When Jesus tells a parable about two men praying, one a Pharisee who does everything right and the other a tax collector who recognizes his own faults yet asks for God’s mercy, it’s tempting to side with the tax collector. Especially since Jesus ends the parable in a way that basically states we must be humble.
But what if it’s a trap?
Perhaps there’s more to the story.
Accompanying scripture:
Jacob wrestles all night with a holy presence. He cannot win, but he will not let his opponent go until he gives Jacob his blessing.
A widow brings a case of injustice to the attention of a judge who neither fears God nor respects the people he is supposed to serve. But the widow refuses to let go, and returns to the court day after day seeking justice.
Mother Teresa experienced years of feeling that God was absent from her, yet through those years she continued to pour herself out in love for the poorest and most vulnerable people in Calcutta, India.
In times of anxiety, in the face of injustice, and grief, what does faith look like? What does faith look like in your life?
Accompanying scripture:
God often speaks through people on the margins.
Are we listening?
Do we have eyes to see the Kingdom of God among us?
Accompanying scripture:
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Luke 17:11-19
When we pray, God promises to respond with God’s presence, whatever the outcome of the situation we are facing in this imperfect, broken world. Very often, we are the presence of God for one another.
God can bring new life out of those situations in which it appears that all is lost. However, that seldom happens without our participation.
Accompanying scripture references:
Isaiah 43:1 – 7
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
As with Mary, God chooses to look upon each of us with favor, with grace. However, that does not mean we are God’s favorites.
Accompanying scripture references:
Micah 5:2 – 5
Luke 1:39 – 55
Hope is not the end of the spiritual journey. If there is to be a journey at all, hope comes at the beginning, carrying us through even when all seems lost.
Accompanying scripture references:
Malachi 3:1 – 4
Luke 1:68 – 79
Luke 3:1 – 6
[image_frame style=”framed” alt=”Fra Angelico. The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs, ca. 1423-24. ” title=”Fra Angelico. The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs, ca. 1423-24. “]https://flcva.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/All-Saints-e1447193945508.jpg[/image_frame]
Is it possible that we already saints, made so by God?
Sermon (November 1, 2015): You Are Blessed
Accompanying scripture:
Isaiah 25:6 – 9
Revelation 21:1-6a
Matthew 5:1 – 12
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We run into many roadblocks as we attempt to follow Jesus, and most of them are of the mind and of the will.
Sermon (October 11, 2015): Roadblocks to the Kingdom
Accompanying scripture references:
Amos 5:6 – 7, 10 – 15
Mark 10:17 – 31
[image_frame style=”framed” align=”left”]https://flcva.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pope_francis-e1447173734140.jpg[/image_frame]
The visit of Pope Francis shows how deeply people long to be touched by God. Testimony offered by David Bleich.
Sermon (September 27, 2015): Touched by God
Accompanying scripture readings:
James 5:13-20
Luke 8:43 – 48
