Mustard Seeds
There is so much to love about the parables. They are so on the ground. With the Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus seems to want us to get the idea about the kingdom of God by using the most relatable elements – like seeds. Certainly, the people listening to him two thousand years ago would have first-hand experiences with yeast and salt and pruning and planting. We modern folks might feel a bit removed from the earthiness of his…
The Demons within
Today we celebrate Pride Sunday. Our text for today asks us to examine ourselves, do the deep spiritual work of unlearning that which keeps us from loving ourselves and our neighbors as God loves us. To ensure our house is not divided.
Trinity Sunday
Today, we celebrate the feast day for Trinity Sunday and hear the beginning of the story of Nicodemus. While the Trinity remains an unknown mystery in many ways, we can connect to the befuddlement of Nicodemus as we hear the good news of God’s unyielding love for us.
Into the Unknown
In our text for today, we hear Jesus’ intersession for the disciples before his ascension. After this time, the disciples must continue their work without Jesus’ physical presence. Entering into an unknown period of waiting until the time when Jesus returns again.
Abiding Love for One Another: The Good News (and the Bad News)
Based on a sermon written by the Rev. Kay Sylvester, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Tustin CA, May 13, 2012 “This is my commandment,” Jesus tells his disciples, “that you love one another, as I have loved you,” and to “abide in my love”. “Abide” comes from the Germanic word bīdan, meaning “to remain or stay”, and connotes not simply an action, but a state of living and being. It is a stronger idea than an instruction, but a way…
God Is Love
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1John 4) How many people here are on Facebook? Last month, there was a Facebook post that trashed the Christian religion, accusing it of being a destructive force in our country that threatens democratic rule. This particular post focused on the mean spiritedness of many Christians who…
The Good Shepherd
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we engage familiar texts with new eyes, hearts, and spirits as we ask ourselves how we welcome those who may not already be a part of our fold into the flock.
Peace be with you
In our text for today, we encounter Jesus appearing to the disciples in an effort to assuage their fear. Jesus greets them with Peace be with you and asks for something to eat. As the encounter continues, we see the path of development for the disciples from fear to faith
Easter
Alleluia, Christ has risen. Let the light of Christ illuminate your path for us, Creator, redeemer, and sustainer. Amen As a part of my ordination process, I interned as a hospital Chaplain. It was an intense experience, to say the least, yet taught me a great deal about pastoral care, myself, grief, and caring for the dead and dying. One of the many moments of learning that will always stay with me from that time came from an interaction I…
Easter Vigil
On this most Holy of nights, we hear the ancient texts with open hearts, renew our Baptismal vows, and let the wisdom of the ancients preach far better than we could on our own.