Another two-for-one. Probably just as well since I’ll be on vacation next week. Having been asked by the diocese to supply services for St Bartholomew’s – Scottdale on Saturday evenings, it was fortuitous to start close enough to that apostle’s feast day to recognize it. Then regular Sunday service at St Francis, we forged ahead with St Luke’s Gospel, where we see Jesus making the link between humility and how we treat those we are tempted to think of as “below” us. May we all be willing both to bear our cross, and to walk the way of humility expressed through love for all (not just the people we consider worthy of it).
Ordinary Time
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 14 -2016
Finishing Colossians, we tackle an often skipped, but still rich passage that gives practical advice about keeping peace at home, encourages prayerful and gracious witness, and models community-building practices. It’s worth the risk to grapple with ancient marital norms, slavery, and lesser known (and hard to pronounce) names to mine these nuggets that help us better love others.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 13 – 2016
As St Paul moves into chapter 3 in his letter to the Colossians, he gives us concrete advice how to be both heavenly minded and earthly good. May we all find his advice to look up to Christ, look in to deal with our sin, and look out with love to both God and neighbor to be not only practical, but also life-changing!
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 12 – 2016
In Colossians 2, we discover that our Lord doesn’t want us to be bound up in spirituality that doesn’t work. No matter how hard we try to be good, how much we try to whip up devotion, no matter how many extras we add to our to our life beyond God’s command to love – the only way to begin (and continue!) to experience the abundant, resurrection life of Christ is to take hold of the baptismal promise we have by means of a living, active trust in Jesus. May we all tap into God’s best for us as we learn to live by faith instead of mere human effort.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 11 – 2016
Moving from Galatia to Colossae is certainly a step up in faith, even if the troubles afflicting both churches are similar. We pick up with Colossians 1 where St Paul expounds the Supreme Gospel that centers on our Supreme Lord. May we each find Jesus more than enough in this life and the next.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 10 – 2016
As we conclude Galatians (chapter 6), we find St Paul encouraging us to live in ways that build true Christian community. May we find ourselves growing closer to God and one another as we pursue unity, humility, generosity, grace, & courage.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 9 – 2016
Continuing through Galatians, in chapter 5 we discover what true spiritual freedom is – walking according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh. I pray that you might cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in order to be truly spiritual and genuine free.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 8 – 2016
Sometimes, you have to go with the trajectory of the lectionary, not the literal lessons. Galatians 4 was just too meaty to miss. May we all find spiritual freedom as children of God, as our spirits cry, “Abba! Father!” through faith in Christ.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 7 – 2016
Continuing through Galatians (extended chapter here) from our readings, we find St Paul laying the groundwork for salvation to the promise given to Abraham. As you reflect, I invite you to rejoice that all people are invited to become children of Abraham through faith in Christ!
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Proper 6 – 2016
Justification by faith is one of those great Bible doctrines that has inspired generations of Christians to vibrant, confident relationship with God. As you read today’s lessons (see extended context from Galatians here) and reflect on the truth of our being restored back to God simply because we trust Jesus, may you likewise find faith truly effortless.
Country Parson at Large 