Yesterday, I presided at the funeral of Franklin “Bud” Edmunds, a long time member of St Francis in the Fields. The lessons were Isaiah 61:1-3, Psalm 23 (KJV), 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15, & John 6:37-40. May we all walk this pilgrim life in the hope of the resurrection.
resurrection
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Life of Christ – Resurrection
Today’s vignette from the Life of Christ icon brings us to our Lord’s resurrection. And our readings (Psalm 114, 1 Corinthians 15:19-28, & Luke 24:1-12) remind us because of his rescue, like the children of Israel from Egypt, we have victory over death – no longer bound by false hope.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Life of Christ – Raising of Lazarus
The vignette from the Life of Christ icon about Lazarus picks up on the event of his being raised from the dead, foreshadowing what is just about to come for Jesus a week from this event. The story in John’s Gospel pops up in the lectionary during Lent (Year C – Week 5) and on the Feast of All Saints (Year B). I chose an abridged form of the latter readings (Psalm 24, Revelation 21:1-6, & John 11:38-44) as they captured the promise of the physical resurrection we anticipate, even as we are spiritually risen with Christ by faith now. I hope you find these readings an encouragement to a deeper life of trust in our Lord!
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Fifth Sunday in Easter – 2017
Jesus reveals himself to be the way, the truth, and life in our Gospel lesson today. Because of who our Lord is and what he done, no other holy person could hold a candle to how he connects us to our Heavenly and the promises he grants us.
Pastor Arnie’s Sermon – Good Friday – 2017
On Good Friday, my good buddy Pastor Arnie McFarland brought the message, challenging us to reflect on what life without Jesus would be like for us so we might better appreciate his resurrection presence at work in our lives.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Fifth Sunday in Lent – 2017
As we wind down Lent and enter Holy Week, the lectionary presents readings to stoke our hearts’ flames with hope in anticipation of the resurrection! And that hope stirs us to genuinely pursue God’s call to care for people in body as much as soul, and to care for creation as much as people.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – 2nd Sunday in Epiphany 2017 & Memorial Homily
Two homiletical endeavors this week. First, this Sunday’s lectionary readings took us through Isaiah’s hopeful promise of salvation for those on the fringes of life.
Second, today, we honored the life and faith of St Francis’ own, Laura Revello at her memorial.
Fr. Lenny’s Sermon – Easter 2016
Christ is risen! Alleluia! And by his resurrection, our Lord has ushered in the breakthrough of eternity into time and space – the beginning of the new heavens and new earth promised by the prophet Isaiah (which we find in today’s readings here). How have you seen the new creation begin in your life?
Country Parson at Large 