Sermons

The words of this mornings Gospel may be difficult to hear. The words may even seem harsh. Where are the comfortable words of Jesus, we may ask. The words of our Savior suggest the difficulty of the mission of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ mission is to oppose and overthrow evil. It is, in a sense, a…

In the gospel text from St. Luke, Jesus is quoted, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I will give you the Kingdom. Use your stuff so that you have permanent benefit from it. You will be happy if you are ready for my return.” Or, to paraphrase it in the simplest way, don’t be afraid, enjoy your…

In our Gospel today, Jesus says to us, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Recently, I heard the story of a older woman who, over the course of her life, had accumulated a large number of quilts. She had about 25 quilts, most of which had been handed down to her…

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. We recite this prayer, taken from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, often without focusing on the importance of…

Hospitality was an important aspect of life for Abraham and his descendants. Life in the tents of that nomadic people required a gracious response to travelers and a reputation for providing a generous welcome for them was highly prized. Note how carefully the writer of Genesis details Abraham’s response to the appearance of visitors as…

This is a remarkable story. Jesus turns everything upside down. The man who asked him the critical question was not satisfied with Jesus’ very simple, very clear, and very traditional answer. “Love God and love your neighbor” is very simple. It is ancient. The man, though, was not going to settle for that. He wanted…

The intent of the gospel appointed for this Sunday is very, very clear. Jesus is God. We know this because a young man is brought back to life. This is the first time in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus is given the name “Lord.” We know from the book of the first kings in the Hebrew…

Do you remember the Black Panther Party? That’s right – Eldridge Cleaver and company. Well, they’re back. In response to the White Militia Groups, now, black militia groups are springing up and some of them are calling themselves the Black Panthers. I heard a member of one of these groups interviewed this week and he…

The cost of discipleship is the central theme of the Gospel text from Luke, chapter 9. In the text Jesus has “set his face towards Jerusalem.” He was journeying toward Jerusalem in order to fulfill God’s plan for his life, a plan that involves a cross and crucifixion on Calvary. As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem,…

The Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. The Apocalypse, the end of time, is at hand! We here who on the other side of two millennia from Jesus’ life, death and resurrection of the most part don’t find Jesus’ return to be too compelling a topic. If anything we are probably somewhat…

Sweet ever-loving Jesus, bless our minds and hearts to hear your voice. Make us one with your Holy Spirit in love. Fill us with compassion and peace to promote your love and kingdom to all. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto you. In Christ’s Name we…