Rogation Sunday (Easter V)

The Collect. 

O LORD, from whom all good things do come; Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Epistle. St. James i. 22 - 27
 
The Gospel. St. John xvi. 23 - 33

Asking for God's Blessing
 
This Sunday, the Fifth Sunday after Easter, we gather to celebrate Rogation Sunday, a day rich with meaning in our Anglican tradition. “Rogation” comes from the Latin word rogare, meaning “to ask,” and on this day, we come together as a community to ask for God’s blessing—on our crops, our labors, and our lives. It’s a time to reflect on our dependence on Him for all good things and to seek His guidance as we strive to live out our faith.

Our Dependence on God

The Rogation Sunday Collect sets the tone: “O Lord, from whom all good things do come; grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration, we may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same.” This is a humble admission that everything we have—our sustenance, our thoughts, our ability to act—comes from God. On Rogation Sunday, we traditionally ask for a fruitful harvest, but this prayer reminds us that our dependence goes deeper. We need His inspiration to even conceive of what is good, and His guidance to bring it to life. As we ask for His blessing on the earth, let us also seek His grace to align our hearts and hands with His will.

Living Out Our Faith

The Epistle from James challenges us further: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” It’s not enough to hear God’s word on Sundays or nod in agreement. James compares a mere hearer to someone who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets their own face. True faith, he says, is active: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” This is practical Christianity—caring for the vulnerable and pursuing personal holiness.

On this Rogation Sunday, as we pray for our community, let’s commit to being doers of the word within it. How can we support those in need—the lonely, the struggling, the overlooked? How can we guard our speech and our lives from the world’s corruption? Our faith must bear fruit, just as we hope the earth will.

The Power of Prayer

In the Gospel, Jesus offers us a remarkable promise: “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” This isn’t a blank check for selfish whims, but an invitation to pray boldly in alignment with Christ’s will. On this day of asking, let’s bring our needs before God—prayers for our community’s well-being, for the work of our hands, for the growth of His Church—trusting that the Father loves us and hears us because we love His Son.

Praise and Peace

The Rogation Sunday propers also call us to praise. The Introit urges us: “With a voice of singing declare ye… the Lord hath redeemed his people,” and the Offertory echoes, “O praise our God, ye people… who holdeth our soul in life.” Even as we ask, we rejoice in God’s redemption and mercy. And in the Gospel, Jesus gives us peace: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Amid life’s uncertainties, we find comfort in His victory.

So let us embrace our calling as a people who ask and act. Ask for God’s blessing on the earth and on our lives, trusting in His provision. Be doers of the Word, showing His love in our community. Pray with confidence in Jesus’ name. And live lives of praise, resting in the peace of His triumph. May the Lord, from whom all good things come, grant us grace to live this out, today and always. Amen.


--Fr. Chris Fish

He is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. 
To donate to St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland, please click here.

Services & Events

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland) 

Sunday School, 10:30 AM

Nursery 9:00 & 11:15 Services

Wednesday at Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing (for online participation please above under Sunday Services)

Next Vestry Meeting, Monday June 2, 7:30 PM, church undercroft

Saturday, June 7, 10:00 AM to Noon, 2nd Ladies Tea & Brunch in the church undercroft with a "Baby Shower" for the MaRih Crisis Pregnancy Center. And here's the link for more information and to attend:  https://pp.events/b2xyVvj8


NEW UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRiH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

As you will see in the list below, MaRiH Center has made a number of changes in its critically needed items. The Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
 In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need. Please note changes in diaper needs and other items.

*Diapers (sizes newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies
*Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
Baby bottles
*Bibs toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
Wash clothes
Hooded Towels
Spring/summer clothing: 3-6 mo, 2T
*Grocery gift cards

Food Bank Needs
The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). 

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
Copyright © 2025 St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.Our mailing address is:
St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625