Sermons from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Nov 12, 2023 |
The Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost: November 12, 2023
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost: November 12, 2023
As we near the end of the season of Pentecost, we hear the last few parables in Matthew's Gospel. These are part of Jesus's last discourse in Jerusalem before the crucifixion, so they're important pieces of the puzzle. In the parable for today, we hear the common themes of preparation and readiness. But what does the text have to say to us about compassion, joy, and the gifts God gave uniquely to each one of us?
Oct 29, 2023 |
The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost: October 29, 2023
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost: October 29, 2023
The "greatest commandment" is perhaps one of the most well known sayings of Jesus, but we often take it out of context. What is Jesus saying to us in the two episodes in this passage? What does it have to say to us today about how we live and move and have our being?
Oct 08, 2023 |
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: October 8, 2023
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: October 8, 2023
In the wake of terrorism in Israel, Rev. Marissa contends with two texts that have been used historically in hurtful ways. What do we need to know today about God's covenant? And how does that change and shape the ways we live and love our neighbors
Sep 24, 2023 |
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: September 24, 2023
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: September 24, 2023
Continuing to teach with parables, Jesus gives us today an image of a vineyard. And in this vineyard, things seem to work a little differently. This parable tends to spark lots of different kinds of feelings. What is there to learn about God's economy and God's generosity?
Sep 17, 2023 |
The Feast of St. Matthew: September 17, 2023.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Feast of St. Matthew: September 17, 2023.
On Kickoff Sunday, as we celebrated the Feast of St. Matthew, Rev. Marissa reflected on Matthew's story and on what he trades away when he chooses to follow Jesus. What does he gain by being a disciple? And what does he have to give away to have a seat at Jesus' table?
Sep 10, 2023 |
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: September 10, 2023
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: September 10, 2023
What do we do when scripture seems to say something we don't like? Or when Jesus says something that doesn't sound like the loving Jesus we think we know? Sometimes we have to just read the text again. And dig in a little deeper. As our Presiding Bishop says, "If it's not about love, it's not about God." Where's the love in the tough Gospel from today? And what does that have to teach us about conflict and about God?
Jul 30, 2023 |
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: July 30, 2023.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: July 30, 2023.
In the Gospel for today, we hear a number of parables from Jesus, but none of them are as straightforward as they seem. In fact, some of them are a little edgy? Maybe even sneaky? What is Jesus trying to tell us when he describes the Kingdom of Heaven with these images? And how is that supposed to teach us about living a life of faith?
Jul 23, 2023 |
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: July 23, 2023.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: July 23, 2023.
Jesus tells the crowd another parables about seeds and growth - and this time the weeds. What are the weeds? And what can we learn from God about growth, care, patience, and goodness? Rev. Marissa explores a modern read of a parable that has been used in some hurtful ways. What can we learn from this parable today?
Jul 09, 2023 |
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: July 9, 2023.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: July 9, 2023.
As we wind our way through Matthew's Gospel, Jesus has some important things to say to us today about rest and renewal. Rev. Marissa explores how we relate to and interpret scripture, how we understand John the Baptist, and what all of this can help us learn about the rest and revolution Jesus promises.
Jul 02, 2023 |
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: July 2, 2023
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: July 2, 2023
Continuing his speech to the disciples, Jesus indicates that for those of us who hear the good news, it may not be easy. What voices do we listen to? And what is our role in God's work? Rev. Marissa also explores the fullness of the story of Jeremiah hoping it will help clarify the Gospel.
Jun 11, 2023 |
The Second Sunday after Pentecost: June 11, 2023
| The Rt. Rev. James Curry
The Second Sunday after Pentecost: June 11, 2023
Bishop Jim Curry joins St. Matt's to share about his ministry with Swords to Plowshares and to celebrate Confirmation and Reception. He explores the good news of Jesus and the realities of gun violence in this country - and what our faith calls us to do. Thank you, Bishop Curry!
May 28, 2023 |
The Day of Pentecost: May 28, 2023
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Day of Pentecost: May 28, 2023
On Pentecost, Marissa explores the way the texts talk about the Spirit and about the gifts she brings. Then, the congregation is asked to consider their own work, their own hope, their own message. All of us receive the Holy Spirit through baptism. What is it she has given you? What does she ask of you?
