Sermons
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Today’s gospel reading is uncomfortable. Jesus brings up a topic that most church-going folk do not want to talk about: money and possessions. And that is why so many pastors, theologians, and biblical scholars have spent time trying to explain away or manage the complexity of this text by softening or ignoring parts. Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson summarizes some of the management techniques used to soften the passage…
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
“Do not worry about your life,” says Jesus in today’s reading from Matthew. Clearly Jesus did not know about Pandemic, or hurricane Helena, or other disappointment, tragedy or other unexpected event. “Don’t worry” – are you kidding? There is so very much to worry about – the economy, school, my children, the election, my parents, the President’s health, democracy, systemic racism. (I could name more but you get the picture and probably have your own list of worries). Worry is one of those things that can consume us overwhelm us, weigh us down with the sheer force of its load…
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Today’s reading from Mark continues where we left off last week. Jesus still has a child in his arms after he reminded the disciples that welcoming the powerless, the dependent, and the vulnerable is what makes someone the greatest. And then, without missing a beat, John pipes up with what, I imagine, was an attempt at a humble brag. He says, “Hey, Jesus, I saw this person who was working for justice, liberating people from infliction, and healing people in your name…