(Sermon preached August 28, 2022). Luke 14: 1, 7-14 tells the story of Jesus attending a banquet at the home of a prominent Pharisee. Jesus offers a deflating critique of their table manners and raises the question of who belongs at the table. Is there room for everyone?
Seeing and Being Seen
(Sermon preached August 21, 2022) Luke 13:10-17 tells the story of a woman who is bent over and has been for eighteen years. Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and she is there and he sees her. She leaves the synagogue standing straight and praising God. The leader of the synagogue gets bent out of shape. She leaves the synagogue finally able to see what is in front of her. The leader of the synagogue remains unable to see who is right in front of him.
Good Trouble
(Sermon preached August 14, 2022) If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why does he say he comes to bring division in Luke 12:49-56? This challenging passage reminds us that working for peace and justice can create conflict and division. Jesus, to use an expression coined by John Lewis, made “good trouble.”
Liminal Faith
(Sermon preached August 7, 2022) What is faith? The author of the Book of Hebrews is preaching on faith, describing it as action, forward momentum, in the face of difficulty. The reading is Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, and the sermon is a response to someone who feels they are losing their faith.
Beware of Greed
(Sermon preached July 31, 2022) In Luke 12:31-21, Jesus teaches that life is about more than an abundance of possessions. Greed can manifest in our lives in many ways and cause suffering. Jesus says, “Beware!” So what is the antidote? How do we become rich toward God? Here are three ways: Be aware. Be grateful. Be generous.