Sylvain Reynard's Blog

Dear Everyone,

Passionflix has reached out to let me know that their plan is to release a complete boxed set of all films of “The Gabriel Series,” hopefully this fall. That’s all the information I have at the moment.

As you know, the DVDs of and are sold out at the Passionflix store. is still available.

I’ll post updates as I receive them. Thank you for your support and for helping Passionflix sell out of their inventory. Remember that you can continue to view all the films through Passionflix’s And audiobooks of all the books, including are still available.

All the best,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

I’ve been hearing from readers around the world asking about the Gabriel Series DVDs. Passionflix sells the DVDs directly and they don’t have region or country restrictions, which means they will work around the world. DVDs can be found

It looks like the DVDs for and are sold out. I will ask Passionflix for an update about their availability. In the meantime, you an always view the entire series through Passionflix by subscription Also, the films are available to rent or purchase through

If you’d rather listen to the audiobooks, they are also available (Including through

Thank you for reading, listening, and watching,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

Our Lenten journey is coming to an end. This week, all that remains of “Three Simple Rules” is a hymn adapted from John Wesley’s writings, “Stay in Love with God.” While I was looking for a recording of the hymn, I found a short introduction to “Three Simple Rules” Bishop Job, the author, which you can view The hymn is played at the end of the video.

This week, I intend to re-read the previous section on Prayer and try to structure my daily prayer around this guide. And I intend to take time to mediate on the hymn and other sacred music. I welcome your comments and reflections below, and your favourite sacred music.

On Sunday, I’ll be joining the All Things SR Podcast chatroom at 2PM (Eastern). Join me

I hope everyone celebrating has a Blessed Holy Week and a Happy Easter. I also want to wish a Chad Pesach Sameach to my Jewish friends as they celebrate Passover.

Peace be with you all,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

Thank you for journeying with me on this Lenten readalong. As we approach Easter, I am struck by how much I have learned from this year’s reading of “Three Simple Rules.” I’m grateful once again to Pastor Ginny for recommending it.

In the last chapter, “Stay in Love with God,” I was surprised and pleased to see Bishop Job quoting Henri Nouwen, who is a favourite Catholic writer of mine. Even though Bishop Job isn’t Catholic, he values the wisdom of Catholic writers. Even though I’m not Wesleyan, I value Bishop Job’s wisdom and have enjoyed this year’s reading.

This week we will read the chapter entitled, “A Guide for Daily Prayer.” In this chapter Bishop Job writes, “Prayer is at the center of a transformed life.” This week, and as we approach Easter, let us reflect on our prayer life and let us devote time to prayer daily. There is much in the world that troubles us – war, tariffs, violence, poverty, and suffering. Now is the time to pray . . .

I welcome your reflections and your prayers this week and I hope that you continued to have a blessed Lent.

Peace be with you all and with your communities,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

Each day that passes brings us closer to the celebration of Easter. I want to thank Pam and Leslie for inviting me to join the All Things SR Podcast chatroom on Sunday, April 13th at 2PM Eastern for a chat about our Lenten readalong.

This past week, on the chapter entitled, “Do Good.” This week, we will be reading and reflecting on the chapter, “Stay in Love with God.” In this chapter, Bishop Job reflects on spiritual disciplines such as public worship, prayer, and reading Scripture. While it is a short chapter, there is much for us to think about and I look forward to your comments. When I reflect on public worship, I’m immediately drawn to the importance of music. recording of the prayer of St Francis is a favourite, as is this of Psalm 130.

Lent continues to provide us with daily opportunities to develop and practice spiritual discipline.  I have been focusing on prayer, reflection, and silence, and am more conscious than ever of my shortcomings and my need for grace and redemption.  I am also keenly aware of my need to participate in community and in worship, and I am grateful to have opportunities for both. 

I look forward with much hope to Easter and I am grateful that you have joined me on this journey.

Peace be with you all,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

Thank you to all who are joining me on this year’s Lenten Readalong. This week, we are reading the next chapter, “Do Good,” from

In last week’s chapter, Bishop Job challenged us to adopt the rule “Do No Harm.” I’m grateful for the comments you shared with me on that chapter, and I invite those who’d like to comment to do so on the previous post.

This week, we will be reflecting on the rule, “Do Good.” In the opening pages of this chapter, Bishop Job offers two quotations from the writings of John Wesley, and challenges readers by pointing out that doing good is a universal command, which means that doing good should be directed at everyone and not just those we like or prefer.

Our Lenten journey continues to provide us with opportunities for spiritual growth and greater awareness of our own virtues and vices. Every day brings us closer to the celebration of Easter, which is the culmination of faith, hope, and love. 

As we read this chapter and meditate on it, I welcome your comments and reflections below.

Thank you for joining me on this Lenten journey. Peace be with you all,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

Thank you for joining me on this year’s Lenten Readalong. I’m enjoying the reading and am grateful for your comments and reflections. 

I approach Lent as an opportunity to develop spiritual discipline – to spend time daily in prayer, in the reading of Scripture, and in silent reflection. I think of Lent as a pilgrimage, where I endeavour to learn something new and important. It’s with this spirit that I approach our Lenten reading of

This week, we will read the chapter, “Do No Harm.”  Many of you will recognize this principle as part of the practice of medicine, but the principle is also followed by many people in their interactions with other human beings, with animals, and with the environment. 

We may be tempted to think of “Do No Harm” as a rule other people should follow and quickly point fingers when they fail to do so. But as this week’s reading reminds us, the rule must be applied to ourselves first. How can we expect others to follow this rule, when we don’t?

Bishop Job also provides us with a very important reminder concerning this principle, “I must do no harm, even while I seek a common good.” Here, the Bishop challenges our tendency as human beings to do harm in the service of good.  But the principle remains, despite our excuses.  I must do no harm, even when trying to achieve a good common for me and my neighbours. I will be pondering this point in the coming days …

I welcome your reflections below. Thank you for joining me.

Peace be with you all,

SR.

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Dear Everyone,

A blessed Ash Wednesday to everyone who is celebrating. I hope you’ll consider joining me in this year’s Lenten Readalong. I’ve chosen as this year’s reading. The book is available as both an ebook and a

I would like us to begin our reading with the Preface and the Introduction. Feel free to offer your comments and reflections on both below. Then starting next Wednesday, we will read “Do No Harm.” My plan is to post weekly on Wednesdays, and to schedule an opportunity for us to chat with the All Things SR Podcast prior to Easter. Stay tuned for those details.

In these times of uncertainties, tariffs, wars, and distress, Lent offers us an opportunity to pray and to listen. I hope that through this year’s reading, we will be inspired and strengthened and that the celebration of Easter will be all the more meaningful.

I want to emphasize that the invitation to read along with me is open to all. You don’t have to be Wesleyan, or Christian, or even a theist in order to join me. You are all invited and I welcome your participation.

Peace be with you all. I hope that your Lent is blessed.

Thank you for reading,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

Peace be with you this wintry Sunday.

I am inviting all of you to join me in this year’s Lenten Readalong, which will begin on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, and continue until Easter.

This year, we will be reading by Rueben Job. I have long admired the wisdom of John Wesley and desired to learn more about the Wesleyan tradition. I’m grateful to my friend Pastor Ginny, a United Methodist minister, for recommending Bishop Job’s book, which offers reflections on John Wesley’s wisdom.

I want to be sure to emphasize that this readalong is open to everyone and I welcome your participation. For me, Lent represents an annual journey and I am so grateful that for the past few years, I’ve been able to journey with so many readers around the world. It has been a tremendous blessing to me.

We will begin March 5th by reading the Preface and the Introduction. The book is available as an ebook and also as a Join me.

Thank you for reading,

SR

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Dear Everyone,

Please enjoy the following outtake, which takes place after the close of

-x-x-x-x-x-

Crash.

Gabriel Emerson startled awake.

Light from a street lamp streamed in through the bay windows, illuminating the half-empty bed. Julia was gone.  

It had been some time since their house in Cambridge had been invaded.  Gabriel had slightly relaxed since their move to Scotland. Nicholas Cassirer had upgraded the security systems in the townhouse provided by the university.  

Something had awoken him and so he strained his hearing.

Silence.

No light shone through the open door to the ensuite. No light from the hallway, which lead to the staircase and beyond, to his daughter’s room.

Clare.

He pulled on underwear and thrust his feet into slippers. Even with the heat engaged, it was cool inside the house.  He threw on a cashmere robe, grabbed his phone, and jogged to the nursery.

The toddler gate was still intact, spanning the threshold to the nursery.  Through the open door he saw Clare, sleeping peacefully in her crib.  A fanciful nightlight projected pink stars on the ceiling and wall.  The contents of the room seemed undisturbed.

Gabriel’s heart rate slowed and he carefully crept away.

Julia.

He flew down the staircase to the ground floor and found the gas fireplace burning, and lights twinkling on the Christmas tree.

Julia was sweeping what appeared to be broken glass.

“Are you hurt? What happened?”  He crossed toward her.

“I dropped one of the ornaments.” She straightened; her expression guilty. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Gabriel leaned down to kiss her, before examining her face. “But you’re all right?”

“I’m fine.”  She gazed wistfully at the fragments that glittered in the dustbin.  “It was pretty.”

“You’re pretty.”  Gabriel wrapped her in his arms.  Julianne was far too fetching in her tartan pyjamas, her long hair piled carelessly atop her head in a style he could not name.

“Be careful walking here. I may have missed a piece.” She put the broom aside, leaning it against a stack of boxes.

“Come here.”  Gabriel took her hand and led her to the couch.  She settled herself sideways on his lap. 

He cocked his head to one side.  “Do I hear … Christmas carols?”

“Satellite radio.”  Julia pointed to her cell phone, which sat on the coffee table.  “They play Christmas music all day and all night.”

“Of course they do.”  Gabriel wiped the sleep from his eyes and pulled her against his chest. He appraised the six foot tall Fraser fir, noting the carefully placed strands of white lights. “How did you manage to reach so high?”

“I borrowed a chair from the dining room, but I’m too short to put the star on top.  You’ll have to do it.”

He frowned. “I thought we were decorating tomorrow, with Clare.”

“I woke up in a panic, realizing that all the ornaments I bought are glass.  I thought it would be better if I decorated the tree while she was asleep.”

“Ah,” said Gabriel.  He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

Julia rested her head against his shoulder.  “I know you haven’t been sleeping well.”

“It’s all right,” he deflected, eyes still closed.  “What about you? I would have thought with the semester ended and examinations looming, you’d be mired in grading for Graham Todd’s class.” 

“I am, but I have a chance to catch up until exams start on the ninth of December.”

Instinctively, Gabriel slid his hand to the small of Julia’s back.  

“I’ll have to put the ornaments on the top half of the tree. We may need a fence.”

“A fence?” Gabriel opened his eyes and moved his left hand to Julia’s backside. He squeezed.

“You aren’t really listening, are you?” Julia leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. 

“I listen with my hands.”  

Gabriel’s kiss was unhurried. His right fingers sifted through her hair to find the hair tie, which he tugged, spilling the locks to her shoulders. He tossed the tie on the table.

“You’re very good at that.” She smiled against his lips.

“I’m good at a great many things.” He traced the curve of her cheek with his thumb. “What do you want for Christmas?”

“I want to go home to Selinsgrove and spend Christmas with our families.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Gabriel hummed.  His Christmas plans for Julia were far more elaborate. He thought of the unwrapped boxes hidden at the back of the wardrobe in his office and what Julia would look like wearing their contents . . .

“I suppose christening this room is out of the question?”

Julia laughed. “A bit risky, since I may have missed some glass.”

Gabriel scowled. 

“Are you awake now?” She looped her arm around his shoulders. 

“Absolutely.” He pulled back so he could examine her features – the warmth of her large, dark eyes and her rosy lips. “You’re quite fetching with your hair just so, in the glow from the fire.”

She smiled, slightly embarrassed. 

“We’ll save the fireside for another time. Come to bed.”  He lifted her to her feet and swept her into his arms.

“What about the tree? And the decorations?”

Gabriel began climbing the stairs. “We’ll put a toddler fence around the tree, and you can decorate to your heart’s content.”

“Someone is good at problem solving.”  Julia pushed a curl back from his forehead.

When they arrived at their bedroom, he kicked the door closed behind them before setting her on her feet.

Julia gazed up at a very awake, very focused Gabriel.

“Here.” He touched her chin, lifting her face so that he could kiss her properly.

With his gaze fixed on her, Gabriel removed his robe and slippers and walked her to the bed, joining her atop the comforter.  

Julia reclined next to him on her side.

He took her hand in his and pressed his lips to her knuckles. Lifting her head, he settled a pillow beneath her.

He touched her cheek once again before moving to undo the buttons of her top. 

“Too cold?” he whispered, parting the fabric to expose her breasts.

“Yes, warm me up.” She pulled his naked torso to hers, reveling in the contact. 

He chuckled against her lips, before pressing kisses down her neck and across her collarbone.

Julia’s hands smoothed across the muscles in his back.

He kissed across her breasts as he slowly freed her from her pyjama bottoms.

Julia pushed his boxer briefs over his hips and sighed when he stretched over her, his legs between hers.

“I worship you,” he said quietly.

Julia reached up to kiss the furrow in his brow, then drew him back into her arms, chest to chest.

Gabriel kissed her while his hands traced lazy patterns across her skin.  It was slow. It was sure. When Julia grabbed at his backside to move him forward, he gently tugged her wrist to rest above her head.

“Don’t make me rush,” he whispered, his fingers slipping between her legs.

She lifted her knees and curved a leg around his hips. “Please.”

“So impatient.” He chuckled, capturing her mouth again.  But he would not deny her.

When at last they connected fully, she sighed against his cheek. 

“What’s that sigh for?” Gabriel lifted his head, his expression concerned.

“I love you.” She stroked his face, her fingertips catching on the stubble. “I like how we feel together – like home.”

“Because you are home.” His words disappeared into her shoulder and then he was moving.

Julia laced his fingers with hers and closed her eyes …

Fin.

Thank you for reading,

SR.

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