Through the grace of faith we are drawn to Jesus by the Father; and Jesus, the bread of life, says that whoever believes in him has eternal life. Therefore, as Paul writes, we are to be imitators of God in Christ, always walking in love that our lives might be a fragrant offering and sacrifice […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Apparently not satisfied by Jesus’ feeding of thousands, some followed Jesus for a sign of his power. They looked for Jesus not because they believed in him but had eaten their fill of the loaves. Jesus offered himself, saying, “I am the bread of life.” He is the bread come from heaven to give life […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Today is the first of five Sundays with gospel readings from John 6, the first four of which focus on Jesus as the bread of life. As Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish, we might also ask, “How can a bit of bread and wine contain so much grace?” It […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd on Jesus and his disciples, with its countless needs to be met. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Amos’ report of God’s judgment of Israel for its mistreatment of the poor made him a threat to the priests and the king. John the Baptist was also killed because he spoke truth to power. In today’s reading, Paul’s words, “In him you also,” remind us that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Jesus sent his disciples out to preach and heal, giving them authority over unclean spirits. Jesus sent them not with money or supplies, but with his authority and the message of the gospel, shared in word and deed. The gospel is not to be confused with material things; rather, we are to use what we […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
A woman finds healing by touching Jesus’ cloak, and a girl is restored to life when Jesus takes her by the hand. In both cases a barrier is crossed: in Jesus’ time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others by her touch, and anyone who touched a dead body also became unclean. In […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! Now we are in the storm, the boat almost swamped; but Jesus is here now, and when we call him, he will calm the storm. Even the wind and waves listen to him as they would to their creator. We also listen to him […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
A tiny insignificant mustard seed is not the way we expect the kingdom of God to appear. Like a seed that dies so it might live and grow, we too, die in Christ that we might live and grow for him. To be in Christ is to be a new creation. The kingdom of heaven […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Third Sunday after Pentecost
A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in light of charges that he is possessed. He is possessed, not by a demon, but by the Holy Spirit. Through baptism we receive the Holy Spirit and are joined to Christ and adopted into the household of God. Those with whom we sing […]
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