Celie would not wear purple. In Alice Walker's prize winning novel "The Color Purple," Celie did not view herself worthy of a color often associated with wealth, royalty and piety. Purple's legacy goes at least as far back as Moses, who sent for purple cloth to make the curtains of the Tabernacle. Tyrian purple was … Continue reading Lent and The Color Purple
Category: sermons
More than Technicals for the Gold – Matthew 5:13-27
NBC Sports must have been playing with us when they decided to alternate showing the ice skating team competition and slope style snowboarding. It’s like channel surfing between Lawrence Welk and MTV. I watched at least 10 hours of ice skating in the last week (not because I was forced to do so – Jeanne … Continue reading More than Technicals for the Gold – Matthew 5:13-27
“Worth your Salt” Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus said we are to be the salt of the earth. Salt is one of the essential things for life that is often taken for granted and forgotten. You probably did not think much about salt this week, but consider how often you unknowingly use and need it. Salt is more than a condiment to … Continue reading “Worth your Salt” Matthew 5:13-16
“What is so Blessed about the Beatitudes?” Matthew 5:1-12
One of my favorite lines in Monty Python’s movie “Life with Brian” has a scene from the Sermon on the Mount among people in the back of the crowd struggling to hear. They are arguing and bickering with each other while Jesus is speaking and one man asks what Jesus is saying. “I think he … Continue reading “What is so Blessed about the Beatitudes?” Matthew 5:1-12
“Star of Wonder” Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6
The stars were brighter when I was a boy. I’m certain of it. I was out on a clear, cold night last week and Jeanne said, “Look there is Orion” and I remembered nights after the first moon landing, studying charts and memorizing constellations by day, and keeping a list of what I found. We … Continue reading “Star of Wonder” Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6
Isaiah 35 – “Wilderness Rhapsody”
This week I am sharing a poem that came to me at the Collegeville Writer's Workshop last summer. Wilderness Rhapsody “The wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” I did not expect that. I thought the wilderness was punishment- my exile- But I discovered I liked … Continue reading Isaiah 35 – “Wilderness Rhapsody”
Advent Preaching: Week One
Think Fast! I remember these words from a silly game we played as kids. Hearing these dreaded words meant when you turn to see what was happening, there was a basketball already headed towards your head and only quick reflexes would keep you from getting knocked in the noggin. A variation of the … Continue reading Advent Preaching: Week One
“Are There Any Stupid Questions?” Luke 20:27-38
"There are no stupid questions!" I'm not so sure. This Sadducee question to Jesus about the resurrection and this poor woman whose husbands keep kicking the bucket seems close. It is the first of many in Christian history. What happens if you lose a leg in battle? Will you get it back in the resurrection … Continue reading “Are There Any Stupid Questions?” Luke 20:27-38
“Saint Zacchaeus?” Luke 19:1-10
The church often treats the story of Zacchaeus as a children’s story. If you grew up going to Sunday Church School, you may have learned this song: “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a Sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.” I … Continue reading “Saint Zacchaeus?” Luke 19:1-10
Luke 17:11-19 “The Gratitude Factor”
Comedian Louis CK tells story that sums up the message of the parable of 10 lepers. He says the problems in society today are related to this: “Everything is amazing right now and nobody’s happy.” I was on an airplane and there was internet – high speed internet – on the airplane. That’s the newest thing that … Continue reading Luke 17:11-19 “The Gratitude Factor”
With all my soul 