Harrowing Of Hell

Category: Jesus

The Holy Name

Sermon | January 1, 2023

Today being the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has, naturally enough, got me thinking about names, and the significance of names. Today is the day commemorating Jesus’ bris, or circumcision, when he was given the name that the angelic messenger had given to both Mary and Joseph. My own name, Susan, is common

We Cannot Always Live in Comfort

Sermon | November 14, 2021

I should begin by noting that today is the first time I have been invited to deliver the homily at a main service.  There appears to be a paucity of preachers, so your Chancellor’s name finally came up.  If any of you are newcomers, please come back next week, and things will get better. When

Ambiguity Capacity as a Kingdom of God Experience

Sermon | November 7, 2021

I’m reading a book right now called Nonsense by Jamie Holmes, and in it he makes a claim that grabbed my attention. He wrote: “As uncertainties add up in the world around us, they accelerate our desire for certainty.” When I read this, I was reminded of a sermon I preached on Easter day 2014:

The Good News

Sermon | October 17, 2021

Good morning Christians, seekers, and friends! I have been thinking this week about that old question, “What do you want to hear first… the GOOD news or the BAD news?” We’ve probably all heard this question in one context or another. Do you have a personal preference? Good news first; then bad news? Or is

Hard Things Lead to the Best Things

Sermon | October 10, 2021

Good morning. I wish I’d gotten off another plane this week, so I could rewrite my sermon and avoid Jesus’ comment about how hard it is for those who have wealth to get into the Kingdom of God. Not a top 10 favorite on an annual appeal Sunday, particularly in Seattle, where stock portfolios and

Battle for Christianity – Annual Appeal

Sermon | October 3, 2021

I am so glad to be here with you today. I just returned from a board meeting for the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes in Atlanta, and then flew to Essex Connecticut where I preached at Kate Wesch’s installation as Rector at Saint John’s Church. Incidentally, Kate is doing very well, as is her family,

How are you REALLY doing?

Sermon | September 19, 2021

Good morning Christians, seekers, and friends: How are you? …I am waiting because I really want to know! The other day my colleague Pam brought to my attention that after we had exchanged “good mornings,” in the Christie House kitchen where I was putting my lunch in the refrigerator, I then asked her “How are

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Sermon | September 12, 2021

I’ve been hearing lately about conversations people have had with family members and good friends who refused to get vaccinated. (disqualify people who are immune-compromised) These conversations are exasperating! Nothing they say inspires their loved one to change their mind. Nothing works. It is crazy making. This is life and death, and there are not