Below you will find a collection of recent reflections and posts from our clergy and staff.
Reflections
A Reflection from The Rev. Megan McDermott // Wednesday, August 12, 2026
MIRIAM & WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PROPHET
This week, I got to briefly join in on the fun of choir camp. Before serving as a chaperone for Tuesday’s mini golf outing, I offered a brief reflection for the campers at noonday prayer. My thoughts about music and the Bible led me to revisiting the story of Miriam, Moses’ older sister and the first woman given the title of prophet in Scripture.
After the Hebrew people crossed the Red Sea, “the prophet Miriam….took a tambourine in her hand” (Exodus 15:20 CEBS) and led others in tambourine playing, dancing, and singing. Miriam’s musical leadership seems to be a part of her role as a prophet – a part of the way she celebrated with her people and helped turn them towards God. As one children’s Bible, The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind & Contemplative Kids, puts it, “God’s people started their new lives with free and ferocious dancing. The people Pharoah had used and discarded, named Worthless and Disposable, now shimmered in their freedom.” Music helped bring the people together; music helped remind people of their worth.
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Later in the Old Testament book of Micah, Miriam is listed alongside her brothers Aaron and Moses as those who God “sent before” (Micah 6:4 CEB) the people. When we hear the story of her singing and playing the tambourine, we should consider it part of God’s work to liberate the people.
Through the rest of this week, children and youth will continue honing their musical skills at All Saints. Music can be great fun and a part of a person’s artistic development, but Scripture also tells us it can be prophetic when you sing a song to God or invite others into song to God! I am excited to pay attention this Sunday for the prophetic quality that might be present in our music this Sunday, especially what’s led by our choir camp participants!
-Rev. Megan
Image: By Pippa Blackall, 2008, in St Edmundsbury Cathedral