SERMONS
Give up?
I didn’t come today for an ultimatum from Jesus. Life is hard enough the way it is. I need some good news, some hopeful news. I need some positives, not all the “cannot’s” from Jesus we just heard. You cannot be my disciple unless you give up all your possessions. Unless you hate your family. Unless you hate your life. Unless you take up your cross and follow.
Call to discipleship
Yikes! These words are jarring—not only to us, but probably even more to the first crowds who heard them. In Jesus’ world, family was the foundation of life. It was your safety net, your identity, your livelihood. Family was survival, and to suggest turning away from family would have been unthinkable.
Guilty as charged
Guilty as charged. That’s how I felt when reading the scriptures for today. Guilty of preferring the places of honor and privilege–at tables, at sporting events, concerts and plays. I mean, who doesn’t like having access to the good seats, amiright?
A seat in the kingdom of God
This week, I had the chance to go to a live Dungeons & Dragons show at Broadway in Chicago! I was especially excited because Aabria Iyengar, one of my favorite Dungeon Masters, was a guest star. She’s led some of the most creative and moving campaigns I’ve watched online.
Standing tall in the grace of Christ
In today's Gospel reading, we find ourselves in a synagogue on the Sabbath. The place is filled with familiar sounds—quiet footsteps, whispered greetings, and the rustling of robes. It is the weekly rhythm of worship, a rhythm that for generations has brought God's people into sacred rest and reflection.
Mary means “bitter”
Do you know anyone named Mary? Any Marys here today? Or moms named Mary? Relatives named Mary? Friends named Mary? I had a great-grandmother Mary, born in 1882. Mary was the most popular name for girls from 1900 to 1946. And though still popular, it is not in the top 100 anymore.
Out of your comfort zone
Do something every day that scares you. I remember hearing this piece of wisdom once. It sounds like good advice, but quite honestly, it kind of scares me even to think about doing something that scares me every day.
Is it worth it?
Warning! From our gospel: don’t store up treasures for yourselves. You may lose it all. Instead, be rich toward God. If only. If only, it were that simple.
Persistence in prayer
The doctor had come into the family waiting room to tell her the results of the recent CAT scan; and the first words out of his mouth were, “It’s not good news.” I was sitting with the wife of a patient who was just brought into the Emergency Department by the paramedics, providing comfort and care as the chaplains often do for the families of trauma patients. After the doctor told us the results of the tests, he said, “Now is a good time to pray,” as he gave a nod in my direction.
The one thing needed
The story of Mary and Martha is one of those Gospel readings that hits close to home! Whether you relate to Mary - having the work you are passionate about de-valued, or to Martha - feeling alone and overwhelmed in the hard work you’re doing, this reading shows us a snapshot of one of the most common human experiences.
Be an agent for change
I have fond memories of celebrating this holiday every year. While I haven’t always been completely satisfied with the leadership of our country, during both democratic and republican presidencies, this was the one day each year we came together in unity to celebrate our common love of country, to be proud of our nation and give thanks for living in this land. But this year, leading up to the 4th of July, the week was full of disappointments. And that’s really an understatement!
Peter, Paul, and pride
I’m so proud of you. When you’re a kid—or an adult—you long to hear those words from a parent, a teacher, a coach. Too often what we feel is shame. That we’re not good enough. Smart enough. Attractive enough. Talented enough.
Saying “Yes”
Jesus is passing through a Samaritan Village on his journey to Jerusalem. But the Samaritans would not receive him because he was focused on Jerusalem. It may seem that the Samaritans are rude or uninviting, but this little snapshot of scripture is not the full story.
Holy disruption
In this week’s Gospel we hear about demons and possession. For many of us these are things that we would dismiss as fiction. Before we dismiss the weight of demonic possession in this text, I’d urge you to consider that the reason people tell stories is to share wisdom and deep truths about life, humanity, ethics, faith. This story of deliverance carries with it truths about identity, restoration, and community.
Mind-boggling
Mind-boggling. What are some things you consider mind-boggling? Awe-inspiring events like witnessing the birth of a child or being at the bedside of a dying family member? A view of a mountain, a lake, a sunrise, or something in nature? A work of art or music that takes your breath away or moves you to tears?
Just the right time
Jesus comforted the disciples saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” After this it seemed that their worry had been eased, they had been equipped with the strength of community and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The languages of Pentecost
Guten morgen. Buenos dias. It was many decades ago that I studied Spanish and later German for a few years. Some words and basic dialogues come back to me. But I am far from fluent!
The peace of Pentecost
This week I’ve heard over and over again that people are worried. There is unchecked power running rampant, abducting innocent people from their homes and jobs. Leaving children abandoned, and communities broken. The facade of safety has fallen for many Americans.
Lifequakes
Change and transition are always happening. Especially when you are a teenager. You are not really a child anymore. But not quite an adult. The teen years can be challenging for kids, parents, siblings, teachers, and yes, even for pastors teaching confirmation!
What is the world coming to?
What is the world coming to? It’s easy to be discouraged when listening to the news. When thinking about the political, social, technological, and climate realities of these days.