Epiphany

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Hearing God's Call and Saying "Yes!"

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The paradox of saying yes to God is that it can be at once deeply fulfilling and utterly terrifying. Think of poor Samuel who was faced with sharing some really bad news with Eli first thing the next morning, before he had had a chance to even begin to internalize what it meant that God had spoken to him. But God was with him that first morning, and throughout his life. I truly believe if we are responding to a call from God, then God will help us do what needs to be done.

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

Salt and Light

In today’s gospel, we continue the story of Jesus teaching his disciples on the mountain. Jesus began his public ministry with the call to metanoia, a changing of heart, mind, and action. And he declared that God’s kingdom, (which remember for Jesus this kingdom is in contrast to the kingdoms of the world, whose ways of ruling emphasize power over others, in this kingdom that Jesus proclaims, governance is more equal, more relational, more connected, with everyone working together as kin, so Jesus’ kingdom is more of a kindom), and this kingdom slash kindom that he declared, was very near, and in fact, was being created in their midst through Jesus’ works of healing and love. And Jesus invited everyone to help create this kindom.

To read Ryan’s entire sermon, click “Read More.”

Change your hearts and lives, heaven is here!

Guess who’s back? John the Baptist, AGAIN! When Jesus hears about his cousin’s arrest, he goes to Galilee. He leaves his home in Nazareth and sets up in Capernaum, by the sea. He calls some of his first disciples, Andrew, Peter, James and Jon, and he launches his public ministry. Remember when his mom wanted him to help with the wedding feast in Cana and he told her it wasn’t his time? Now, it’s his time. And from this point he begins changing his world in ways that are still resonating today. The first message of Jesus’ public ministry is: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” (Matt 4: 17)

To read Ryan’s entire sermon, click “Read More.”

John the Baptist: The Trustworthy Witness

In today’s Gospel reading we heard a story that included John the Baptist. We have been hearing a lot about John the Baptist recently. He showed up on two separate Sundays in December, and this is the second Sunday he has showed up in January. So, who is this John the Baptist we have been hearing so much about?

To read Bingham’s full sermon, click “Read More.”

The Water of Baptism

We had a baptism today in an earlier service, and in that font of water were molecules that were in the Red Sea the day the Children of Israel left slavery and went into the desert. There were molecules in the puddles that brushed against garments, perhaps against Moses. There are molecules in the font that were in the Jordan River the day Joshua led the Children of Israel out of the desert into the Promised Land. There are molecules in that water that were flowing in the Jordan River the day that Jesus was baptized, and would have brushed against Jesus. There are molecules in the baptismal water that were in the Jordan River the day Jesus was nailed to the cross, and the day the women went to the tomb and the tomb was empty.

To read Bishop Neff’s full sermon, click “Read More.”

A Sacrament of Reconciliation

It is with that understanding of the importance of reconciliation that we come to our Gospel. We hear the words of Jesus when he says to love your enemy. Striking, shocking words "to love your enemy". Jesus says that because he knows, he understands how vitally important the work of reconciliation is.

Click “Read More” to read Bingham’s entire sermon for the Seventh Sunday after Epiphany.

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