Here is today's sermon, Proper 22, Year A, October 1, 2023. It is based on Matthew 21:23-32, the Parable of the Two Sons. In it, I explain that the parable is about the ministry and preaching of John the Baptizer. The Pharisees rejected John's message while those who are considered unrighteous embraced John's message. In our world, authority is based on power and violence. I explain the Jesus' authority comes from the Kingdom of God and the ability of God's story to be a truthful representation of our lives. By seeing ourselves in the story of Jesus, we see ourselves rightly and forswear violence and power, but rather, embrace beauty.