SSJE Sermons

“Don’t wait for a big plan. Start with a small practice, and the ripples of grace will have a power that can do infinitely more than you can ask or imagine.” Br. Curtis Almquist reflects on how we can put into practice Jesus' instruction to "Love your enemies" and our Baptismal promise to "respect the dignity of every human being."

“She turned to God, and told God all that was on her heart. As she spoke, she started to weep, as she said in a hushed voice, that was the first time she had told God anything really important.” Br. James Koester shares a memory that enriches his reading of Mark's Gospel as he highlight one of its unremarkable lines, which nevertheless has much to teach us.

“When did things begin to change? When did it happen that Jesus’ message and mission – not just to Jews but to the whole world – begin to enlarge? With the magi. With the visitation of the wizards at Bethlehem. Jesus, of course, was an infant. Mary and Joseph took it all in. Something very significant happened in their encounter with the magi from foreign lands, and they were forever changed.” On the Feast of the Epiphany, Br. Curtis Almquist looks to the Magi and marvels at God's ongoing revelation.

“Does this story of Nathanael inspire you to use prayer and meditation as a way to know Jesus?” As we move from the season of Christmas to Ordinary Time, also known as "Missionary Season," Br. David Allen finds many expressions of mission in following Jesus.

“Even though the world may be chilled and anxious, a prophet’s strange words herald the darkness’s retreat: 'Here is the Lamb of God. I myself did not know him; but I came that he might be revealed.' A light shines in the far country of our heart, in a region we may have long ago decided was barren, lost, or dead—lost forever to our long exile.” Br. Sean Glenn reflects on the words of John the Baptist and how, even amid the darkness of our unknowing, God prepares our salvation.

“There’s no shortcut here, no path around the sadness, pain, and anger. The only way to healing and transformation is the Way of Jesus, not around but through. Resurrection comes through the cross, and there is no other way. ” On the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Br. Nicholas Bartoli confronts the age-old question of theodicy and proposes an unexpected twist.

“The God who revealed himself to Moses by the Unpronouncable Name “I AM who AM,” has consented to be known by a human name not only pronouncable but common in its own time and culture. The name Jesus is now for us a two-syllable prayer with the power to bless, to heal, to save, and to bring us back into alignment with what matters most.” Br. Keith Nelson invites us to claim "heaven in ordinary" through the holy name of Jesus.

“Who are you in this story?  Do you remember exactly where you were and who you were with when you first encountered the glory of God in your life?  Where is your Shepherd’s Field?  How have you experienced God’s holy invitation and who have been the angels in your life, inviting you into the presence of God?” On Christmas morning, Br. Jim Woodrum invites us to enter into the Christmas story, to visit our own Shepherd's Field and listen to the angels singing, then go and meet Jesus, the One who waits for us.

“It may be dark. You may be afraid. But listen to the angels who say to you: do not be afraid. Do NOT be afraid. The light has come. The babe is born. Christmas is here. God is with you.” On Christmas Eve, Br. James Koester reflects on the power and promise of the Christmas story: not sentimentality, not nostalgia, but truth.

“The darkness deepens. Dark and more dark, and yet we can see. God is here with us speaking, providing, nurturing, and saving in the dark. With Mary, Elizabeth, and today’s companions, live by faith in the dark with twinkling and enfolding grace. ” Br. Luke Ditewig reflects on the power of darkness, inviting us to claim its gifts in this season of life.