Sermons from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
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?
May 07, 2023 |
The Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 7, 2023.
| The Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers
The Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 7, 2023.
The lesson from the First Letter of Peter points back to the Hebrew Scriptures with an invitation to the early Christian community: "Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals, yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house…" They and we are called to be living stones, knowing that Jesus is the chief cornerstone. In this beloved community of St. Matt’s and beyond, what does it mean for you to be a living stone?
Apr 30, 2023 |
The Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 30, 2023
| The Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers
The Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 30, 2023
Often called Good Shepherd Sunday, Easter IV is laced with imagery and themes of sheep and shepherd and gate keeper. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” John’s writer reveals that the shepherd knows his own sheep by name and that the sheep know the shepherd’s voice. The essence of Jesus’ teaching is that he came so that all may have life and have it abundantly. We’re all called to take that good news out into our world and boldly proclaim it. How will you do that?
Apr 23, 2023 |
The Third Sunday of Easter, April 23, 2023
| The Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers
The Third Sunday of Easter, April 23, 2023
In Luke’s gospel, the risen Christ first appears to two of his disciples on the Emmaus Road. It was the same day that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the other women found that the tomb was empty. The women told the disciples who didn’t believe them. Jesus showed up as a stranger to the two on the Emmaus Road and they didn’t recognize Jesus until the breaking of the bread. Jesus also shows up for us in surprising ways. How might that be for you while you walk along?
Apr 09, 2023 |
Easter Day: Sunday, April 9, 2023
| The Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers
Easter Day: Sunday, April 9, 2023
Matthew’s gospel writer tells that early in the morning Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb, finding it empty. An angel of God appeared to them and said, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus had risen from the dead. The women went to the other disciples to tell the good news. They were the first evangelists and invite us to continue telling the good news. Light shined in the darkness then and shines in our world today. From these two disciples named Mary and from theologian Walter Brueggemann, we’re invited to be “Eastered” people. So may it be.
Apr 02, 2023 |
Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023
| The Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers
Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023
The stories of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the Passion narrative each lead us into Holy Week with invitations. As we put our bodies into Palm Sunday’s beginning by processing around the sanctuary with palms in hand and singing “All Glory Laud and Honor,” we are invited to continue offering the whole of who we are as we walk with Jesus in his final steps. How will you join along the way?
Mar 26, 2023 |
The Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 25, 2023
| The Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers
The Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 25, 2023
John’s Gospel reveals the story of Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead. This story is that of Jesus’ last sign according to John where Jesus says to Lazarus’ sister Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” All weep with Martha and Mary, and Jesus wept for his friend. This story invites us to think about the new life that is ours with each new day, sometimes called “Lazarus life.” What will you do with your “Lazarus life”?
Mar 19, 2023 |
The Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 19, 2023
| The Rev. Dr. Linda Spiers
The Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 19, 2023
John’s Gospel writer shares a story of Jesus’ healing a man blind from birth—an outsider. No one could believe it. Religious authorities questioned what happened. The man’s parents were questioned. The disciples questioned. Jesus and the now-sighted blind man call us to see the inequities of our day and to see how we can live as children of light, knowing Jesus walks with us every step.
