Harrowing Of Hell

Category: Lazarus

Holy Monday 2015: Fear of Missing Out

Sermon | April 1, 2015

March 30, 2015, Elizabeth Walker preaching

In tonight’s Gospel, we hear about Mary and Martha welcoming Jesus into their home after Jesus raised their brother Lazarus from the dead. It is a celebratory gathering, as you might expect, in the wake of a family member’s resurrection from death. But, as would be expected in a Gospel that kicks off Holy Week, there is an element of gravity too; Judas questions the actions of Mary, who showed ultimate respect for Jesus by washing his feet—with her hair—using expensive perfume.

“Do Not Doubt, But Believe”

Sermon | April 27, 2014

April 27, 2014, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

Last Sunday, on Easter Sunday, Doyt preached about doubt. He poached my gospel reading on doubting Thomas. Sounds like an odd topic for the Day of the Resurrection, but it wasn’t.

Good Friday 2014

Sermon | April 18, 2014

April 18, 2014, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

When we chase away the darkness, we miss out on opportunities to experience God and God’s creation in a myriad of ways. Our streetlights rob us of seeing the stars. Our screens keep us from engaging one another. Our constant stream of lights trailing before and behind us, inhibit us from even noticing God in the dark places of our lives. Tonight is a night for darkness. In these hours between now and Easter, I invite you to step into the darkness. Let it surround and envelop you. And while you are there, pray; listen and pray.

Coming Out of the Cave of Competition

Sermon | April 6, 2014

April 6, 2014, The Rev. Doyt Conn preaching

Now caves don’t always look like caves. More likely they look like our “go to” defense mechanism when we feel threatened or exposed. That is the cave we occupy, and we don’t have to; even when we are afraid; so maybe today is the day to consider coming out of that cave. There is a man out here who is calling your name. He is the same man who is calling my name, and the same man who called to Lazarus “come out!” “Lazarus, come out of that cave!” His name is Jesus, and when we’re with him it is impossible to be afraid.

Maundy Thursday 2013

Sermon | March 28, 2013

March 28, 2013, The Rev Kate Wesch preaching

On this one night of the year, we remember in our words and actions, a most dramatic and pivotal moment in scripture. The night Jesus gathered at table with his disciples for a final meal and once again re-ordered the structures of power through simple, – profound acts.

Spiritual Friendship

Sermon | March 17, 2013

March 17, 2013, The Rev Conn preaching

What we believe as Christians is that we are beloved and we are eternal, and so is everyone else. But just knowing this is not enough to unveil the deep joy that God has in mind for us. Which is why we are Christians. Which is why we advocate for Christianity. Christianity’s purpose is to bring joy into being in fellowship with those who walk this journey of belovedness and eternity with us.

All Saints’ Day Evensong 2012

Sermon | November 4, 2012

November 4, 2012 Evensong, The Rev Kate Wesch preaching

The days falling between October 30 and November 2, encompassing Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day, have been set aside as sacred in the thoughts of my heart for many years now.

Coming Out of Our Tombs

Sermon | November 4, 2012

November 4, 2012, Charissa Jones preaching

Our society has a strange fondness for spooky and ghoulish things, and so I noticed this Halloween that for yet another year zombies were all the rage. The interesting thing is that last week I’d been feeling like a zombie

Maundy Thursday 2012

Sermon | April 5, 2012

April 5, 2012, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

On this one night of the year, we remember in our words and actions, a most dramatic and pivotal moment in scripture. The night Jesus gathered at table with his friends for a final meal and once again re-ordered the structures of power through simple, – profound acts.

Jesus had already had a final meal with his beloved friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at their home in Bethany. Now, he is saying goodbye to his disciples – the ones who have been with him every step of the way. But, his goodbye isn’t trite or melodramatic; rather, it is deliberate and sacramental and comes from a place of deep and abiding love.

Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, a rabbi and teacher, a friend, is saying good bye through these simple (but revolutionary) acts of breaking bread and washing feet.