Sermons from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Sep 20, 2020 |
Collectives & belonging.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Collectives & belonging.
On St. Matthew's Day, we gathered for our first Spiritual Communion. This ancient practice of the church assures us that we can participate in the Sacrament by simply being a part of it, seeing the elements, and inviting Jesus into our hearts. This coincided with hearing the story of St. Matthew, our patron. And the beginning of a new spiritual journey for the parish. So what do all these things have to do with each other - and with the beginning of this new program year - in the midst of coronatide? And geese?
Aug 23, 2020 |
A way out of no way.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
A way out of no way.
On the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, we hear two familiar stories: the confession of St. Peter, when he names Jesus as the Christ, and the story of Moses being saved as a child. What do they have to say to us now, to any of us in the midst of what the Psalmist calls the "overwhelming waters"?
Aug 16, 2020 |
Stepping Over.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Stepping Over.
On the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, we have a strange story from the Gospel of Matthew. And while scholars and theologians have struggled with it over time, trying to explain it, rationalize, even change what it is says - this story has something unique to say to us today in our context. There's even good news.
Aug 09, 2020 |
Boats, storms, and promises.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Boats, storms, and promises.
On the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, the disciples find themselves in the middle of a storm. Their little boat is battered by the wind and the waves. And then suddenly Jesus makes his way to them, walking on the water. How often do we find ourselves and our little boats battered by the storms of life? What does this story have to tell us about making our way to the other shore?
Aug 02, 2020 |
A Sermon from the Rev. Dr. Don Hamer
| Rev. Dr. Don Hamer
A Sermon from the Rev. Dr. Don Hamer
On the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Don joins us at the beginning of the month of August to help us engage more deeply with the season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation. In this sermon, he preaches an invitation to this holy work. And he reminds us that in the Gospel story for today, Jesus looks at the disciples and says, "You feed them." You already have everything you need.
Jul 26, 2020 |
A Sermon from the Rev. Molly James, Ph.D.
| Rev. Molly James, Ph.D
A Sermon from the Rev. Molly James, Ph.D.
The Rev. Molly James joins us to preach the good news about God's love. On the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Paul's epistle is filled with promises and good news. But what do they mean for us now? And what does that have to do with chocolate chip cookies? You can read the text here. https://lifeandministryreflections.blogspot.com/2020/07/cookies-transformation-and-love-of-god.html .
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Jun 21, 2020 |
The Third Sunday after Pentecost
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Third Sunday after Pentecost
On the third Sunday after Pentecost, the texts offer us a few difficult stories and images. Jesus tells us we are worth more than many sparrows. And that the work of disciples is hard and the cost is high. What is the good news and how are we called to be part of the way of love today?
May 17, 2020 |
The Advocate.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Advocate.
On the 6th Sunday of Easter, Jesus begins to prepare the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit. For many of us (and to some extent, for all of us), the Holy Spirit is still a mystery. So, how do we recognize this Spirit in the world? If the Spirit abides with us, how do we learn to live in the power of the Spirit? John's Gospel has some answers for us if we look closely.
May 10, 2020 |
"Stephen, Saul, and Paul."
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
"Stephen, Saul, and Paul."
On the 5th Sunday of Easter, we hear familiar words from Jesus, "Do not let your hearts be troubled," and, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." We also hear some weighty things in our passages from scripture this morning - and in the world around us. Where is the Easter hope in the midst of despair? And what does that mean for how we are meant to live?
