Fishing Is a Noble Occupation…, Epiphany 5 (C) – 2004

February 08, 2004

Fishing is a noble occupation. For some it is a sometimes-dangerous livelihood. Others find it an exciting sport or a tranquil form of relaxation. While conversations about the size, weight or species of fish may go on for hours, including descriptions of “the one that got away” the last thing most anglers want to get […]

When We Think of Kings and Queens…, Christ the King (B) – 2003

November 23, 2003

When we think of kings and queens, we easily link the thought to tyranny or scandal. Living in a republican democracy, it is difficult for us understand what possible connection there might be between Jesus and monarchy. After all, Jesus was “meek and mild.” He was so humble that he rode a donkey into Jerusalem […]

There Seem to Be Some People…, Proper 18 (B) – 2003

September 07, 2003

There seem to be some people who just can’t stop talking. Others hardly say a word. Perhaps the experts can dig into the psyches of such people and clue us in as to why Bert blithers on, interrupts, and rarely listens, and Sheila occasionally grunts but that is all! Then there are those who pride […]

A Usually Irate Parishioner…, Easter 6 (B) – 2003

May 25, 2003

A usually irate parishioner is said to have tackled the rector after church one Sunday morning. “I’m so glad you preached a historical sermon,” she said. The rector, shocked by this unusual praise beamed thanks. The parishioner continued, “Yes, because I am sick and tired of hearing about love all the time.” It really must […]

Isn’t It Odd How Shy…, Palm Sunday (B) – 2003

April 13, 2003

Isn’t it odd how shy we all are about processions? We don’t mind the choir and clergy dressing up and marching about the place. If we are asked to join in, that’s quite another matter. Processions are mini-journeys. Journeys can be nerve-wracking. There’s all the packing to do. If we have children, they must be […]

Righteous Indignation…, Lent 3 (B) – 2003

March 23, 2003

Righteous indignation is a tricky thing. One of the good things about the television set is that we can rant and rave at it in the solitude of our homes without doing much harm. Perhaps our spouse has to endure or leave the room, but the world is blissfully ignorant about the threats we may […]

The Thought of an All-Knowing…, Epiphany 7 (B) – 2003

February 23, 2003

The thought of an all-knowing God can be quite disturbing. If we really took seriously the words with which we begin each Eucharist, we might rush for the door: “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid.” There’s a story told of an Irish priest […]

Truth-Tellers Are…, Proper 25 (A) – 2002

October 27, 2002

Truth-tellers are uncomfortable folk to be around. We proudly show Uncle John and Aunt Pat our church building. We do so with a certain amount of trepidation and particularly because they claim some sort of superior knowledge about church architecture. To make matters worse the rector bumps into us as we are going into the […]

Think of South Dakota…, Proper 16 (A) – 2002

August 25, 2002

Think of South Dakota and one thinks of Mount Rushmore. Carved into the mountainside are the heads of some of the great leaders of the United States. It’s ironic that this monument is in the heart of an area sacred to the Lakota and Dakota people whose ancestors possessed the land centuries before George Washington’s […]

Duh Has Become…, Easter 3 (A) – 2002

April 14, 2002

“Duh” has become a word that indicates that we can’t believe that people don’t get it! Perhaps the hint of ridicule associated with “Duh” means that we shouldn’t use it at vestry meetings! It’s heartening to find that even Jesus’ closest friend and associates didn’t always get it. After the Resurrection some of the disciples […]

It’s Hard Getting God…, Lent 5 (A) – 2002

March 17, 2002

It’s hard getting God to obey us. After all we’re the ones on the scene. We know what we need, or our parish needs, or what we need as individuals. God should listen to us and take our advice. If God would only be here when needed, there would be no tragedy in our lives. […]