Author: Michael K. Marsh
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Going To Pharaoh- A Reflection On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
In the Episcopal Church the Feast of Martin Luther King, Jr., is celebrated on April 4, the date of his death. One of the things that strikes me about the gospel assigned for that day (Luke 6:27-36) is just how much Jesus sounds like Martin Luther King, Jr. “Love your enemies, do good to those Read more
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Making A Pledge To Normalcy
Late last Friday afternoon I went for a bike ride. I chased dirt roads through a neighborhood forest, spooked some deer, enjoyed cool weather, and kept an eye on the cloudy and darkening skies. My only goal was to get back to my truck before the sun set. It felt nice to be out and Read more
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By Another Road – An Epiphany Reflection On Matthew 2:1-12
A couple of weeks ago I had a dream that has stuck with me, asking for some attention and consideration. Toward the end of the dream, I decide to go home. The road home is on the other side of a small hill. I’m on my bike and when I get to the top of Read more
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What’s Your Here And Now Christmas Story?
You know the usual Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20). It happened “in those days” when Emperor Augustus issued a decree to “all the world.” He was pretty full of himself. It happened “in that region” where shepherds were living in the fields and working the night shift. They were neither imperial nor august. They were, rather, Read more
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Managing The Advent Crisis
In my previous post I suggested that Advent is less about a countdown to Christmas and more about a crisis. I’m not talking about our usual understanding of crisis as one of those “Aw, shhhiiioot!!” events in which something has gone wrong. I’m talking about the older, original understanding of the word. It comes from Read more
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The Crisis Of Advent
My post from a few days ago, Advent Truth, was the first in almost six months. During that time some of you may have wondered, “What happened to Mike?” A few of you emailed or left a comment asking that question. It’s a good question and one I’ve been asking myself. So, what happened? In Read more
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Advent Truth
These words from The Rev. Allan Boesak may be familiar to you. Over the years I have often posted them during Advent. There is a timeless quality about them in the way they speak to the realities of our lives today and the world in every generation. This year, however, they feel and sound to Read more
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Declaring How Much God Has Done – A Retirement Sermon On Luke 8:26-39
Several weeks ago I looked to see what the readings would be for today, my last Sunday to preach as your priest. My first thought when I read today’s gospel (Luke 8:26-39) was, Aw, come on God, really? The Gerasene demonic? An exorcism for my last Sunday? My second thought was, Am I the one Read more
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The Ending of a Pastoral Relationship
All: For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) V: So teach us to number our days:R: That we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)Let us pray. O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred Read more
Interrupting the Silence 