This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached tonight, Maundy Thursday. The gospel text was John 13:1-17, 31-35. I didn't really preach on that text, however; I preached more on the theme of the evening, in particular the connection with Passover. There are some moments that are defining. Moments when everything changes. When … Continue reading Christ-Defining Moment (Sermon)
While doing some work on my upcoming sermons, I found a website called "My Jewish Learning," which is designed as an encyclopedia of sorts for all things Jewish, to aid everyone from a synagogue leader looking to deepen her knowledge to a newcomer considering converting to Judaism. It has a nice article by Rabbi Ismar … Continue reading Easter is not about ME ME ME!
I did not preach a sermon in worship today. Today is Sunday of the Passion / Palm Sunday, which means that the gospel reading is the entire story of the passion of Christ, from the Last Supper through his burial. This year, the passion gospel was Luke 22:14 -- 23:56. Since the gospel itself takes … Continue reading Rambling about the Fulfillment of Scripture
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning, the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The gospel reading was John 12:1-11. This was the introduction of two characters, my own interpretations of Jesus' disciples "Nathanael and Philip." I had fun with this one, and I've got a feeling these two might be appearing … Continue reading Philip and Nathanael and the Perfume (Sermon)
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached today, the Fourth Sunday in Lent. The gospel reading was Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, the so-called "Parable of the Prodigal Son." When I recited the gospel right before the sermon, I made an attempt to tell the story slightly differently, emphasizing the younger son's words in … Continue reading The Surprise of the Father (Sermon)
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning, the Third Sunday in Lent (Year C). The gospel reading was Luke 13:1-9. An adult, whom I'm calling Susan here, was baptized in worship this morning. Our hearts are broken by the news lately. Fifty people were brutally murdered by a terrorist shooter … Continue reading The Waters of Perseverance (Sermon)
This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning, the Second Sunday in Lent. The gospel reading was Luke 13:31-35. I began the sermon with a doll. I held it up to my shoulder, gently patting its back and saying "shhh." I then said, "There you go. Good night," and put it … Continue reading Shhhh. It’s okay. I’m here. (Sermon)
