Sermons

Sun, Jan 29, 2017 Lectionary Frankly the readings from scripture today seem like the triumphant announcement that all the weeks since Christmas have been building toward. The way a symphony starts by introducing a theme, pursues various sub-themes or variation, and then as the music reaches a crescendo, the grand presentation of the meaning of the work breaks forth. He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? ( Mic 6:8 ) Paul: “message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise Matthew’s gospel presents Jesus in the fullness of his authority as teacher and rabbi. He begins his grand sermon on the mount, beginning with the Beatitudes which we hear today. As if his birth, his epiphany to the magi, his baptism, his calling of...

Sun, Jan 22, 2017: Preface Lectionary Trying to hear with new ears Jesus has heard that John was arrested. Was he afraid? Was that a sign for him? Whatever, he withdrew to Galilee and went to Capernaum by the sea. Fulfilling the prophecy he said. Who are these living in a land of deep darkness? The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness– on them light has shined. ( Is 9 ) We hear this passage twice today: once from the prophet himself. The other from the gospel writer quoting the prophet. Mathew’s call of the disciples: 2 familiar pairs of brothers: Peter & Andrew, James & John With the repetition of the words of the prophet, I am inclined to emphasize them. To see in them a clue for us to hear with fresh ears. The prophet spoke to his generation. The writers of the NT heard the words as God speaking to them. We perhaps should do the same. Listen to these words speaking to us in our generation. then ...

Sun, Jan 8, 2017 Lectionary lectionary “who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit” from collect – also connecting to baptism of all of us Suffering Servant – bold language and vision Peter sermon overview of message Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth A light to the nations – from Isaiah Once again I am drawn to the power, the laser-like precision that the prophet Isaiah speaks to our own time as well as the time of the Messiah and his own time as well. His words seem to speak to all eternity – every-present, always relevant. “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spr...