Rotten Apple Seeds

Here is today’s sermon, July 13, 2025, Proper 10, Year C. It is based on Luke 10: 25-37, the Good Samaritan. In it I consider that love compels us not to ignore differences, but to enter into each other’s traumas and wounds and be willing to abide in that awkward and difficult space.

Here is today’s sermon, July 6, 2025, Proper 9, Year C. It is based on Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, the Sending of the 70 Apostles. In it I discuss how Naaman had a physical mark (leprosy) which alienated him from the community, Paul in the Letter to the Galatians discussed circumcision (physical mark alienating from the community), and the apostles healed those they preached to in the Gospel. I indicated that true welcome into the Body of Christ ought not be based on personal identification with alienated communities, but rather identifying spiritual gifts that others possess. Thus welcome and hospitality of the alienated is based on we need their contributions rather than our progressiveness or identity politics.

Here is today’s sermon, June 29, 2025, Proper 8, Year C. It is based on Luke 9:51-62, the Cost of Discipleship. In it I explain that ministry may be difficult, or awkward, but that means that it reflects the Cross. But the willingness to let go of habits which no longer are applicable in 2025, or may no longer serve us in Denton, means that the transition in faith will lead us to new life and resurrection.

Here is today’s sermon, June 22, 2025, Proper VII, Year C. It is based on i Kings 19: 1-15a, Elijahs Flees into the Desert. I asked the congregation if they wished to hear me preach on this passage or on the Gospel, Luke 8: 26- 39. They chose the first lesson. I preached on the Divine Grandeur of God and Prayer as Silent Listening and Waiting.

Here is today’s sermon, June 15, 2025, Trinity Sunday, Year C. It is based on the doctrine of the Trinity. I begin with arguing for Jesus’ Divinity. If we then have two Divine persons, and possibly three with the Holy Spirit, Christianity would be radically different as a polytheistic faith. In fact, it would collapse all together.

Here is today’s sermon, June 8, 2025, Whitsunday, Year C. It is based on the readings of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-21. In it, I explain the mission of the Church and what we are called to proclaim today.

Here is today’s sermon, June 1, 2025, VII Easter, Year C. It is based on John 17:20-26, the Priestly Prayer of Jesus. In it I explain that our unity is not based on common belief, but rather, communion in Spiritual Gifts. I identified the spiritual gifts that I saw in the congregation.

Here is today’s sermon, May 25, 2025, VI Easter, Year C. It is based on John 14:23-29, part of Jesus’ Final Discourse. In it I discuss whether we who rely on the inspiration of the Spirit for our relationship with Jesus are somehow less than those who know Jesus in Person. I explain that we are not People of the Book, but rather a Community of the Spirit and what that means.

Here is today’s sermon, May 11, 2025, IV Easter, Year C. It is based on Acts 9: 36- 43, the Raising of Tabitha (Dorcas). In it I observe that death is not a part of life the is experienced individually, but that the community experiences loss, grief, or saying goodbye. Nevertheless, we may console each other with the knowledge that we may find deeper life and renewed purpose even despite grief.

Here is today’s sermon, May 4, 2025, III Easter, Year C. It is based on John 21:1-19, Jesus’ Resurrection Appearance on the Shore of Galilee. In it I discuss How, through Jesus’ redemption, we are able to rewrite the history of our conflicts through forgiveness and reconciliation.