HOMILY: The answer to all manner of questions – issues of social justice, human rights, ecological and existential crises – depends on the movement and guidance of Spirit, on stopping to listen for the Word the Spirit brings, on connection to the Spirit-filled world (slight breezes and mighty storms), relationship in the Spirit, and so on. “The answer, my friend,” says Jesus, “is blowin’ in the wind” (Bob Dylan).
HOMILY: On Wednesday we received the sign of ashes – invitation to prayer (attentiveness), fasting (simplicity) and almsgiving (generosity). Lent is a chance to choose wisdom, to begin again – in faith before belief.
NEWS: Services for Ash Wednesday will be held in the church on February 22, at 8am and 5pm. All welcome.
HOMILY: “You’ve heard the commandment … But I tell you … You have heard it said … But I tell you … [B]e perfect, as Abba God in heaven is perfect.” There is a movement in today’s gospel, a movement toward the perfection of godly love. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, which begins in blessing and ends in astonishment, we can hear these words as words of commission.
HOMILY: We can think of forgiving as fore-giving – giving first. We love because we are already loved – because our God fore-gives, gives first.
HOMILY: The Sermon on the Mount is both inspiring and disturbing. With a gesture toward Moses at Mount Sinai, Jesus interprets Torah for a Galilean people fragmented and hurting. In the Spirit, Jesus addresses us.
HOMILY: “You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus tells his disciples, seated with him on the mountain, surrounded by crowds of people. “You are the light of the world.”
GOSPEL CONVERSATION: February 2023.
HOMILY: It is human nature to want guidance, to want a path to follow and to know the future. What does God want? And how do we know?
HOMILY: Andrei Rublev’s 15th-century icon of the Nativity depicts five halos, five haloed/hallowed figures …
