An introduction to the series "Rising Up" that will look at:

1. Our Hope: The Resurrection of our Bodies on the Last Day - how we will be saved.

2. How we are also being saved. We are Rising Up even now as we cling to this hope. 

This sermon on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple highlights the themes of waiting and suffering, both in the lives of Simeon and Anna and in our own. Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple for consecration, where they encounter Simeon, who proclaims Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise, and Anna, who rejoices at His arrival. These two elderly prophets represent Israel’s long wait for redemption, a wait filled with suffering and longing. Like them, we also experience waiting and suffering in our lives—seeking relief from sin, loneliness, grief, and brokenness. The sermon reminds us that Jesus, the Light of the world, does not stay distant from our pain but enters into it, sharing in our suffering and ultimately overcoming it through His death and resurrection. The devil tempts us to doubt God’s promises, but Christ’s presence—especially in the Eucharist—assures us that He is with us always. As we navigate life’s challenges, we are encouraged to trust in Christ, who brings comfort and peace. The blessed candle serves as a reminder that even in darkness, Jesus is present, our light and salvation, guiding us until we rest in His eternal peace.

Waiting and Suffering Are Part of Faith – Like Simeon and Anna, we often wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Though this waiting can involve suffering, it is not in vain because God is always faithful. 

Jesus Enters Into Our Pain – Christ does not remain distant from our struggles but shares in our suffering. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He brings redemption and hope to those who feel lost or broken. 

Christ is Our Light in Darkness – Just as the blessed candle symbolizes Jesus as the Light of the World, He continues to shine in our lives. In moments of doubt and despair, we can trust that He is present, guiding us toward His peace and eternal salvation.

After the major accomplishment of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem in 52 days, the Judahites hear the Torah. But instead of a time of celebration, they are deeply grieved and begin to weep. Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites call to them to celebrate because the Joy of the Lord is our Strength.

January, 19, 2025

This sermon on the Baptism of the Lord emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the beloved Son of God and the profound significance of His baptism. At His baptism, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends, and the Father declares, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Jesus, though sinless, enters the waters not for His sake but to sanctify them for our salvation, cleansing and preparing them to wash away sin for generations to come. Despite this act of love, people often resist Jesus. Some desire a harsher, judgmental figure, while others feel unworthy of His compassion, expecting abandonment and condemnation. Both responses stem from fear and misunderstanding of Jesus’ true nature. The sermon highlights that Jesus’ baptism is a demonstration of divine love and compassion. He comes to restore the broken, free the bound, and cleanse the sinful. Through baptism, we are made beloved children of God, called to repentance, renewal, and a life of radical love and compassion for others. Jesus invites us to enter the waters of repentance, to be transformed, and to embrace our identity as God’s beloved children. In this, we find freedom, renewal, and a mission to share His love with the world.

Those who are wise know they are not wise. That’s why they seek wisdom. And wisdom is found in Jesus. He is wisdom. 
And the Wise Men find him seated on the lap of Mary. She is given the honorary title “Seat of Wisdom” because he is enthroned on her lap. 
Mary is also the icon of the New Jerusalem, Holy Mother Church, whose heart throbs and overflows with joy when her sons and daughters come home to her son. 

This sermon reflects on the disintegration of families and communities, identifying the human heart as central to the problem. The story of Mary and Joseph anxiously searching for the boy Jesus highlights the importance of being in the Father’s house, where priorities are realigned, hearts are nourished, and families are strengthened. Jesus' response, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” underscores that spiritual grounding in God’s presence is essential for individuals and families to flourish. The sermon challenges us to reflect on misplaced priorities—whether due to work, activities, or distractions—that pull us away from God’s house. Pastor Vieth calls for repentance, reminding us that church is where we are born, fed, and reminded of our true identity in Christ. It is also where we are prepared to be sent out to extend God’s love and mercy to others, strengthening our cities, neighborhoods, and families. Finally, the sermon encourages the congregation to act as a holy family, sharing Christ’s love with the world and pointing others to the Father’s house for healing, restoration, and peace. By reprioritizing God’s mission, we are called to participate in the rebuilding of broken families and communities.

A reflection on Irish artist Adam Pomeroy’s The Nativity.
December 24, 2024

Where is the holiest place on earth? The womb! Of all of the places on earth, God chose to dwell in the womb of Mary. This gives us great reverence for the dignity of human life in the womb and for the dignity of all women.  But the “womb” is also a way of describing the spiritual life, according to St. Maximus the Confessor.