Sermons from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Feb 14, 2021 |
On the precipice.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
On the precipice.
As we come to the end of the season of Epiphany and stand on the precipice of the season of Lent, we're intended to feel as if everything is changing around us. As the disciples discover more and more who Jesus is, they must have felt like even the ground was shifting under their feet. What can we learn on this precipice, on the side of a mountain, from a God who calls us beloved?
Feb 07, 2021 |
"The light in the woods."
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
"The light in the woods."
This week, as we mark our Annual Meeting, Mark's Gospel gives us a second story about the casting out of unclean spirits. This time, this casting out is accompanied by other healings, miracles, and Jesus' clear desire to keep moving. To keep going, to share the message of good news in more places.
Jan 31, 2021 |
Beginnings.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Beginnings.
This week as we make our way through the season of Epiphany, the Gospel of Mark takes us to the very beginning of Jesus' public life and ministry. There's always something special about beginnings, something new, something to learn. Maybe you've heard the saying that, "We should begin how we mean to continue." So what does this beginning in the Gospel of Mark have to say to us?
Jan 24, 2021 |
"News, nets, and Nineveh."
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
"News, nets, and Nineveh."
This week as we make our way through the season of Epiphany, our text from Hebrew Scriptures comes from the story about a great whale, an erring people, and a reluctant prophet. Meanwhile, in the Gospel, Jesus calls a few disciples and promises to help them fish for people. What do these waterlogged stories have to say to us in this moment?
Jan 10, 2021 |
Who shall we be?
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Who shall we be?
In the wake of a difficult week for our country, Marissa reflects on the theme of identity and the ways in which Baptism makes us who we are. As we hear the story of Jesus' own baptism in the Jordan, what do these texts have to say to us in this moment? Then, our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry preaches and wonders, "Who shall we be?"
Dec 13, 2020 |
"Holding Fast To Joy"
| Rev. Molly James, Ph.D
"Holding Fast To Joy"
On the Third Sunday of Advent, The Rev. Molly James, Ph.D shares her thoughts on how to "hold fast" during these challenging times.
You can read the text here
You can read the text here
Nov 29, 2020 |
"Watching and waiting."
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
"Watching and waiting."
On the first Sunday of Advent, Jesus warns us to look at the signs. Isaiah wants the people to see proof of God's wonders. And we are all called to pay attention. What will you do with this time of intention? What will you create or give in this season as we prepare for the greatest gift of all?
Nov 08, 2020 |
Lamps & oil.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Lamps & oil.
On the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, as we begin to make our way to a change of season, Matthew's Gospel reminds us that we should be alert, waiting for the coming of the Lord. But unlike the season of Advent, which we'll experience together in a few weeks, this warning to be alert is looking for the second advent of Christ - not the first. What does this parable have to tell us about waiting? About hope? And about how to be prepared?
Nov 01, 2020 |
The Feast of All Saints
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
The Feast of All Saints
The Feast of All Saints is a special day in the church calendar when we remember the Saints and saints who have gone before us. And the text directs us to wonder about how we fit into the story. So, how do we fit into the story of the saints? And what about this piece of the Sermon on the Mount we hear today, the famous Beatitudes?
Oct 11, 2020 |
Modern day idols.
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Modern day idols.
This week, we have three challenging texts, all with different stories to tell. Marissa looks specifically at Moses and St. Paul and wonders about our relationships with God and with each other. What are the modern day idols that keep us from God? What are the things that keep us from being of the same mind?
Sep 27, 2020 |
Is the Lord with us?
| The Rev. Marissa S. Rohrbach
Is the Lord with us?
This Sunday we hear about the wilderness, Christ's humility, and the heart of the one who does the work of God. Three interesting passages of scripture that have a lot to say to us about our vocations as Christians. What can we learn from these examples, and what is God's good news?
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?
