But First…. – A Sermon On Luke 9:51-62

Today’s gospel (Luke 9:51-62) is a difficult one. It’s confrontational and it doesn’t leave much, if any, wiggle room. “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” We’re either looking toward the kingdom or we are not. We’re either responding to the call of life or we’re not. We’re either open to the coming future or we’re not.

What Have We Confirmed? – A Sermon On Mark 10:2-16

Proper 22B - Mark 10:2-16 The confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh has been completed. But here’s what I wonder. What have we confirmed? I am not speaking of Judge Kavanaugh’s qualifications or character. This is about more than particular individuals. We…

Weeding out Judgment – A Sermon on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43; Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

“Where, then, did these weeds come from?” (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Parable of the Weeds, Proper 11A) Who has not at some point asked that question? You may not have used those same words and you may not have spoken it…

Lift Me Up and I Shall Live Again

From Blessed Paul Giustiniani as quoted by Dom Jean Leclerq in Alone with God (p. 113); 'The Lord lifts up those who fall’ [Ps. 145:15]. I never tire of repeating this word, which is the foundation of all my hope.…

No More Admirably Arranged Lives – A Sermon on Romans 6:12-23

A priest was visiting with a new parishioner and asked, “How’s your relationship with God?” The parishioner says, “There’s not much to tell. I like sinning. God likes forgiving. We get along just fine.” That story is an adaptation of…

The Freedom of Forgiveness, A Sermon on Luke 7:36-8:3

“Simon, ‘Do you see this woman?’” Jesus is not calling Simon’s attention to this woman. She has already done that. Her tears, her hair, her kisses, her touching, her anointing. Simon, no doubt, has been watching her. He has seen…

When Exile and Words of Comfort Meet – A Sermon on Isaiah 40:1-11, Advent 2B

The collect and readings for today, The Second Sunday of Advent, may be found here. The following sermon focuses on Isaiah 40:1-11. “Comfort, o comfort my people.” These are God’s ancient words to his people; spoken through the prophet Isaiah…

Breathe, You Have Been Pentecosted – A Sermon on John 20:19-23 for the Feast of Pentecost

The readings and collect for the Feast of Pentecost may be found here. The appointed gospel is John 20:19-23. When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the…

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