Root of Authority Mark 1:21-28 Father Mark's sermon focuses on the unique authority of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel story, where Jesus teaches and performs an exorcism in a synagogue. He contrasts Jesus' innate authority with the external, institutional authority of the scribes. The people in the synagogue recognized Jesus' authority as emanating from his essence and connection with God, rather than from any official position. Father Mark also explores how Christian authority has evolved, discussing the shift from institutional authority to scriptural authority during the Protestant Reform ..read more

Beyond Nets and Boats Mark 1:14-20 In his sermon, Father Mark explores the Gospel of Mark, specifically the story of Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him. He discusses three ways to interpret this story: as a historical account, a rationalized narrative, or a personal, deeper message. Father Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding "repentance" in its original context, as a call to change one's mindset and actions. He critiques the common reluctance to change, especially in political contexts, and challenges the congregation to consider how Jesus' message applies ..read more

Story Power Fr. Mark's Christmas Eve sermon reflects deeply on the power of stories, particularly the Christmas narrative, as tools for discovery and understanding. He begins by recounting the Gospel of Luke's account of Jesus' birth, emphasizing how stories, even those seemingly simple like the Christmas narrative, have profound impacts on us. He notes that our brains are wired for stories, as they engage multiple parts of our brain, not just the language-processing areas. Fr. Mark draws parallels between the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and current global issues, like the ..read more

Beyond Amazement John 1:1-14 If we are to honor these texts, we cannot avoid personal involvement. All of these texts are “after our souls.” We must go beyond our initial amazement, which can block our deeper spiritual development. We can harbor within us a pondering heart, which is the vital path of discipleship, as we reflect on the multiple aspects of Christmas which include the birth of Christ within the soul. We discover that grace is the free flow of infinite, intimate Love, so we can share this with the lives we touch each day. The child wrapped in swaddling clothes, in the inner house ..read more

Beyond Belief Luke 1:26-38 Rev. Wendy's sermon starts with a personal anecdote about hearing the song "Mary Did You Know?" and transitions into exploring the theme of impossible pregnancies in the Bible. She connects Mary's miraculous conception of Jesus with other biblical stories of unlikely births, such as those of Elizabeth (John the Baptist's mother), Sarah (Isaac's mother), and Hannah (Samuel's mother). Rev. Wendy highlights the common thread in these stories: the idea that nothing is impossible with God. The sermon delves into the Gospel of Luke, beginning with the angel Gabriel's annou ..read more

Preparing the Way Mark 1:1-8 In the season of Advent, Father Mark's sermon takes us through a reflective journey, guided by the Gospel of Mark.  We are part of the continuing Gospel. We are real life characters in a Gospel that has no end. We must clear and straighten the path for the advent of Christ into our lives. We can open the way for the coming of Christ into every moment of our lives. We do this by changing our hearts, minds and behaviors, and that which blocks the flow of Divine Life between God and us, and between us and our neighbors (including all of Creation). This opens us t ..read more

Choosing the Eternal Bridegroom Matthew 25:1-13 The people of Israel faced a crucial time of discernment: who will they serve? Jesus said that we cannot serve two masters. Yahweh chose Abraham and his descendants as his own people, and Yahweh wanted them to choose Him, to love Him as much as He loved them. For this reason the analogy of marriage often is used. We, the “wedding guests,” are invited to become one with Christ, to marry the bridegroom and to behave accordingly in the world. In this marriage, we give ourselves to Christ fully, in heart, soul, mind and strength. Scripture quotat ..read more

Soul Matthew 5:1-12 What is the soul? And where does it go when our bodies die? One definition is that soul refers to the sacred depths of ourselves, the dimension of our being where we experience meaning, passion, and compassion. We are most alive when we are one with our soul. Often we are not in touch with, connected with, our soul. One reason we meet in worship is to connect with the sacred depths of ourselves. The kingdom of this world is governed by a very different spirit than in the Kingdom of God. When we are totally consumed by the kingdom of this world we can easily lose connectio ..read more

Suffering, Humanity, Jesus and God The Gospel is Matthew 4:1-11 In the beginning there was the Word…and the Word became flesh and lived among us. God became flesh and lived among us in the person of Jesus. He became truly human, like all os us. This understanding sets Christianity apart from many other religions, and is one of the most difficult parts of our faith to believe. What if the perceived division between Divinity and Humanity were to dissolve? Jesus’ mission was and is to bring human beings and God together as One, God dwelling in us and we dwelling in God., mutually indwelling. Thus ..read more

Ye are… The Gospel is 5:13-20 Why is Jesus so incensed about religious hypocrisy? Perhaps because it represents a missed opportunity to have the abundant life Christ wants for us. The glory of God is the human being fully alive. Such a person is a small thing that can make a big difference. Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide ..read more