07262020- Matthew 13 – “The Parables of the Kingdom”   Today’s lectionary text consists of four brief-rapid-fire-parables from the 13th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel…   So, in rapid-fire-succession, we hear about a mustard seed, yeast, treasure, and a pearl.   Some of these can only be found in the Gospel of Matthew – while others […]

07182020 – Matthew 13. 24-30, 36-43 This is a parable found only in the Gospel of Matthew and in the non-canonical gospel of Thomas. Jesus observed LAST WEEK that there were various kinds of soils…and now, THIS WEEK, various kinds of seeds. NOT all soil is alike. NOT all seeds are alike. Just like all […]

07152020 – Matthew 13. 1-9 ff The Sower   A colleague started their sermon on this text by saying:  “We are in the post-truth world listening to the manufactured lies, reading the systematic propaganda of fake news, and proclaiming the same with the help of high-profiled people in society to achieve their own specific purpose.” […]

07112020 – Matthew 13. 1-9, 19-23 Like it or not, Matthew comes every THREE YEARS as a “gentle reminder.” We ALL have “WORK” to do… We are not merely to SIT IDLY BY… When “an opportunity” PRESENTS ITSELF…we are to take advantage of it. Not in some kind of a NAGGING way… Just dropping SEEDS, […]

06272020 – Matthew 10. 40-42   God has this way of offering us CORRECTIONS along our life’s journey…subtle, sly, you KNOW it is HIM.  IT has to BE.  I mean, who else would it BE?   At other times, the CORRECTIONS can be “less than subtle,” like taking a 2X4 and WHACKING us up – […]

Father’s Day Weekend 06202020 – Matthew 10. 24-39 “Tough words” from Jesus…intentionally SO… By-in-large, people DO NOT like to hear “tough words” or even “tough suggesting words.”   Following Jesus IS NOT for “sissies.” Nor was it EVER MENT to be. He does have DEMANDS. There are EXPECTATIONS. It IS NOT easy. This IS NOT […]

06172020 – Matthew 9. 35-10.8   As often as I have preached it, as much as I have heard it, I still need to hear it (myself) again and again.  It needs to sink in.  I need to embrace it.  Wholly.   Jesus continued touring around, preaching in both village and town in the backwater […]

06132020 – Matthew 9. 35-10.8 Pentecost II   It is an interesting Gospel text, one we have not had – for a few years, now…   And of course “the BIG line” used by THE CHURCH to “CLOBBER” people over the heads with is: “therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to SEND OUT LABORERS […]