Tag: Violence
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Now It Is Up To Us – A Good Friday Sermon On John 18:1-19:42
“‘It is finished.’ Then Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” “It is finished.” Those are not the words of a winner who accomplished his task. They are the words of a witness who, God help him, testified to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: – The truth about Read more
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Spoiler Alert: Christmas Happens In The Real World – A Sermon On Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
I think today’s gospel (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23) should have come with a spoiler alert. So here it is. Are you ready? Spoiler Alert: Christmas happens in the real world; not in the candlelight of a silent night, and not away in a manger. Here’s why I say that: Today’s gospel spoils whatever sentimental or romantic Read more
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Living Power Differently – A Sermon On John 18:33-37, Christ The King
Today is the Feast of Christ the King. Throughout history kings and kingdoms have at some level been associated with power. So today seems like a good day to reflect on power in our lives and world. Last week a woman came to my office seeking assistance. With tears in her eyes she said, “It’s Read more
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For The Love Of God, Lewiston, Israel, And Palestine – A Sermon On Matthew 22:34-46
Lewiston, Maine. I had never heard of Lewiston until last Wednesday night. Most of our country probably had never heard of Uvalde until that Tuesday in May last year. Lewiston now joins Uvalde, San Ysidro, El Paso, Killeen, Sutherland Springs, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, the Pulse Nightclub, and Las Vegas as one of the top Read more
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I Offer My Tears – Prayers For Israel And Gaza
By geography they are Israelis and Gazans. By ethnicity they are Jews and Arabs. By religion they are Jewish and Muslim. By history they are enemies. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. I wish it were that simple. I wish I could draw a bright line between who is right and who is wrong. Read more
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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, Read more
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And What About You, O God? – My Lament On The First Anniversary Of The Uvalde Shooting
Shortly after Easter I attended a retreat that focused on creativity and spirituality. In one of the workshops we were invited to write our own psalm. I knew that I would write about the mass shooting that occurred in Uvalde May 24, 2022, and the upcoming first anniversary of that tragedy. I was surprised by Read more
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The Jesus Choice – A Sermon On John 18:1-19:42 For Good Friday
We often come to this day, Good Friday, and talk about what Jesus on the cross did for us. We talk of his death as having accomplished and completed something for us. I think that’s why a little later in the liturgy we will say, “We glory in your cross, O Lord.” More and more, Read more
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The Reign Of Nonviolence – A Christ The King Sermon On Luke 23:33-43
“The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross.” The crucifixion in November? What’s that about? Someone even asked me if I was sure I had the correct gospel for today. It is the correct gospel for today and I completely understand their question. Today’s gospel (Luke 23:33-43) feels out of place. It seems strange Read more
Interrupting the Silence 