Sermons from June 2023
Liberation Sermon
Imagine a world where all religions brought about liberation. Where we are all free to live into our fullest potential. Where we are free of fear, free of oppression, free of all domination systems, free to love and express ourselves just as we are. Imagine living in a world that celebrates differences and reveres the interconnectedness of all beings; and a world that treats the earth with respect.
Why not us?
In our gospel text for today, Matthew recounts the commissioning of the disciples and Jesus sending them out to heal and do important work. Hearing that the work they are called to is difficult and thus should travel light, we hear our own call to discipleship. As we listen for God’s call in our lives or see the need for response in our communities, maybe the response to that prayer is our own call to act as disciples of Jesus.
Would Jesus be welcome at our table?
In today’s sermon, I share a little about our tabling experience at Pride and the message of our Gospel, which provides examples of mercy and discipleship in the stories of Matthew’s call, a woman’s healing, and the humble request of a leader. These acts of faith from those on the outer circle of society in Jesus’ time remind us of how expansive Jesus’ table truly is as he welcomes them in and shows us what it means to answer Jesus’ invitation to “follow me.”
The Light and the Breath of the Spirit
There are two different accounts of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the gap between the two is the place that the Holy Spirit enters… we need the action of the Day of Pentecost but just as much we need the gentle breath of Jesus.