Sermons

All Saints' Sunday

Today is All Saints’ Sunday, the day we remember those who have died, the day we commemorate the saints of the Church gathered here with us, and one of four days we renew our baptismal vows.  On top of all that, for me this day will always be our anniversary, the first Sunday we came together as priest and people.  All of these things make today a joyful celebration.

23 Pentecost/Proper 25B

The Gospel of Mark has been described as a Passion Narrative with a really long introduction.  This description plays out when you realize that close to 40 percent of this gospel is dedicated to the Passion narrative – Palm Sunday to Easter.  I bring this up because for the past few weeks Jesus has been on his way to Jerusalem, and today that journey continues as he and the disciples find themselves in Jericho.

22 Pentecost/Proper 24B

Jesus and the disciples are continuing their journey to Jerusalem.  Between last week’s gospel and today’s reading are three verses that set the stage for today.  In those three verses we hear Jesus give his third and final Passion prediction saying that in Jerusalem he will be condemned to death, be killed, and rise after three days.

21 Pentecost/Proper 23B

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

So begins today’s gospel passage.  I would guess it’s a question that we have all considered or asked at one time or another.  Jesus answers the man by rattling off a list of Commandments:  Don’t steal . . . Don’t murder . . . Don’t defraud . . . Don’t bear false witness . . . Don’t commit adultery . . . Honor you father and your mother.

“Yes, yes, I’ve done all that.  But what ELSE can I do?”

20 Pentecost/Proper 22B

When quoting scripture, what is the most important thing to remember?  Context is everything.  I said this a few weeks ago and pointed to Matt. 18:8 (“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away”) as an example.  I also said, to borrow a phrase from Emily, you shouldn’t be playing Bible roulette.  Context matters.

19 Pentecost/Proper 21B

Today is the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels.  If you don’t know, Michael is one of four Archangels named in scripture, the other three being Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel.  I don’t know much about Raphael and Uriel, but Gabriel seems to be the chief messenger or spokesperson for God.  It was Gabriel who announced the births of John and Jesus.  Scripture doesn’t say, but I’m betting it was also Gabriel who told Joseph and the wise men to get out of town before Herod found them.

18 Pentecost/Proper 20B

When quoting the Bible, what’s the most important thing to remember?  Context is everything.  It doesn’t do any good to quote scripture without knowing the context.  For instance, it would be incredibly harmful to quote Matt. 18:8 – “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away” – without understanding the context in which it’s being said.  Which, by the way, is a whole monologue from Jesus about protecting and caring for vulnerable people.

17 Pentecost/Proper 19B

We have reached that point in Mark where the overall focus takes a dramatic turn.  Up to now the focus in Mark’s gospel has been to show the power and authority of Jesus which can be found in the various miracle and teaching stories we have heard/seen so far.  But beginning today, things change.

Jesus still heals people, and he still teaches people.  But between here and the Holy Week story we are given three Passion predictions, the Transfiguration, and a call to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

16 Pentecost/Proper 18B

Doctrinally speaking, what TWO things do we claim to know about Jesus?   1)  He was fully human; and 2) he was fully divine.  There are other aspects about him, but those two – fully human and fully divine – are at the core of who we believe Jesus was.

Today’s gospel passage is a direct continuation of last week and it, more than any other place in the gospels (with the exception of the birth stories) shows the human side of Jesus.

15 Pentecost/Proper 17B

Well, we made it.  We made it through the Bread of Life discourse.  We had five weeks of Jesus telling us he was the bread from heaven that would provide eternal life if we would eat his flesh and drink his blood.  We had five weeks of trying to get past a literal understanding or interpretation of eating the flesh of Jesus to understand differently.  We had five weeks to learn about being nourished by not only the presence of Christ, but by being infused with Christ in such a way that we live as Christ lived.  When we do that, we get a glimpse, or taste, of that eternal life in God that Jesus was talking about.

12 Pentecost/Proper 14B

We are in the middle of the Bread of Life discourse, and things are starting to get difficult. Before today Jesus was the popular miracle worker who fed and healed people. But now, however, things get difficult when people start questioning his heritage, and they get difficult when Jesus says that those who eat of his flesh will live forever. I want to look at these two issues: the complaining people and the bread of life being Jesus’ flesh.

11 Pentecost/Proper 13B

Today we have the second of five passages from John in the Bread of Life discourse. Last week we heard John’s version of the Feeding of the 5000 and how the disciples gathered up twelve baskets full of leftovers. A few ways to think about that story is, obviously, to see Jesus as the bread of life who feeds all who are gathered. Another way is to see the Church in the role of the disciples and that we are in the business, or should be in the business, of gathering up those whom society labels unwanted and leftover. In both the feeding and the gathering, the Church provides a place of nourishment and safety.

10 Pentecost/Proper 12B

**Warning: Topic of sexual abuse and rape discussed

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Before I begin, I need to let you know that this was a difficult sermon to write. It will be a difficult sermon to preach. And it will be a difficult sermon to hear. If you need to get up and get some fresh air, I understand.

Installation of the Rev. Todd Young, Rector

Let me begin by saying how sorry I am for what this diocese has been through in the last year. When I came here to consecrate a new bishop, in a snowy February in Covid-tide, we had no idea that your next bishop would be here only a short time. I know that the last year has been painful and difficult. Your leaders have asked me to walk beside you as we seek healing and hope for whatever God has in store for the future. The grief is still raw for some among us, and at the same time we yearn for healing and greater wholeness. God is at work in our midst, and you have many, many gifts here in this diocese. We will find a new normal, and new possibilities, and new connections in this body of faith.

9 Pentecost/Proper 11B

After last week’s story about the demise of John the Baptist, we’re back with Jesus. Jesus has sent out the twelve disciples in pairs on their first mission trip. They go with only the clothes on their backs, their sandals, and a staff, and they go with the authority to cast out demons.

8 Pentecost/Proper 10B

Today we have the only story in Mark’s gospel that is not directly about, or does not directly point to, Jesus.  But just because it’s not about Jesus doesn’t mean it isn’t gospel truth.  And in keeping with Mark’s overall theme of Jesus confronting the evils and abuse of power with the goodness and holiness of God, this story is full of confrontations and their outcomes.

5 Pentecost/Proper 7B

As you read through the Gospel of Mark, one scholar pointed out that it can be broken down into topical blocks.  For instance, 2:1 – 3:6 is a block of controversies:  scribes questioning Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and griping about him eating with sinners and tax collectors, and Pharisees accusing him of breaking Sabbath law and plotting his destruction.  4:1-34 is a block showing Jesus as an authoritative teacher through his many parables, some of which we heard last week.  Then there’s a block of miracle stories that show his authority over the physical and spiritual realms, the human body, and even death.  The first story in that block is today with Jesus calming the sea.

4 Pentecost/Proper 6B

Today we have a couple of agricultural parables from Jesus.  In a time when most people were closely tied to agriculture, these parables probably made the most sense out of all of Jesus’ parables.  And even today, especially in areas where farming is a big part of life, these parables are more easily understood than some others.

3 Pentecost/Proper 5B

Families are weird.  They begin almost always – not always, but mostly always – when two people fall in love and have children.  And then things get weird.  There are good kids and bad kids.  There always seems to be one proverbial black sheep in the family.  Maybe there’s a divorce and remarriage.  Various alliances and battles pop up.  Everything from loving support to bitter jealousy is dealt with, some of it permanent and some of it shifting with the seasons.

2 Pentecost/Proper 4B

We have officially entered Ordinary Time, that long, green season between Pentecost and Advent.  There are three basic things to know about this season.  First, it’s called Ordinary Time because each Sunday is reflective of a numerical, or ordinal, sequence that you will see on the bulletin and hymn board.  Second, unlike the liturgical seasons of Advent through Easter which focus on the events of Jesus’ life, Ordinary Time focuses on Jesus’ daily life.  And third, the color for this season is green, symbolizing growth; and hopefully you will grow as disciples during this time.

Pentecost

Acts Chapter 10 is seen by some people as one of the most dangerous chapters in the bible.  It’s in this chapter where Peter has a vision of a sheet full of both clean and unclean animals coming down from heaven and being told to “kill and eat.”  Peter, being a good Jew, declines because he’s never eaten anything unclean.  This happens three times, and each time, a voice says, “What God has made clean you must not call profane.”

Easter 7B 2024

Today is the Seventh Sunday of Easter, also known as the Sunday after the Ascension.  Unfortunately we don’t get my favorite Ascension passage this year.  That would be where Jesus meets with the disciples, gives them Luke’s version of the Great Commission, and then – whoosh – up into the clouds he disappears.  My favorite part is where the disciples are standing around looking up and two angels (men in white robes) show up asking, “Why do you stand here gazing up to heaven?”  We don’t get that story this year.

This year we hear how the disciples filled the position vacated by Judas.

Easter 6B 2024

In the gospel we are once again told by Jesus what is expected of us:  to love one another as he loved us.  We have been chosen by Christ to do this new thing: to love as God loves.  We have been appointed to bear fruit that will last; and the fruit that lasts is the fruit of love.

What is based on hate, discrimination, or delineated lines of us and them is bound to fail.  What is based on violence is bound to fail.  They will fail because they are based on wrong views of God.  The right view of God is based on love, and it is only love and light which will conquer the world.

Easter 5B 2024

I am not a gardener, or an arborist, or florist, or anything to do with growing plants.  In addition to getting my mother’s sense of humor, I also got her ability to kill almost any plant I’m responsible for.  So I have trouble relating to this particular passage from John.

Easter 4B 2024

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, so named because on the 4th Sunday of Easter we always hear from John 10, the Chapter of shepherds and sheep.  Today’s selection is my favorite of the three, and one of my favorite passages in John.  Not only is this one of the selections for funerals, but it has a very inclusive tone to it.

Easter 2B 2024

Today’s gospel story spans a week’s time.  The first half takes place Easter evening.  The women (or woman) had gone to the tomb early in the morning only to find it empty.  This news spreads throughout the group of disciples and they are now secretly gathered together to talk about what’s going on.  While gathered together, Jesus miraculously appears and gives them John’s version of the Great Commission.  But Thomas, who is called “the twin,” wasn’t with them.

Easter Day  10:00am

Alleluia!  Christ is risen!                                            

The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia!

Today is a day of celebration.  Today is the day of Resurrection.  Today is the day all creation lets out its collective breath.  Today is the day Christ has defeated sin and death.  Today is the day we’ve hoped for – let us shout, “Alleluia!” to the Lord.

Easter Vigil 6:00am

 Are there any who are devout lovers of God?  Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!

Are there any who are grateful servants?  Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!

Are there any wear with fasting?  Let them now receive their wages!

Good Friday 2024 6:00pm

Today is Act II of the Triduum.  Last night in Act I, we shared a meal, we served each other as we washed feet, then we betrayed and denied Jesus as he was arrested and sentenced to death.  That betrayal and denial is represented by the emptiness of the sanctuary.

Maundy Thursday 2024

Tonight is Act I of the Triduum – the Great Three Days.  Tonight we share a final meal before we begin our fast.  We shared a meal a few minutes ago, and we will share a final Communion meal in just a bit.  Tonight we also have the opportunity to wash feet.

Lent 5B John 12:20-33

Some Greeks want to see Jesus, so they reach out to Philip.  “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”  Philip then goes to Andrew, and they both go tell Jesus.  And then Jesus begins talking about his impending death.  At first blush, this seems odd at best.  Telling them that, no, he was sorry, he had a full calendar and couldn’t see them would have made sense.  But the response Jesus gives just makes you scratch your head.  This would be like Monica telling me there was someone in the office to see me, and I replied, “It’s time for the snow to fall.  For if one flake falls, no one pays attention; but if many snowflakes fall, they create a new heart and allow people to share resources.”  What?

Lent 4B John 3:14-21

Today’s gospel story comes from the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.  The first part of that conversation is the whole “born from above” or “born again” thing.  And then Jesus begins referencing his crucifixion and the purpose of his incarnation.  As sort of an explanation for his crucifixion, he recalls the story of Moses and the infestation of poisonous serpents among the Israelites, which we heard earlier.

Lent 2B Mark 8:31-38

Last week on the first Sunday in Lent we heard Mark’s version of Jesus in the wilderness and his encounter with Satan.  I know people don’t like it when I do this, but . . . what do you remember about that gospel passage and/or the sermon?

Lent 1B Mark 1:9-15

In the synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke – Jesus has a wilderness experience where he is tempted by Satan/the devil.  John doesn’t have a wilderness temptation story because he has a completely different viewpoint; but the other three do.

Ash Wednesday

Like it or not, we live in a world of social media.  Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Mastodon, and I don't know what all else, is happily taking in the lives we give them.  Photos of our kids and grandkids, pictures and snippets of us and our spouse, along with images of everything from our vacations to restaurant meals, all grace one or more of these social media accounts.  Some of these posts are fun, some are intentionally deceptive, and some are designed for self-promotion. 

Last Epiphany B - Mark 9:2-9

Today is the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.  The whole season of Epiphany is based in revelation and manifestation.  From the wise men to his baptism to the calling of the disciples to the demons recognizing who he is, this season is designed to open our eyes to who Jesus is and how we can manifest him in our own lives.

Epiphany 5B - Mark 1:29-39

The Season of Epiphany is a season of revelation and manifestation.  All of our gospel readings during this season are geared to revealing who Jesus is and making that known.

Epiphany 4B - Mark 1:21-28

We are in the Season of Epiphany.  Over the past four weeks, what have you learned or what is something that has stood out to you?

Epiphany 3B

to be uploaded soon

Epiphany 2B - John 1:43

Today’s gospel story is a story of evangelism.  When I talk about evangelism, Episcopalians tend to get nervous.  Maybe that’s because we think evangelism means going door-to-door telling people about the Episcopal church.  Maybe we think it means telling people the story of our spiritual journey.  Maybe we think we need to tell people why they need Jesus.  Or maybe we think it’s about telling people they’re going to hell if they don’t change their ways.

Epiphany 1B - Mark 1:4-11

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.  We always commemorate Christ’s baptism on the First Sunday after the Epiphany because this is part of the season of manifestation and revelation.