a sermon for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost
(Proper 24A)
Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” But who do we belong to?
Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” But who do we belong to?
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.” But who was this king? And who was the strange guest who showed up?
It seems as if everyone is questioning authority these days, just as they did in Jesus’ day. But what does true authority look like?
Grace is what we find at the intersection of God’s justice and God’s mercy.
Note: This sermon is available in audio format only. Please click on the link above to listen.
when we decide to become members of a church, we are making a commitment to stay in relationship with one another. Not only that, but we are also making a commitment to invite all of the other people in this community into our lives.
Jesus asked the disciples, “who do you say I am?” Their very lives depended on their answer.
By Jewish custom and tradition, Jesus was right – his mission and ministry was originally intended only for the children of Israel. The Canaanite woman was out of bounds. Fortunately for us, she persisted.
When Peter was afraid and cried out to be saved, Jesus reached out, grabbed him and put him back in the boat with the other disciples so that they could get on with doing the work he had called them to do. That future is open to us as well.
Separation is the opposite of relationship. Yet every choice we make in life draws us closer to one thing but separates us from a dozen others. Does that mean we are destined lives of continual loss and separation?