If we were able to bring John the Baptizer into a court of law – I think we would find him to be a “credible enough” of a witness. I have thought about this all week. A subpoena could be used if necessary; it would compel the testimony of a witness (such as him) in […]
Sermons by PJ Mortenson
681 – 690 of 844 items
This is all about solidarity. This is all about being one with the people of God. This is not about separation. This is about relating to and being one with… John’s Baptism implied a hierarchical relationship, from the top down. The baptizer is senior to the baptizee. The dunker is senior to the dunkee. John […]
There is a reality to the Scriptures that I so appreciate. They do not attempt to sugar coat things…or to cover them up! You have to understand that no one quite knew what to expect when the Messiah came. It was like everyone expected something different. Everyone had their own laundry list of needs, wants […]
The Name of Jesus
Today we celebrate the name of Jesus. If you think about it – it is a pretty good way to start off a new year. Mary, Joseph and the baby __________ You say the name out loud: Mary, Joseph and the baby___________________. I thought it was a good way for you to start out your […]
Matthew 25. 31-46 “The Face of Jesus”
At the crest of the old year, we look back upon our missed opportunities and failures, at the many graces we have experienced in these last 365 days, and we celebrate “the second chance” we now are being given – in the new year ahead! We should be grateful. We should be thankful. Our hearts […]
Matthew 2. 13-18
Weird scripture is what we get tonight. Right smack dab in the middle of our Christmas celebration. Oh all the right characters are present. It just turns all dark and black very quickly. The 12 days of Christmas…I love it, from now until January 6th. 12 days worthy of celebration. 12 days of peacefulness and […]
“The Return”
Christmas is about the “return.” Not returning gifts and standing in frustratingly long lines…the day after Christmas. It is not about all the re-gifting that goes on… Christmas is about “the return.” It has been said, that religion that takes us away from our daily tasks is false. God has never promised to take us […]
Family Liturgy
The Christmas narrative as told by Luke is addressed to simplicity. Simple parents…an ordinary couple. Simple shepherds minding their flocks by night… A simple enough location, that little tiny hamlet – off the road place called Bethlehem… A simple story line… Taxation – census Pregnancy and an impending birth And travel…from point A to point […]
Luke 2. 1-20 – Simplicity
The most remarkable thing about the Christmas story is that it is basically very unremarkable. What is so impressive about it is – that it is so very unimpressive. It is simplicity squared. It is the story of ordinary people caught up in an ordinary event in some very ordinary places. Everything is so earthy. […]
Mary was betrothed to Joseph, a semi-skilled material worker in the small Galilean hamlet of Nazareth. He was much older than she. Customs and status set the guidelines for all such arrangements. Parents or grandparents arranged marriage for their children. It was always a social arrangement and agreement. It was never about love or happiness…or […]