The Parable of the Hundredfold Harvest

For today I would like us to consider the Parable of the Hundredfold Harvest. 

“But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

In first Century Palestine sevenfold meant a good year for a farmer, and tenfold meant true abundance. The words of Jesus use thirtyfold which could feed a village for a year. Imagine when he says sixtyfold or a hundredfold.

If the parable ended with a sevenfold harvest from the good soil, then Dayenu, as our Jewish brothers and sisters would say. It would have been enough. Let me explain.

Listen to or read the rest of Deacon Nancy’s sermon by clicking “Read More.”

Tough Words

WHAT? Let me just double check. Is this really Jesus talking here? Because it sure doesn’t sound like the Prince of Peace to me. Is this the time when I start looking around for the rector to come back, or someone, ANYONE else to preach? Anyone? No? Alright, well, here we go together to try and make some sense of this lectionary selection from Matthew for this Sunday.  

Listen to or read Ryan’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”

The Power of God’s Grace, Mercy, and Love

Today’s Gospel is a big, rich, deep, multi-faceted, multi-layered story. If this story were a meal, it would be a multi-course feast with appetizers, a salad, entrée, dessert, a cheese plate, and beverages with each course. There is a lot going on in this Gospel.

 

I think if we take one step back from this story it gets a little easier. We realize there are four stories, not just one. Each of the stories is rich enough that each could have its own Sunday, each with its own sermon.

Listen to or read Bingham’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”

Creator, Grace-Giver, Holy Spirit

Today’s readings offer us several views of the Holy Trinity. That sometimes confusing, always mysterious, human attempt at defining the nature of the Creator of all that is! In the beginning, the great wind of God, in Hebrew, Ruah, moved over the waters and created life. God the Creator, the life-force hovering over the void, bringing everything into being. The animating, creating Spirit of God. All living things called into being through God’s word. And it was so. God saw everything that God had created and indeed it was very good.

Listen to or read Ryan’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”

The Feast of Pentecost

On this Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Easter, we commemorate, we remember, we celebrate the moment when the Disciples were gathered together, and the Holy Spirit came down upon them like a rushing wind and tongues of flame. It empowered them to preach the Good News, and 3000 people were baptized that day. I cannot imagine that number. I am super excited because we have one baptism today. Can you imagine 3000? That would be a long service.

Listen to or read Bingham’s entire sermon for the Feast of Pentecost by clicking “Read More.”

A Sermon for the End of the School Year

A Sermon for the End of the School Year
Aimee Fritsch