Sermons

Scripture Readings

This morning’s reading from Mark’s Gospel continues from last week’s reading, and the two taken together form a single episode in the journey of Jesus with his disciples to Jerusalem and all that awaits them there. They have temporarily evaded the crowds that had formed around them and that will do so again, and Jesus has an opportunity to focus on teaching his disciples and trying to prepare them for his coming suffering, death and resurrection.

Jesus’ disciples are not good students. I suppose it is not that they don’t understand what he is saying – as that seems clear enough – but rather that they don’t understand why he would submit to such treatment. They continue to cling stubbornly to their notions of what Jesus’ being the Messiah means, and what it means for his followers. Their wilful misunderstanding provides two opportunities for Jesus’ teaching.

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Sermon for the Nineteenth Sunday after PentecostRead More »

readings for the day

This meditation is primarily directed toward the Brothers from the Order of the Holy Cross, but I also tend to believe what Br George Guiver, Community of the Resurrection asserts in his new book, all Christians are monks… so you are not off the hook.

When Rob asked me if I wanted to preach today, he suggested it might be my swan song. I know he meant this is the kindest possible way, but spoiler alert – the swan dies. Here is a short poem in case you don’t remember the story: The silver Swan, who, living, had no Note, when Death approached, unlocked her silent throat, leaning her breast upon the reedy shore, thus sang her first and last, and sang no more: “Farewell, all joys! O Death, come close mine eyes! More Geese than Swans now live, more Fools than Wise.” I’m not sure why, but this feels relevant to Chapter…

I’m hoping that Rob meant swan song in the artistic sense… not that he has some peculiar knowledge about my imminent demise…

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Chapter 2024 Sunday VolmoedRead More »