The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, reflects on the meaning of Easter, and how Jesus Christ's resurrection shows us what it means to be perfectly human. Join us in the observance of Easter Day, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/easter/
Apr 20, 2025•6 min•Ep. 11
Today, the Church sits in silence, remembering Christ's body being laid in the tomb. The Reverend Catherine Williams considers the meaning of this day of prayer and reflection. We welcome Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this season. Join us in the observance of Holy Week, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/easter/...
Apr 19, 2025•5 min•Ep. 10
Why is Good Friday good? The Reverend Dr Ishaya Anthony, Commonwealth Theologian at Westminster Abbey, reflects on Jesus' death. Join us in the observance of Holy Week, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/easter/
Apr 18, 2025•7 min•Ep. 8
The Reverend Catherine Williams considers the meaning of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet on Maundy Thursday in this Holy Week reflection. We welcome Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this season. The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, Minor Canon and Sacrist at the Abbey, reflects on the Arma Christi, the symbols of Christ’s passion, on the High Altar’s Lenten array. Join us in the observance of Holy We...
Apr 17, 2025•7 min•Ep. 8
The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, Minor Canon and Sacrist at the Abbey, reflects on the Arma Christi, the symbols of Christ’s passion, on the High Altar’s Lenten array. Join us in the observance of Holy Week, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/e aster/
Apr 13, 2025•6 min•Ep. 7
The Reverend Catherine Williams reflects on Jesus and Mary’s interaction at Bethany, as we move towards Holy Week and the events of Christ’s passion and death. We welcome Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this season. Join us in the observance of the Lenten season, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/lent...
Apr 06, 2025•5 min•Ep. 6
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner at the Abbey, examines Jesus’ beloved parable of the prodigal son, with its reminder of the new life that repentance can bring. Join us in the observance of the Lenten season, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/lent Receive these reflections and more in your inbox each week: https://westminster-abbey.org/subscribe...
Mar 30, 2025•6 min•Ep. 5
The Reverend Catherine Williams discovers the meaning of Jesus' parable of the fig tree, and how we grow in faith through our repentance. We welcome The Reverend Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this season.
Mar 23, 2025•5 min•Ep. 4
The Reverend Mark Birch discovers how our repentance is made possible through Jesus, bringing us closer to God. Join us in the observance of the Lenten season, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/lent Receive these reflections and more in your inbox each week: https://westminster-abbey.org/subscribe...
Mar 16, 2025•4 min•Ep. 3
Explore Jesus' journey through the wilderness, and how this inspires our Lenten journey of repentance. We welcome The Reverend Catherine Williams - an Anglican priest, spiritual director, and writer - as a guest contributor to our reflections throughout this season. Join us in the observance of the Lenten season, wherever you are, through online resources and streamed services. Find out more at: https://westminster-abbey.org/lent Receive these reflections and more in your inbox each week: https:...
Mar 09, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2
Join The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, as he explores the significance of Ash Wednesday, and how it helps us enter into the season of Lent.
Mar 05, 2025•5 min•Ep. 1
Join The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, on the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, as he explores why Christ’s birth matters. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/advent-and-christmas/
Jan 05, 2025•5 min•Ep. 8
Discover how the Feast of the Holy Name and the Abbey's Islip Chapel are connected, in this reflection from The Reverend Canon James Hawkey. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/advent-and-christmas/
Jan 01, 2025•5 min•Ep. 7
Ponder the meaning of young Jesus' teaching in the temple with The Reverend Amanda Bourne in a reflection for the First Sunday of Christmas. Listen to her reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/advent-and-christmas/
Dec 29, 2024•5 min•Ep. 6
Hear the good news of Christ's coming with The Very Reverend David Hoyle in this Christmas Day Reflection from Westminster Abbey. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
Dec 25, 2024•5 min•Ep. 5
Explore Elizabeth and Mary's response to God's promise with The Reverend Canon Jamie Hawkey on this Fourth Sunday of Advent. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
Dec 22, 2024•5 min•Ep. 4
Join The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival as she explores the psalm, reminding us of why we should 'rejoice in the Lord always'. Listen to her reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
Dec 15, 2024•4 min•Ep. 3
"God wants to be known in history" says The Reverend Canon Mark Birch, as he reflects on the Luke's gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent. Listen to his reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/Advent/
Dec 08, 2024•4 min•Ep. 2
Listen as The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, reflects on Luke’s gospel passage as we begin Advent and the new church year.
Dec 01, 2024•4 min•Ep. 1
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, The Reverend Amanda Bourne gives a potted history and a personal reflection about the celebratory hymn Rejoice, the Lord is King . Listen to the full track, and the rest of the album recorded by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.
Nov 24, 2024•6 min•Ep. 5
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival contextualises the hymn Abide with me – from its origins and Biblical inspiration to its miraculous powers for solders in the First World War. Listen to the full track, and the rest of the album recorded by the Choir of Westminster Abbey....
Nov 17, 2024•7 min•Ep. 4
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, sub-organist of Westminster Abbey Matthew Jorysz talks through how poetic lines about heaven and angels were turned into a double-choir anthem in Faire is the heaven . Listen to the full track, and the rest of the album recorded by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.
Nov 10, 2024•5 min•Ep. 3
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, Stuart O’Hara, a bass lay vicar in the Abbey Choir examines John Milton’s Blest Pair of Sirens and how careful composition is used to turn his words into a glorification of God. Listen to the full track, and the rest of the album recorded by the Choir of Westminster Abbey....
Nov 03, 2024•6 min•Ep. 2
Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, The Reverend Mark Birch talks about William Blake and the context in which he was writing to produce the well-known verses of Jerusalem . Listen to the full track, and the rest of the album recorded by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.
Oct 26, 2024•7 min•Ep. 1
In his Ascension Day sermon, Acting Minor Canon Ralph Godsall talks about the significance and importance of the day and the different truths it offers. Ascension Day occurs forty days after Easter Day and it marks Christ’s Ascension into heaven. It is a celebration of the power and authority of the lordship of the risen Christ and the commissioning of his disciples to continue his work. The Ascension is closely connected with the theme of mission and anticipates the birth of the worldwide Churc...
May 11, 2024•11 min
The Dean speaks about those who died at Gallipoli and those who have died in conflict since whilst drawing upon ideas the Book of Revelation wants to offer us: We should be known not forgotten. We belong together not apart. The Dean also tells a personal story about his Grandfather, who was saved by his bible and a cigarette case during the First World War. ANZAC Day is the anniversary of the landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey by allied forces on 25th April 1915. What followed was one...
Apr 26, 2024•10 min
On Easter Day, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us that Thomas needed proof of Jesus’ Resurrection, before reflecting upon what it means to be a Christian. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter
Mar 31, 2024•4 min
Beginning with the Gospel according to Matthew 27:57-66, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey talks about the day of stillness, the reality of Jesus’ death and the significance of it today. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter
Mar 30, 2024•4 min
On Good Friday, The Reverend Mark Birch focuses on the distinction between the cross and the crucifix, and how we remember Jesus’ death as a perversion of justice. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter
Mar 29, 2024•4 min
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle considers the Gospel according to John on Maundy Thursday, comparing the atmosphere in the city of Jerusalem to the words Jesus is sharing with his disciples. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter
Mar 28, 2024•3 min