SSJE Sermons

“If the church is to be a sign of Life – a magnet for the God-given longing in all people to reconcile with God and with one another – then the Church must speak its abundant life in the terms of the times. As Anglicans, we are at our best when we engage the signs of our times with the signs of eternal life.” Lisa Kimball, from the Department of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary, encourages all of us to take part in the Church's great mission to interpret the Signs of Life to all those trapped in the signs of our times.

“There is nowhere outside the scope of God’s mercy. There are no boundaries within God’s mercy. There is no one outside God’s mercy – no one outside God’s compassion and loving kindness. This truth has the power to convert us, to change our lives.” Br. Geoffrey Tristram unpacks the powerful story of the Good Samaritan and challenges us to break down boundaries as we show mercy to one another.

“It would have been one thing if Jesus had said, “you are of more value than gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” But no. He says, “You are of more value than sparrows.” Sparrows.” Br. Curtis Almquist finds a word of comfort in Jesus' metaphor of the sparrow.

“We may not think of ourselves as Jacob, but who has not struggled mightily with God, as we attempt to discover God’s will for us? Who has not struggled mightily with God, as we attempt to find our path, our way? Who has not struggled mightily with God, as we attempt to follow God’s call?” Br. James Koester looks to one of our spiritual forebears for a lesson in wrestling: God is a companion who wrestles with, and not against, and who strengthens and blesses, even in the sweat and struggle.

“Keith, by taking the vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience for life, you are doing something profoundly important, not for your sake, but for the sake of the world. What some see as a waste, as running away, as hiding, even as a death, is actually the way of Jesus. It is the way of self – spending, redemptive love. It is the way God has chosen you to change this old world.” On the joyous occasion of Br. Keith Nelson's profession in Life Vows, Br. James Koester considers how the monastic vows point us all toward the way of Jesus: a way of self-spending, redemptive love.

“How do you want to end up? At the end of today? At the end of your life? This requires intention. We have in God both partnership and provision for the cultivation of our soul. God’s invitation is to collaborate – to co-labor – with God in the cultivation of our soul: in our growing whole, free, and real.” Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to set an intention to help cultivate the fruits of the Spirit that will make us whole, free, and real.

“It felt like being born again. It felt like being utterly annihilated only to rise again as something new, simultaneously terrifying and beautiful. It was as if God, getting inpatient and tiring of being subtle, grabbed me by the ankles, held me upside down, and shook violently until… well, I’m still not sure, but let’s just say that a lot of spiritual and psychological loose change fell from my pockets.” Drawing on a rich past experience, Br. Nicholas Bartoli invites us to encounter silence not as barren, but instead as a luminous emptiness, pregnant with the fruit of God’s Word.

“Rising global tensions and almost striking Iran. Mass deportations planned. Tragic accidents. Migrants fleeing. Children held by our government in despicable conditions. Political clashes, lies, illness and personal loss. With a week like this, with a life like this, remember Elijah.” In the midst of great turmoil, Br. Luke Ditewig extols the power of silence and other healing gifts that we can receive from God and share with one another.

“Lucas, like Moses and Alban, you have heard the voice of God speaking your name, and as Father Benson reminds us, that is a most blessed thing. It is a most blessed thing to hear the voice of God speaking deep within a heart that it eternally aflame with love, aflame with the love of God, aflame with the love of all whom God has made.” The Community celebrates the Profession in Initial Vows of Br. Lucas Hall.

“Oblation might be too archaic a word for you to use. If so, find another word, another phrase that allows you to live life abundantly on earth, and on speaking terms with life in heaven. The phrase I’ve latched onto is “living my life with nothing to lose.” You cannot lose what you have already given up. Live your life with nothing to lose.” Br. Curtis Almquist encourages us to find the language, the prayer and practice, that enable us to treasure the fullness of life: life for now and life to come.