Sermons from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
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?
May 03, 2020 |
I am the gate.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
I am the gate.
On the 4th Sunday of Easter, we return to the themes of shepherd and sheep; but Jesus has something different to say to us. Marissa reflects on sheep, shepherds, pastures, thieves, and bandits and what all of that has to do with us in this time and this moment. What does Jesus have to say to you? What is the good news of this Sunday in Easter?
Apr 19, 2020 |
"Hope, breath, life."
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
"Hope, breath, life."
In the Second Sunday of Easter, we hear the familiar story of Jesus appearing to the disciples in a locked room after the resurrection - all except Thomas. And then, after Thomas insists, Jesus appears to him, too. What does this story - this text - have to say to us today? What hope can we find in this story?
Mar 29, 2020 |
Through Tears There is Resurrection
| Meg Stapleton Smith
Through Tears There is Resurrection
In this sermon, Meg reflects on the "ambiguous grief" that many of us are experiencing in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic. Jesus' tears allow us to know that God accompanies us in our grief. Even through death, destruction, mourning, isolation and quarantine, there is the promise of resurrection.
Mar 22, 2020 |
Shepherd & Sheep
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Shepherd & Sheep
On the fourth Sunday in Lent, the lectionary includes the beloved 23rd Psalm. If you grew up in the church, you've heard these words many times. If not, they might not be as familiar to you. They're written by King David who we first meet in the lesson from 1 Samuel today. What does he mean? How does he see the relationship between Shepherd and Sheep? And what does all that mean for us right now?
Mar 08, 2020 |
Follow the light.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Follow the light.
Lent is a season of contrasts: good & evil, garden & wilderness, light and dark. On the second Sunday in Lent, Marissa explores the conversation Jesus has with Nicodemus and the role the darkness plays in this scene. What darkness is around us - and inside us? And how do we find the light in the midst of the darkness?
Mar 01, 2020 |
"Undoing the Fall"
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
"Undoing the Fall"
On the first Sunday in Lent, Marissa connects two iconic passages: one about "the fall", when Adam and Eve eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, and the story of Jesus being driven out into the wilderness. What do these two stories have to do with each other? And why do we begin the season of Lent this way?
