Going Deeper With Christ Episcopal Church

Resurrection in Action

John 10:22-30

Father Mark opens by highlighting the powerful shepherd imagery found throughout the day’s readings, especially in the Gospel of John where Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd. He draws a parallel between the failed shepherds—leaders of ancient Israel who neglected their people—and both religious and political leaders in Jesus’ day who ignored society’s most vulnerable. Jesus assumes the role of true shepherd, offering protection, eternal life, and care for those who follow His voice.

This theme of shepherd-like care continues in the reading from Acts, where Peter raises Tabitha from the dead. Tabitha, known for her acts of kindness and support for widows, represents the embodiment of Christian compassion. Her death was not only a personal loss but a blow to the community’s fragile support system. Peter’s act of raising her reflects the restoration not only of a life but of a compassionate, communal order rooted in Christ-like love.

Father Mark concludes by emphasizing that kindness is central to the resurrection life. He stresses that Jesus, Peter, and Tabitha demonstrated divine compassion through everyday acts of mercy. Drawing from modern voices like John Van de Laar, Mother Teresa, and Brother Curtis Almquist, Father Mark calls on all of us to embody kindness as a daily expression of our faith in the risen Christ. Kindness, he says, is not weakness—it is resurrection in action.

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.

Feed My Sheep

John 21:1-19

In this sermon, Father Mark reflects on the rich symbolism and spiritual metaphors of John’s Gospel, particularly the story of the risen Christ appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The sermon begins by highlighting the contrast between Peter’s ego-driven decision to return to fishing and the disciples’ inability to catch anything on their own. Father Mark connects this to the first chapter of John’s Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus, the eternal Word, calls us back to our true identity—not as self-reliant individuals, but as children of God. Jesus’ calling the disciples “children” is not an insult but an invitation to reclaim their deeper spiritual identity and live not from ego, but from divine relationship.

Father Mark then explores the deeper significance of the miraculous catch of fish, the charcoal fire on the shore, and the threefold question Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” These moments symbolically reverse Peter’s earlier denials and point toward transformation. The sermon beautifully contrasts the fear and failure of Peter’s past with the morning of restoration and spiritual clarity offered by Christ. The call to “Feed my sheep” is not only directed at Peter but at all of us, representing our own call to respond to God’s love with self-surrender and service.

Finally, Father Mark encourages the congregation to examine whether their daily actions flow from ego or from their identity as beloved children of God. He invites everyone to approach the Eucharist as a sacramental breakfast with the risen Christ—a moment of spiritual nourishment and renewal. He concludes by praying that every word and act in the coming week might emerge from that sacred inner place where the Word of God dwells, empowering us to love and serve with 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.

From Doubt to Faith

John 20:19-31

The sermon reflects on the Gospel story of Jesus’ resurrection appearance to the disciples, especially the encounter with Thomas, often remembered as “Doubting Thomas.” The preacher shares how Thomas’ desire for concrete proof resonates with human nature: a need for clarity and certainty when faced with mystery. Yet Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt, offering tangible evidence and inviting him into deeper belief, emphasizing that seeking understanding is part of faith.

The preacher, David Sisson, shares his personal journey from a Baptist background into the Episcopal tradition, describing the unexpected richness he found in Scripture reading, prayer, and liturgy. Despite initial skepticism, he found a new spiritual home, learning that traditions different from his own could be deeply rooted in love for God and neighbor, guided by Scriptures like Micah 6:8 and Matthew 22:37-40. His reflections show how common Christian foundations—justice, kindness, humility, and love—cross denominational lines.

Finally, the message highlights that doubt is not the enemy of faith; rather, persistent, honest questioning can lead to stronger belief. Like Thomas, we may struggle with uncertainty, but Christ graciously meets us where we are, calling us from doubt into conviction. The sermon ends with an encouraging reminder that Jesus always comes to meet our needs, helping us grow into a living faith that declares, “My Lord and my God.”

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.

This podcast was produced by an AI overview of 48 sermons by Fr. Mark Meyer of Christ Episcopal Church in Canon City, CO.

We Are Risen

John 20:1-18

Father Mark began by reflecting on the Gospel account of Mary Magdalene encountering the risen Jesus at the tomb. Despite being one of Jesus’ closest followers, she did not recognize him until he called her by name. Father Mark emphasized that this recognition wasn’t about physical sight but spiritual perception—a recognition of the divine love that radiated from Christ. Drawing on theologian Cynthia Bourgeau’s insight, he explained that the post-resurrection Jesus appeared differently to help his followers learn to recognize him through the heart and soul, not just through appearances.

The sermon then explored how resurrection is not just a past event centered on Jesus but an ongoing invitation for all of us. Using his own experience with anorexia as a modern parable, Father Mark shared how he was freed from the mental and physical prison of the illness—a personal resurrection. He spoke of how the Easter message comes alive when we allow God’s love and power to transform us here and now, echoing St. Paul’s assurance that the same Spirit that raised Jesus can raise us, too.

Finally, Father Mark expanded the idea of resurrection from the personal to the communal and global. Drawing from writers like Thomas Merton, Brian McLaren, and Richard Rohr, he spoke of Easter as an invitation for societal transformation—from violence to peace, fear to faith, consumption to stewardship. Resurrection, he said, happens every time we choose love, hope, or healing over despair and death. The Easter message is not just “Christ is risen,” but “We are risen,” and we are invited to live into that reality again and again.

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.

El Hogar

John 12:1-8

Christi James from Christ Church in Denver shares the inspiring story of Elo Gardee, now known as El Hogar, in Honduras, a long-supported ministry that began in 1979 by the Episcopal Church to help homeless boys. Moved by an early presentation, Christi visited Honduras and witnessed firsthand the program's growth into one providing crucial education and community support.

Highlighting the value of true partnership over simply offering aid, Christi illustrates Elo Gardee's impact through the story of a mother and her daughters who gained access to schooling and stability. She emphasizes the transformative work of the local staff and expresses gratitude for the ongoing support from her congregation.

Ultimately, Christi's presentation underscores the profound difference their partnership makes in the lives of Honduran children and families, inviting viewers to learn more about El Hogar and consider joining their mission of love and hope.

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.

Stories We Tell

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Father Mark began by recounting the familiar parable of the prodigal son, highlighting the boldness of the younger son’s request and the immense grace of the father who grants it. After squandering his inheritance, the son returns in shame, expecting rejection, but instead finds unconditional love and forgiveness. The father’s joyful embrace and celebration signify God’s boundless mercy and desire for reconciliation.

The older brother, however, responds with resentment, believing he has been treated unfairly. He sees himself as a dutiful servant rather than a beloved son, distorting his view of the father’s generosity. Father Mark explained how both brothers told themselves stories that shaped their perceptions — one of unworthiness, the other of self-righteousness — while the father’s story was one of unwavering love and belonging.

Father Mark encouraged the congregation to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves about God, others, and ourselves. Are these stories rooted in truth and grace, or are they skewed by our fears, biases, or pain? During this Lenten season, he invited us to listen for God’s story — a story of forgiveness, acceptance, and joy — and to embrace it as our own.

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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.

Nourish a Broken World

Luke 13:1-9

Father Mark reflects on a moment in the Gospel of Luke when Jesus is told about recent tragedies—the slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of a tower in Siloam. Rather than affirming that the victims suffered because they were worse sinners, Jesus emphatically rejects that assumption. Instead, he calls his listeners to repentance—not as a threat of literal destruction, but as an urgent invitation to transformation. Father Mark emphasizes that repentance, or metanoia, is not about guilt or punishment but about an inner change that brings new life and awareness.

Drawing from Rabbi Harold Kushner’s story and other voices like Jared Bias, Father Mark challenges the simplistic “do good, get good; do bad, get bad” theology that many people use to understand suffering. He explains that this kind of thinking, while comforting in its order, distorts our image of God. Instead of viewing God as a punitive enforcer, he invites us to see God as “all-vulnerable”—present with us in pain, not causing it. Jesus often disrupted people’s assumptions about sin and suffering, redirecting their attention not to the sins of others, but to their own need for spiritual transformation.

The fig tree parable at the end of the Gospel illustrates God’s patience and care. The divine gardener, Father Mark says, is not waiting to cut us down, but working hard to nourish us into fruitfulness. Through metaphors of digging, fertilizing, and pruning—often involving humility—we are invited to cooperate with God’s work in our souls. True repentance means opening the gate of our hearts and allowing God to tend the soil of our lives. In doing so, we become vessels through which divine love can nourish a broken world.

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.

Embrace Vulnerability

Luke 13:31-35

Father Mark’s sermon focuses on the contrasting images of a fox and a hen in the Gospel of Luke. He interprets Jesus’ response to the Pharisees warning about Herod as a metaphor for two different approaches to life: Herod, the fox representing cunning and predatory behavior while Jesus, the mother hen symbolizing vulnerability and protection.

Father Mark explores how Jesus’ willingness to go to Jerusalem despite knowledge of impending suffering, rejection, and death, challenges the worldly notion of strength. He describes this as a demonstration of true courage that comes from embracing vulnerability, which allows Jesus to be open and caring towards others.

Father Mark concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace vulnerability during Lent, allowing them to grow closer to God and more attuned to the needs of others. He argues that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness but rather an essential aspect of humanity and Christian faith.

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.

Whom Do You Worship?

Luke 4:1-13

Father Mark’s sermon centers on the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness and their relevance to modern life. He emphasizes that temptations often involve choosing between our primary relationship with God and worldly distractions or desires. Jesus, despite his hunger, refuses to turn stones into bread, highlighting the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical needs. The devil’s second temptation involves offering Jesus worldly power and glory, symbolizing the strategies of accusation and division that govern earthly kingdoms. This temptation underscores Jesus’s commitment to God over worldly authority and values.

Father Mark warns that people often prioritize national loyalties over their faith, a tendency that can lead to divided hearts and compromised beliefs. Jesus’s example shows that true faithfulness requires choosing between conflicting loyalties, as serving both God and worldly powers is impossible. This message challenges listeners to examine their own loyalties during Lent, urging them to focus on their relationship with God rather than worldly distractions.

The sermon concludes with a call for listeners to reflect on their loyalties and what they truly worship, emphasizing the importance of choosing God above all else. Father Mark encourages honest self-examination and a commitment to following Jesus, even when it contradicts worldly expectations or values.

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.