Harrowing Of Hell

Category: Lazarus

Maundy Thursday 2015: Pilgrimage

Sermon | April 2, 2015

April 2, 2015, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

“Christian pilgrimage can and should be a walk with Jesus. And that is necessarily a walk in kingdom territory, under those upside-down kingdom rules. The pilgrim road is a physical peninsula of the kingdom. As the kingdom sprang up around the sandals of Jesus, so kingdom flowers can spring up around pilgrim boots.”

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.

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.

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.