Sermons on Faith

The Destitute Widow and the Destruction of the Temple

Mark 12:38-44 Year B Proper 27 – 25th Sunday after Pentecost Based heavily (and quoting some passages) from commentary by Sung Soo Hong, www.workingpreacher.org. Today’s passage from Mark’s gospel tells a story—one familiar to many—of the window who comes to the temple and gives all that she has, a pittance, in contrast to the wealthy who are giving from their abundance. In this understanding the widow is the “model of discipleship”, in contrast to the scribes who are the opposite.…

Would Jesus be welcome at our table?

In today’s sermon, I share a little about our tabling experience at Pride and the message of our Gospel, which provides examples of mercy and discipleship in the stories of Matthew’s call, a woman’s healing, and the humble request of a leader. These acts of faith from those on the outer circle of society in Jesus’ time remind us of how expansive Jesus’ table truly is as he welcomes them in and shows us what it means to answer Jesus’ invitation to “follow me.”

Sometimes Jesus mixes his metaphors

Sometimes Jesus’ message seems to exclude more people than it includes, and it has been distorted to justify genocide, but by remembering that Jesus is also the Christ we can take his words less literally and more inclusively. We need to stand up against hatred masquerading as holiness.

Maundy Thursday Sermon

Jesus joins the disciples for a meal, washes their feet, and provides a new commandment to them to love one another as Jesus has loved them, knowing all which was about to take place. Active love sets the tone for the coming days as we continue our holy journey together.

Jesus Wept

We see God’s fierce love for us through the prophetic imagination of Ezekiel and encounter the humanity of Christ as he weeps for his friend Lazarus. When have you experienced Christ in the world in new or surprising ways this week?

Desire

It is the distorted desire of humanity that separates us from God and one another: it is the desire of God that brings life and flourishing.

On Hubris, Humility and being Human

We mark ourselves with ashes as a reminder that we are human and the path to a deeper walk with God is through humility rather than hubris.