Sermons

Even Jesus sometimes needs a reminder that all means all. In this week’s text a Canaanite woman reminds Jesus that even though she may not be a part of his community, she and her daughter also deserve dignity and care. May we too listen to the interrupting mama bears in our midst. Accompanying Scripture:Isaiah 56:1-8, […]

Stormy weather ahead in both texts this week. Storms remind us of the limits of our power over our own lives and yet this helplessness does not need to cause panic. In the midst of all storms, we can cling to God’s steadfast presence and love. God proclaims to us peace in the midst of […]

In today’s first reading God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to receive food and drink without cost. Jesus feeds the hungry multitude and reveals the abundance of God. In Holy Communion, we remember all are welcome to the table and none are turned away. As we share the bread of life, we are […]

In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us […]

Why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope […]

Why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope […]

The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. The prophet describes an everlasting realm that contrasts with earthly nations, one marked by peace, humility, and freedom. Jesus associates with those excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with selfish desires; we lament flawed systems; and we seek God’s […]

In many a church you will find a sign that says, “All are welcome here!” But how often do we forget what it means to welcome each other fully into our worship and community? Jesus makes it clear that when we welcome him, we also welcome the one who sent him, just as when we […]

God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy. Jesus declares his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God accounts for each hair on our heads. Hagar was cast out by Abraham but not forgotten by God. We can remember though we may experience […]

This week, we get two glimpses of what discipleship looks like. In Genesis, Abraham and Sarah provide hospitality to three strangers and from there God’s wild promises and laughter show up. In our gospel story, Jesus, moved by compassion, invites the disciples into the work of discipleship beginning in that same place of compassion. In […]