Anno Domini 2026 February 23

Beloved of the Lord:

Today is Monday, 23 February, in the year of our Lord 2026. The scheduled services are as-follows:

• Tuesday (tomorrow): 5:30 PM, sung Mass, S. Matthias, Apostle & Martyr.
  6:30 PM, Evensong.
• Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Mass, Ember Wednesday.
• Thursday: 6:30 PM, Lenten Feria, Evensong, Holy Communion, followed by Soup & Study.
• Friday: 9:00 AM, Mass, Ember Friday, with Gregorian Canon.
  Immediately following, Stations of the Cross, Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Saturday: 10:00 AM, Ember Saturday, Holy Communion.
• Sunday: 8:30 AM, Deacon's Liturgy, Lent II.
  10:00 AM, Mass, Lent II.

Lent II already, if you can believe it! Although we'd a nice crowd at the Annual Meeting, not everyone was there. As-such, I'm going to briefly repeat the guidelines for tithing ~ certainly an appropriate topic for Lent.

Tithing is calculated from the gross income ~ first fruits, to use the biblical phrase. We often hear the figure of 10%. While this is accurate, it should also be noted that this a starting-point, not the goal. Recall the relevant passages in The Acts of the Apostle's, wherein the standard for giving is 100%!

The work of the Church continues every moment of every day. Whenever we go on-vacation, as we all enjoy doing, we must ensure that the tithe due for the period we shall be away is given, before or after our absence, or perhaps during, if you're a high 'tech, electronic giver.

Lastly, many will calculate their tithe, and then divide it between various charitable enterprises that they wish to support. Giving to organisations outside of Holy Church is a noble impulse, to be sure. However, the tithe, properly speaking, whether it be 10% or more, should be given in its entirety to the Church. This is your spiritual home, where you are fed and nourished by the Blood of the Lamb, the word of God, and the gifts of the Spirit. Any giving to other entities beyond the Church must come from funds above and beyond your tithe.

These, then, are the general borders for the practice of tithing. It is fundamental to our nature as Christians, and is a spiritual requirement ~ tithing is not optional. There will be times when demands arise, and we may not be able to give our customary amount. This is simply a part of life, but our duty then become to return to our standard level of giving, as best we can. I remain

in His praise,

The Rt. Rev'd T. L. Crowder

Pastor, Saint Matthew's Parish