Today we begin the long haul through Ordinary Time. Today the lectionary readings also begin to work through St Paul’s letter to the Galatians. My prayer is that we don’t become swayed by a false gospel rooted in this material world, but in the promises of Christ’s kingdom we have by faith in his sacrifice upon the cross.
Month: May 2016
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Trinity Sunday 2016
As we rejoice in who our Triune God is today, we looked at the broader context for the Gospel lesson in our lectionary readings for today. I pray as you read and reflect, you might find the God Jesus describes and the truth he preaches not merely interesting or enlightening, but heartening–preparing you to face any hardship life brings your way.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Pentecost 2016
As you read and reflect on the gift of the Spirit on this Feast of Pentecost, my prayer is that the fullness of Christ’s gift would fill with all the good things our Heavenly Father has in store for for you.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – 7th Sunday in Eastertide 2016
Sadly for some, Mother’s Day does not dictate the lectionary. Yet as we wrap up our journey through Easter, we also wrap up our journey through the Revelation (note the omitted verses included, giving us the full context). In contemplating the hope of a perfect eternity, may we find ourselves not only encouraged, but ready to meet our loving Savior face to face in the company of his beloved people.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Eve of Ascension
Tonight we celebrated the Ascension, on the eve of the feast. We commemorate the return of Christ to glory just prior to the giving of the Spirit on Pentecost. In particular, we rejoiced in how Jesus has brought our human nature into the Father’s holy presence, paving the way for our future perfection in eternity. Read, reflect, listen, and sing joyfully the hymn below-for Jesus has made our sanctification and glorification a promise in reality, not a vain hope in the imagination.
Jesus, Who Rose to Realms on High (L. Anderson, 2016 – tune #400, Hymnal 1982)
Jesus, who rose to realms on high,
Our nature brought to God there nigh,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Christ, perfect in humanity,
And fully known in deity.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
So, while we wait for his return,
For heav’n on earth our souls do yearn.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Yet earth in heaven now awaits,
Through Christ, until we see his face.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
His Spirit does within us dwell,
Boldly his story to forthtell,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
And to reflect our Savior’s heart,
Holy and loving, every part.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
When he returns, our glorious King,
With angel voices will we sing.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Then heaven will come down below;
Our being will God’s glory show.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – 6th Sunday in Eastertide 2016
Imagining perfection can be difficult, but that’s the very vision the Apostle John invites us to envision in our selection from the Revelation that we read this week. My prayer is that in picturing and contemplating the ideal in eternity, we’ll be motivated to practice in preparation for perfection in our daily lives until then.
Country Parson at Large 