Center in God

Mark 12:38-44

Father Mark’s sermon reflects on the recent presidential election and the role of Christians in times of political upheaval. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus, particularly the story of the widow’s offering, he emphasizes the importance of centering one’s heart in God rather than in worldly leaders or institutions. Jesus called his followers to resist hypocrisy and ego-driven actions, reminding us that the most meaningful contributions come from a place of humility and dedication to God, like the widow’s small but sincere offering. Father Mark urges the congregation to ground themselves in prayer and God’s presence, allowing the Spirit to guide their responses to current events and to center their hearts in the Kingdom of God.

He reminds the congregation that the true body of Christ—the Church—is called to address injustice and act with love and compassion. By evaluating leaders and events through the values embodied by Jesus, Christians can avoid partisanship and divisiveness. Instead, they should act from a place of equanimity and love, striving for justice, peace, and the dignity of all people as they live out their baptismal vows. Father Mark stresses that the Church must remain true to its mission, serving as the hands and heart of Christ in the world. In a time of division, he prays that the congregation will embody the love and voice of Christ for a world in need.

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.

Fully Human Love

Mark 12:28-34

Father Mark’s sermon on the story of Lazarus emphasizes the compassionate, incarnational nature of Jesus, who does not remain distant from human suffering but fully embraces it. In his encounter with Mary and Martha, Jesus is deeply moved, disturbed, and even weeps for Lazarus—showing that God does not stay on the sidelines but enters fully into human grief and loss. This image of Christ as deeply embedded in human life, not detached or above it, challenges believers to remember that Jesus embodies empathy, humility, and love, not the divisive or power-seeking tendencies so common today.

Father Mark warns against “cultural Christianity,” where faith becomes captive to political and cultural ideologies instead of being shaped by the transformative love and grace of Christ. Rather than seeing Jesus as a figure who endorses our biases or conflicts, he encourages us to recognize the kingdom of God as something within us—a call to live according to the radical love of Jesus, which includes forgiveness, humility, and unity. As All Saints Sunday reminds us of our unity in the body of Christ, we are challenged to transcend the divisions and animosities of our culture, moving instead toward a shared identity as children of God, called to live in communion with one another.

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.

To See

Mark 10:46-52

In today’s Gospel, Father Mark reflects on the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who calls out to Jesus, asking for mercy and the ability to see. Bartimaeus's plea is met initially with scorn by the crowd, who view him only as a sinner and an unworthy presence. However, Jesus, who looks beyond labels and sees Bartimaeus as a person of value, calls him forward. The Gospel invites us to consider the depth of Bartimaeus’s request, which may not only be for physical sight but also for spiritual vision—a desire to see life and others through the lens of divine love. Father Mark challenges us to embrace this spiritual perspective, reminding us of John Newton’s hymn "Amazing Grace," where newfound sight represents an awakening to compassion and love for others.

Father Mark highlights the difference between the disciples, who ask Jesus for personal glory, and Bartimaeus, who humbly asks for sight. This contrast illustrates the Gospel’s call to seek spiritual wholeness rather than self-promotion. Bartimaeus’s story also prompts us to examine our own tendencies to label others in dismissive ways, reducing them to stereotypes and stripping away their humanity. Jesus shows us that true discipleship requires seeing each person as a fellow child of God, deserving of dignity and respect.

The transformation of the crowd, who move from silencing Bartimaeus to encouraging him at Jesus’s prompting, serves as an example of the power of compassion to change our hearts. Following Jesus means overcoming our biases and striving to see others not as mere labels but as unique, beloved individuals. Father Mark urges us to heed Jesus’s question, “What do you want me to do for you?” and to answer by seeking the grace to see others with compassion and open-heartedness.

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.

Journey of Love

Mark 12:28-34

In this Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus emphasizes the two greatest commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. A scribe agrees with Jesus, affirming that love is more important than offerings or sacrifices. Jesus praises the scribe’s wisdom, telling him he is close to the kingdom of God.

Following the Gospel, Dan and Debi Blackwell share the emotional journey they experienced after discovering their son, Opie, was gay. Initially, they struggled with grief, denial, and societal fears, but eventually, they accepted their son for who he is. Their story highlights the transformation they underwent, realizing that their prayers to change Opie were answered by God changing them instead.

The Blackwells reflect on the importance of loving and accepting all people as children of God, regardless of their differences. They urge the church community to welcome those who feel marginalized, including LGBTQ+ individuals, reminding everyone that Jesus calls us to love without judgment. Their story is a powerful testament to family, faith, and the journey toward unconditional love.

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.

Radical Inclusion

Mark 10:17-31

Bishop Kym Lucas’s sermon, rooted in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:17-31), explores the challenging nature of following Jesus in a world that often prioritizes wealth, comfort, and fitting in over faithfulness. She emphasizes that salvation is not something that can be earned through good deeds or by following societal norms, but rather through God’s grace. Jesus’ words to the rich man highlight the impossibility of earning eternal life by human effort alone.

In her sermon, Bishop Kym critiques the idea of being “good” as defined by societal standards—often equated with avoiding conflict or staying comfortable. Instead, she urges the congregation to embrace “faithfulness,” which may involve standing up against injustice, challenging bad laws, and engaging in what John Lewis famously called “good trouble.” She insists that following Jesus means extending love, compassion, and mercy to everyone, particularly those who are marginalized or ostracized. She concludes by calling for radical inclusion, recognizing that Jesus invites all people, regardless of status, to share in God’s grace.

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.

Open Hearts

Mark 10:2-16

Father Mark’s sermon focuses on Jesus’ teaching that to receive the kingdom of God, one must be like a little child—open-hearted, open-minded, and humble. He explains that children naturally embody these qualities because they are receptive, vulnerable, and willing to learn. Unlike adults, who often grow closed and guarded as they age, children remain open to the unknown and unafraid to be molded by new experiences. Jesus’ words highlight the importance of maintaining this childlike openness throughout life to fully experience God’s grace and presence.

The sermon also explores the idea of intellectual humility, emphasizing the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. Father Mark draws on examples from research and neuroscience, illustrating that children possess far greater creative flexibility and intellectual humility than adults, who tend to become set in their ways. The message challenges adults to rethink their perspectives and avoid the prideful belief that they already have all the answers. Father Mark urges the congregation to remain willing to revise their views and prioritize learning and connection over being right.

Ultimately, Father Mark emphasizes that an open heart and mind are crucial for receiving the kingdom of God. He reflects on the spiritual practices that help keep one’s heart open and receptive, counteracting the temptation to judge, fear, or withdraw. True spirituality, according to Father Mark, involves regularly checking in with oneself, ensuring that love and grace flow freely rather than being hoarded. In this way, he argues, followers of Christ can embody the openness and humility of a child, allowing God’s Spirit to work within and through them.

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.

The Messiah We Need

Mark 8:27-38

Father Mark’s sermon centers on the profound question Jesus poses to His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Messiah,” but his understanding of the Messiah clashes with the reality of Jesus’ mission. Peter, like many Jews of his time, envisioned a Messiah who would triumph politically, akin to King David. However, Jesus reveals that His path is one of suffering, rejection, and ultimately death, before rising again. When Peter tries to rebuke Jesus for this, he is sternly corrected, illustrating the danger of imposing personal or cultural expectations on God’s plan.

Father Mark draws parallels between Peter’s mistake and the modern tendency to envision a Jesus who reflects our own political or cultural biases. Just as Peter struggled to accept a Messiah who would suffer, many today shape their image of Jesus to fit their personal ideologies. Father Mark emphasizes the importance of allowing Jesus’ true nature to challenge and transform us. He urges the congregation to go beyond surface-level understanding, seek deeper spiritual roots, and be open to the ways Jesus calls us to align our lives with His teachings, even when they challenge our comfort or deeply held beliefs.

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.

Jesus Listened

Mark 7:24-37

In today’s sermon, Father Mark delves into the challenging gospel passage where Jesus encounters a Syrophoenician woman who pleads for her daughter’s healing. Initially, Jesus responds with a harsh dismissal, referring to the woman as a “dog,” which reflects the prejudices of his time. However, the woman’s persistent faith leads Jesus to reconsider, and he heals her daughter. Father Mark explores the idea that even Jesus, in his humanity, was shaped by his cultural upbringing and was capable of growth. This growth is exemplified in Jesus’ ability to change his mind, shedding his “shell” of cultural and religious bias, much like a lobster must shed its shell to grow.

Father Mark emphasizes the importance of being open to change and growth, even for Jesus. He challenges the congregation to embrace the possibility of lifelong learning and transformation, often through unexpected people and situations. By highlighting Jesus’ willingness to repent and be changed by the Syrophoenician woman, Father Mark calls on us to remain humble, open to new ideas, and willing to shed our own rigid preconceptions.

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.

From Law to Love

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

In this sermon, Father Mark reflects on the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees from the Gospel of Mark, where the Pharisees criticize Jesus’ disciples for not following the traditions of washing hands before eating. Jesus responds by challenging their focus on external rituals rather than the internal condition of the heart, teaching that what truly defiles a person comes from within. Father Mark relates this to modern-day Christianity, pointing out how rules and boundaries, often enforced to protect religious identity, can lead to exclusion and self-righteousness, instead of fostering deeper connection with God and others.

He further explores the evolution of faith, using the Old Testament stages of development—from the laws of the Torah to the self-criticism of the prophets, and finally, to the wisdom literature that embraces mystery and paradox. Father Mark encourages the congregation to reflect on where they stand in their own spiritual journey: Are they still focused on laws and rules, or have they reached a place of wisdom where they embrace the complexity of life with compassion and understanding? Particularly during contentious times like elections, he emphasizes the need for Christians to avoid judgment and focus on repentance, humility, and love for others, especially those with opposing views.

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.

Feeding on Love

John 6:56-69

Father Mark’s sermon explores the pervasive presence of “negative energy” in modern society, comparing it to a force that feeds on conflict and hate, much like the alien entity in a Star Trek episode. This energy is encouraged by “conflict entrepreneurs” such as news outlets, social media influencers, and politicians who profit from escalating discord. The message urges listeners to recognize this force as alien to our true selves and to choose instead to serve God, who restores us to love, sanity, and wholeness.

Drawing on biblical references, particularly from Joshua and Ephesians, the sermon speaks to the spiritual battle against “cosmic powers of darkness” and encourages a shift from hate to love. The preacher compares hate to an addiction that feels good temporarily but ultimately depresses the Holy Spirit within us. Following the steps of 12-Step programs, the path to healing begins with acknowledging powerlessness over hate and turning to God for restoration.

The sermon concludes with a call to abide in Christ, as depicted in the Gospel of John, where feeding on Christ means embodying his love and rejecting the divisive energy of hate. The imagery of the Star Trek crew overcoming conflict by recognizing the true source of their struggle serves as a metaphor for society’s need to unite as one Body in Christ, transcending differences and overcoming the force of hatred through love and mutual joy.

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.