SSJE Sermons

“In your prayer, you may just also catch sight of an even deeper mystery. That the one you are seeking is also seeking you. That in his eyes, you are the pearl of great price, for whom he is prepared to give all.” Br. Geoffrey Tristram marvels at the many-layered meanings and invitations of the pearl of great price.

“Do you feel powerless in some ways? Perfect! You’re in a perfect place to receive Jesus’ resurrection power now.” From Br. Curtis Almquist, an uplifting sermon on heaven, resurrection power, and God's glory.

“Truly, the Kingdom of God is now or never, because God’s invitation is always offered within this very moment. In this sense, abiding in the Kingdom of God doesn’t have any reality in the past or the future. Here and now is when the choice is made to accept God’s invitation to the Great Banquet, dwelling in the eternal life of this eternal moment.” Br. Nicholas Bartoli invites us to dwell in that place of willingness and humility where we will remember who we truly are: a child of Christ’s Light, already sitting at the Heavenly Banquet.

“Do you feel or have you ever felt that God is distant, uncaring, unhearing, without respect or shame, refusing. Has prayer felt like repetitive knocking or finger pointing to one who doesn’t seem to care? Sometimes life is so hard that we conclude God is unjust, uncaring or not powerful.” Br. Luke Ditewig offers encouragement for praying when it's hard, when we're tempted to lose heart.

“What is the body for? To a culture than prizes physical strength, beauty, and perfection while creating nearly religious burdens around our body size, exercise, eating, and sexual habits, Ignatius asks: what is the body for?” Br. Sean Glenn finds unexpected wisdom for our moment's body-preoccupied culture in the witness of Saint Ignatius of Antioch.

“We live in very shaky times. In virtually every venue of life in our world, there is now instability. The psalmist assures us: God is our rock, our stronghold, our refuge, so that we shall not be greatly shaken… How is this true for you now?” Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to cling to the bedrock of our faith.

“Perhaps we can glean wisdom from her example by naming a relationship with Jesus to be the one desire of our heart and to help cultivate that relationship by faithful tending of our spiritual gardens through prayer. When that prayer life seems arid and dry, then pray the words of the Psalmist: ‘As the deer longs for the waterbrooks, so longs my soul for you, O God.'” Br. Jim Woodrum honors the example of Teresa of Avila and her desire for Jesus.

“If someone asks you today in Harvard Square or in your hometown why you are a follower of Jesus Christ, what’s the word, the authentic word in your heart and upon your lips? What is your testimony in real time?” Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to be ready, to express our "live" testimony to Jesus Christ.

“Each one of us lives a life filled with challenges, difficulties and struggle. We live in a country which is deeply divided, with huge political uncertainty. It can make us feel insecure, worn out, even despairing. But we as Christians also have another life. A more hidden life, but one filled with power and promise.” Br. Geoffrey Tristram invites us to put our eye to the telescope and renew our vision, that our heavenly life may become powerfully real.

“What would it mean for you today to “return home” and to re-establish your identity, your purpose and your direction? Is it possible that you have strayed from the path to which you have committed yourself, and that you need to be called back? What would it look like for you to renew your purpose and to reclaim your vocation?” Br. David Vryhof considers how the example of Nehemiah, the governor, and Ezra, the priest and scribe, calling the people of Israel back to their core identity and purpose, can inspire us to do the same.