Sermons from May 2017

7 Easter – May 28, 2017 John 17:1-11 Terrorism is tearing at the fabric of our common humanity today as we hear Jesus, still saying his goodbye that spans four full chapters (nearly 25% of John’s Gospel!) The long discourse and, in today’s reading, the prayer, are all intended to prepare the disciples for their lives after Jesus’ ascension. And so, on the brink of crossing the threshold from being Jesus’ students to being Jesus’ emissaries to the world, Jesus…

5 Easter – May 14, 2017 John 14:1-14 Our gospel reading this morning is one that is often read at funerals, and for good reason. It is comforting in the face of the death of a loved one. But this piece of scripture is not only about life after death, it is a text that has everything to do with our lives here and now. The setting is Jesus’ farewell address at his last supper with his disciples. Jesus has…

4 Easter – May 7, 2017 John 10:1-10 This morning Jesus speaks to us about shepherds, sheep and gates. In fact, he says that he is the gate. “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” This discourse follows immediately after the story of Jesus healing…

3 Easter – April 30, 2017 Luke 24:13-35 Our gospel story this morning fills this account of Jesus’ resurrection with the paradox of the Christ who is stranger and companion. Two quotes from Augustine convey the beautiful paradox: “The teacher was walking with them along the way and he himself was the way.” “And because they observed hospitality, him who they knew not yet in the expounding of scriptures, they suddenly know in the breaking of bread.” The scripture tells…