An Episcopal Priest's Sermons, Prayers, and Reflections on Life, Becoming Human, and Discovering Our Divinity
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” That’s the first line in today’s gospel (Matthew 4:1-11) and my first thought is, Well, that’s not fair. The Spirit and the devil…
Read More Let’s Not Waste A Good Temptation – A Sermon On Matthew 4:1-11
I’m not sure if this is a confession or just a description of where I am these days but I don’t want to do Lent this year. Do you? Let me explain what I mean by that. We began tonight…
Read More I Don’t Want To Do Lent This Year – An Ash Wednesday Sermon On Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Today's gospel (Matthew 17:1-9), the transfiguration of Jesus, is often thought of, described, or spoken of, as a mountaintop experience. And I think it is a mountaintop experience, but I'm beginning to think it's not the mountaintop experience we often…
Read More “Get Up And Do Not Be Afraid” – A Sermon On Matthew 17:1-9
Our older son Brandon often brought a friend over for supper. He was a really nice kid. He was polite and well behaved. He always said and did the right thing. I don’t remember his name but I do remember…
Read More Healing Our Divided Life – A Sermon On Matthew 5:21-37
Anybody feeling particularly salty today? How about bright and shining? You are “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” aren’t you? That’s what Jesus says about you in today’s gospel (Matthew 5:13-20). Today’s gospel is a small piece…
Read More Salt And Light – A Sermon On Matthew 5:13-20
“Now you are dismissing your servant in peace.” That’s what Simeon says in this evening’s gospel (Luke 2:22-40) after he took the child Jesus in him arms. Simeon’s experience of receiving and holding Jesus was one of being set free,…
Read More Let’s Wait And See – A Sermon On Luke 2:22-40
“Blessed.” Jesus says that word nine times in today’s gospel (Matthew 5:1-12). We often talk about ourselves or others as being blessed. “I’m blessed.” “She’s blessed.” “We’re really blessed.” You’ve said and heard those things, right? But here’s what I…
Read More We’re All Blessed – A Sermon On Matthew 5:1-12
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,” Jesus says in today’s gospel (Matthew 4:12-23) How’s that working for you? Who here has repented today? Anyone? No? Okay, well it’s still early, not even lunch time yet. Did anyone…
Read More Rethinking Repentance – A Sermon On Matthew 4:12-23
“What are you looking for?” That’s the question Jesus asks in today’s gospel (John 1:29-42). We’re now two weeks into the new year and I wonder, what are you looking for in 2023? It’s been seven and a half months…
Read More What Are You Looking For? – A Sermon On John 1:29-42
The child has been born. Take a deep breath. Breathe in the truth of his birth. The child has been born. I love the Christmas Day liturgy. It’s one of my favorite liturgies of the whole year. It’s so different…
Read More My New Christmas Word – A Christmas Day Sermon On Luke 2:8-20
Interrupting the Silence 