SSJE Sermons

“We can paint a mental picture of someone using just a few choice adjectives, and then create whole narratives about the person’s beliefs, personality, and values — a story that exists only in our heads. We do this all the time, and wind up projecting our own value system, experiences, and biases, unto other people. And sadly, this winds up obscuring the Divine and Beautiful Mystery they truly are.” As we engage with others, Br. Nicholas Bartoli invites us to consider what sort of fruit we are growing, and what grows from the lives of those around us.

“If we have considered our sinfulness; if we are aware of our countless transgressions against God and against our neighbors in thought, word and deed; if we have realized our need for forgiveness and mercy; then we will begin to appreciate what has been done for us.” Br. David Vryhof urges us to stay on the path toward forgiveness, for ourselves and toward others.

“This image of an eagle may feed your imagination and inspire your prayer: about your eyes and the eyes of your heart being able to see deeply. The eagle, and its image of strength, deliverance, and protection.” With the Psalmist, Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to reflect on the image of the eagle.

“Particularly in Lent, we are called to realize, name, and turn from our sin. Not in order to beat ourselves up. Not because God wants revenge. Rather, surrender by acknowledging our need and receive grace. God comes wanting to save.” Br. Luke Ditewig embraces the Lenten invitation to wash our selves clean, especially with the help of God our loving parent.

“If, by God’s grace, we follow the path of Blandina, we’ll no longer need the courage of Saint George. Instead, without fear, we can more easily make that one crucial choice waiting to made in each moment, the choice to surrender everything so to simply let God’s will be done. In fact, living in union with God  may cause the choice to feel so effortless that it stops feeling like a choice at all, and more like God’s will manifesting through us in the world as we rest in Christ.” Br. Nicholas Bartoli finds inspiration in the examples of Saint George and Blandina.

“That was the secret to his healing. Not denying any of his amazing personal gifts, but rather offering his gifts at the altar for God to consecrate and use in ways, far beyond what Herbert could have mustered on his own stage.” Br. Curtis Almquist honors the life and witness of George Herbert, poet and priest.

“Much of God’s provision for us is mysterious, dark, and frustratingly hidden. I know this has been true in my own life, and I suspect it is probably true for many of us. Times when it’s hard to take Jesus at his word when he says, 'Ask, and it will be given you.'” Br. Sean Glenn leans into Jesus' invitation for our total trust in the promise of God's provision.

“For all its familiarity, the Lord’s Prayer is one of the most radical acts a Christian can do. It is radical, because in the first two words, we say something profound about ourselves, and about God.” Br. James Koester invites us to be united in prayer as we proclaim our belongingness to God.

“More giving up, letting go, and self-denial, more awareness of need and sin, more repentance and vulnerability? Do we really need more Lent? The past year feels like a long Lent with so much loss and grief, and it is as if we are still waiting for Easter. Now more Lenten wilderness again?” Even amidst our weariness, Br. Luke Ditewig invites us to find a loving image of God to pray with and reminds us to listen for God's steadfast refrain: "You are my beloved."

“To offer and receive help, however, is not the sign of weakness so many of us think it is. Rather it is a sign of love, our giving, receiving, and needing love.” Br. James Koester reveals our need and revels in our reliance on our Savior.