Listen to the Tempter! (Sermon preached 26 February 2023)

That conversation that we just overheard in this morning’s Gospel from the fourth chapter of Matthew? I’m betting it’s not Jesus’ first go-round with the Tempter. I mean, he’s thirty years old, according to tradition. Way past adolescence. In fact, with the average life expectancy what it was in first century Palestine, he is middle aged! Plus, he’s a deeply faithful Jew, steeped in the stories of his people: stories of God’s divine call, and faithfulness and mercy; of their human struggle, and failure, and disobedience.

And he has been preparing for his mission – God has been preparing him – for a long time. For years, Jesus has been listening and learning, studying and wrestling, on his way to becoming the prophet, teacher, healer and savior, whose impact on human history will be, well, immeasurable.  

Finally, he’s ready to go. He’s met John the Baptist. He’s waded into the waters of the Jordan, heard God declare he is the beloved Son, felt the Spirit fill him…and then take him into the wilderness for one more boxing match with the devil. One more reckoning with “the father of lies”...(read more)

 

You ARE Salt (Sermon preached 5 February 2023)

I’ve decided that I’m not going to really preach today – at least, not in the classic sense. I’m just going to do show and tell.

 

Does anyone know what this is? This is a salt cellar. It was given to me this past Christmas – I’ve never had one before, and now I’m so glad I do! So here’s what’s great about my salt cellar. It just sits on the counter – it’s very stable, hard to knock over. Open it up and you can take just a pinch or you can scoop out a whole tablespoon full – or more! It’s really easy to refill.

 

Now, I tend to take salt for granted. I’m not one of those people who craves it – give me sweet over salty any day. But in fact salt is truly amazing stuff. And a little goes a long way...(read more)

What Are You Looking For? (Sermon preached 15 January 2023)

What are you looking for? Now there’s a question! It’s a question that can be asked a lot of different ways. 

A salesperson approaches, shortly after you come into a store; or a family member catches you rifling through a drawer. “What are you looking for?” The question is friendly and helpful, a tad curious. A therapist or spiritual director asks it, or a close friend or spouse, and the question becomes more penetrating. “What are you looking for?”  I mean – what are you really looking for? Security? Recognition? Enlightenment? A fight? There can even be a hint of disbelief in the question. “What are you looking for?” As in, do you even know? Or, does it actually exist? Maybe you are on a wild goose chase!

What are you looking for? These are the first words that Jesus utters in the Gospel of John. And the ones to whom they are addressed were not exactly ready for them... (read more)