Often we focus our attention on the Gospel readings for Sundays and perhaps using the Epistle and Old Testament readings as periphery or context. As we all know and are probably tired or frustrated of hearing this: 2020 has been a challenging year. And, given the vast array of emotions we have experienced, I would … Continue reading First Sunday of Advent
Author: The Rev. Janie Koch
Episcopal Priest. "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" ~John Lewis
It Doesn’t Matter What They’re Doing
We “title” this text as the parable of the talents, and we view it as the one worker who squanders his gift. But, I want to highlight a different player in the game: the landowner. The Gospel text tells us that the landowner was “a harsh man, reaping where [he] did not sow, and gathering … Continue reading It Doesn’t Matter What They’re Doing
Saint Martin of Tours
It is said that years after the passing of Saint Martin, the part of the cloak was preserved in an oratory that came to be called “The Little Cloak.” In Latin: cappella. In Old French: chapelle. So, the place we now call a chapel originated from the story of Saint Martin. So, what is this story of … Continue reading Saint Martin of Tours
My Shadow
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain, “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’ “ Sleep whispers … Continue reading My Shadow
Blessed Richard Hooker
“To reform ourselves is not to sever ourselves from the Church we were before.” Born in one of the most tumultuous eras of English history, Richard Hooker had a great deal of social and religious influence to train his growing identity. Hooker was born in 1553; only 20 years prior, Henry VIII broke away from … Continue reading Blessed Richard Hooker
November 1, 2020
We celebrate All Saints Day remembering all those mighty prayer warriors and giants in the faith who have gone before us. As we pause for a moment a reflect on their lives, I pray that we dig deeply into what characteristics of their lives strikes us. Was it the determination of Saint Teresa of Avila? … Continue reading November 1, 2020
October 25, 2020
Our passage in Deuteronomy informs us that God shares new information with Moses and Aaron. God has Moses climb to the peak of a hill and survey all the beautiful land below. As Moses views this vast land, God informs him that both he and Aaron will not enter into this land. And, while this … Continue reading October 25, 2020
Sermon Seeds
In Exodus, God is reminding the Israelites that His relationship with them has been established from the days of Abraham. He reinforces His faithfulness to them and underscores His name. This reinforcement comes in the form of the 10 Commandments. In Matthew, Jesus tells the Jewish church leaders that they will reject Him as He … Continue reading Sermon Seeds
Saint James of Jerusalem
From the Gospels of Mark (3:21), John (7:2-7), and Luke (21:16), the relationship between Jesus and His brothers was not perfect. They neither appeared to appreciate His enthusiasm nor His claims about Himself. But, the historian Eusebius claimed that it was in fact James whom Jesus chose to be His successor and head of the … Continue reading Saint James of Jerusalem
Yom Kippur
Sunday marked the highest holy day in the Jewish tradition: Yom Kippur. Historically, this was the day that Moses received the second set of the Ten Commandments. In practice, Yom Kippur is the day one searches deep in the heart and mind and seeks forgiveness of all wrongs done against neighbors and God and makes … Continue reading Yom Kippur
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