This is a challenging Gospel, to say the least. Jesus speaks of fire, of division, of family conflict. It’s hard to find good news in his words. And the reading from the prophet Jeremiah doesn’t help either, with its talk of prophets who lie, of God’s Word being like a hammer. What are we to … READ MORE…
We heard in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Epistle today references to one of the foundational stories for three major world religions. Abram and Sarai began their journey in the land of Ur. They travel around a lot in the book of Genesis leading us through all sorts of stories, and eventually they arrive in … READ MORE…
A few years ago in another parish, we had a Vacation Bible School that was pretty awesome. One of the things we did in that week was an experiment. We took a balloon filled with air that was supposed to represent us- any one of us. The balloon looked really fun, especially when you have … READ MORE…
Let’s start with a pop quiz: imagine that I say something in this sermon that you find disturbing or offensive, or even (God forbid) boring. What is your response? Do you a) make an appointment to meet with me and talk about it; b) write a letter to the bishop about it; or c) complain … READ MORE…
This week we will observe the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which marked the moment when LGBTQ people in this country launched a Herculean effort of breaking down homophobia across the land, an effort that continues today. PBS has been running a documentary called the Lavender Scare, about the appalling persecution of government employees … READ MORE…
Is there no limit to the interesting situations Paul and Silas find themselves in? In today’s story, we have a fortune-telling slave girl possessed by a spirit who just won’t leave them alone. The passage says she had a “spirit of divination.” The Greek word in the original text for “divination” is POOTHian which sounds … READ MORE…
Alleluia Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia. Have you ever been stuck? Have you ever had a plan that looked really good, but every time you tried to put it into action you were stopped by roadblocks; nothing coming together, no clear vision emerging? That’s where St Paul was when our story … READ MORE…
The year 1976 was an important one in my childhood. It was the year my brother was born. It stands out to me not just because my brother was born, but because as a child I kind of thought the whole country was throwing a big party to get ready for the addition to our … READ MORE…
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Every year on the fourth Sunday of the Easter season we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, giving thanks for our good God who loves us and cares for us as a shepherd does her flock. And each year we read a favorite psalm, the 23rd, one to … READ MORE…
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, … READ MORE…