind of multi-faceted jewel, as meal, sacrifice, memory, prayer, and presence. On January 15, we resume this series with a set of three classes, led by Father Sammy Wood, on the fundamental link between Sacrament & Mission.

On the Sundays in February, Father Jay Smith will teach a series of three classes in which he will continue last fall’s conversation about Eucharist as Presence, contrasting Catholic and Protestant conceptions of the Eucharist, discussing theology and doctrine, as well as poetry and hymn.

To find Saint Benedict’s Study, please enter Saint Joseph’s Hall via the entrance at 145 West 46th Street, bear right and head down the long hallway which takes you past the rest rooms, the windows, and then head toward the Sacristy. The classroom is located on your left, just short of the doors to the Smoke Room, the Control Room, and the Sacristy.

COMING UP: MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The church opens at 9:00 AM. Mass is celebrated in the Lady Chapel at 10:00 AM. The church closes at 11:30 AM. The parish offices are closed.

Friday, February 2, The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Morning Prayer 8:00 AM, Said Mass 12:10 PM, Organ Recital 5:30 PM (Dr. David Hurd, recitalist), Blessing of the Candles, Procession and Solemn Mass 6:00 PM.

Evensong & Benediction will not be offered during the month of January. It will resume on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 5:00 PM, and normally occurs on the first Sunday of the month in lieu of said Evening Prayer.

This edition of the Angelus was written and edited by Father Jay Smith, except as noted. Father Matt Jacobson also edits the newsletter and is responsible for formatting and posting it on the parish website and distributing it via mail and e-mail, with the assistance of Christopher Howatt, parish administrator, and parish volunteer, Clint Best.