Sermons – Page 247 – The Episcopal Church

I May Be Wrong…, Easter 2 (B) – 2003

I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It This is the title of a collection of columns by the late and irascible journalist Mike Royko. Note the interesting context of doubt: doubt standing in the place of certainty, Royko’s certainty that his observations about Chicago city politics and life in general are right on the…

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A Man Was in the Back Yard…, Easter Day (B) – 2003

A man was in the back yard trying to fix a broken window shutter. When he had just about reached his frustration limit, his three-year-old daughter showed up and said, “Whatcha doin,’ Daddy?” The man replied, “I am trying to fix this stupid shutter, but I don’t think I can.” She reassured him, “God can…

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Details, Details, Details, Great Vigil of Easter (B) – 2003

They say the devil is in the details. But don’t believe it. That is just propaganda on the part of the Evil One: Satan, the Devil himself, the Prince of Darkness. He would have us believe that he is in the details. At least that is what he was hoping we would believe yesterday, Good…

Read More Details, Details, Details, Great Vigil of Easter (B) – 2003
Jesus Became Incarnate…, Good Friday – 2003

Prayer: Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my will but the will of Him who sent me (John 6:38). Almighty God by the power of your Holy Spirit incline the hearts of your people so that they may seek always your will for them. Amen. Jesus became incarnate from…

Read More Jesus Became Incarnate…, Good Friday – 2003
Isn’t It Odd How Shy…, Palm Sunday (B) – 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…

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I Will Put My Law…, Lent 5 (B) – 2003

I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. As we head toward the end of our Lenten season, we see God doing familiar things in new and disturbing ways. The People of God are all familiar…

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A Young Man Throws…, Lent 5 (B) – 2003

A young man throws open the door and bounds across the church basement floor carrying a stack of books. He heads for the circle of chairs assembled for this Sunday morning’s Bible study group. The books have all been well pored over. They are filled with nearly as much of his own note taking as…

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The Story in Today’s Gospel…, Lent 4 (B) – 2003

The story in today’s Gospel has a familiar ring to it. Well, of course, it is one of the better known stories in the New Testament, appearing in all four Gospels, and, in some cases, more than once. But beyond that, it is familiar because it reminds us of the way things still happen in…

Read More The Story in Today’s Gospel…, Lent 4 (B) – 2003
Righteous Indignation…, Lent 3 (B) – 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…

Read More Righteous Indignation…, Lent 3 (B) – 2003
The Structure of Mark’s Gospel, Lent 2 (B) – 2003

The structure of Mark’s Gospel, from which this week’s reading comes, is like a mountain. As we go up one side, we hear about the ministry of Jesus; the miracles, the healings, the feeding of thousands, the calling of the disciples. The top of the mountain is Peter’s declaration, “You are the Christ,” the first…

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