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The Mixed Bag Of Our Life – A Sermon On Matthew 16:13-20
What do you see when you look at yourself these days? What stands out for you? And what do you wish you could hide? What do you want others to see? And what’s the last thing you want them to see? I ask those questions because I think it’s easy to take one aspect or…
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“Uh-Oh” – A Sermon On Matthew 15:10-28
“Listen and understand,” Jesus says in today’s gospel (Matthew 15:10-28). Imagine what our world and lives might be like if listening and understanding were our daily practices. There is a lot of practical wisdom in what Jesus says and we’ve all experienced the truth of his words. Haven’t there been times when deep thorough listening…
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A Reaching Out Kind Of Faith – A Sermon On Matthew 14:22-33
“Just have faith.” “Get more faith.” “You need a stronger faith.” You’ve heard those kind of things, right? Maybe you’ve said or thought them to yourself. I think that’s often how we hear Jesus’ question to Peter in today’s gospel (Matthew 14:22-33).“You of little faith, why did you doubt?” The implication is that if Peter…
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Living In The Field Of Maybe – A Sermon On Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
“Let both of them grow together,” says the farmer in today’s gospel (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43), referring to the wheat and the weeds. Is that what you do? Do you just let the weeds keep on growing? Does that make sense to you? I’ll bet it didn’t make sense to the workers who want to gather…
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Did You Hear The One About The Rabbi And The Priest?
No, it’s not a joke. It’s a deep and growing friendship born of tragedy. A rabbi and a priest were brought together by gun violence. It is, as they say, “a club no one wants to belong to.” And yet it seems new members are continually being added. I joined the club on May 24,…
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Sowers, Seeds, And Soils – A Sermon On Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Have you ever asked someone a question and she or he responded by telling you a story? I have a mentor who often does that. I’ll go to him with something about my life – a question, a struggle, a wondering – and instead of giving me an answer or telling me what to do…
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What Is Stirring Your Life Today? – A Sermon On Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
When I was around three years old the army assigned my dad to Korea for about eighteen months. During that time my mom, sister, and I lived in my mom’s hometown. Shortly after Dad came home I was – to use Jesus’ imagery in today’s gospel (Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30) – acting like one of those…
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One Welcoming After Another – A Sermon On Matthew 10:40-42
Every Sunday we read the gospel – words on a page. But every now and then the words come to life. They take shape and form. The words become flesh and sometimes a new building. That’s what happened this past Thursday. A few of you and I gathered with more than one hundred others to…
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A Prayer For The Opening Of The Children’s Bereavement Center In Uvalde
God of love and compassion whose Son revealed your presence among us by restoring health and giving life: We you thank for the Children’s Bereavement Center; their compassion, care, and concern; and their vision for a center of healing and new life in Uvalde. We thank you for the donors, suppliers, architects, engineers, contractors, workers,…