by Shelly | Aug 3, 2024 | Sermons
Seeking daily bread, Jesus offers himself Apparently not satisfied by Jesus’ feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; perhaps it is daily manna they want. As always in John’s gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He...
by Shelly | Jul 25, 2024 | Sermons
Bringing the kingdom of God Today is the first of five Sundays with gospel readings from John 6, the first four of which focus on Jesus as bread of life. Today Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. What we have, what we bring to Jesus’ table,...
by Shelly | Jul 20, 2024 | Sermons
Caring for the caregivers Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we...
by Shelly | Jul 10, 2024 | Sermons
Sharing Jesus message with trust in the Spirit When Amos reports his vision of God judging Israel for its mistreatment of the poor, he becomes a threat to the power of the priests and the king. John the Baptist also speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In...
by Shelly | Jul 5, 2024 | Sermons
Sharing Jesus message with trust in the Spirit Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that...
by Shelly | Jun 28, 2024 | Sermons
Jesus commends faith in healing A woman finds healing by touching Jesus’ cloak, and a girl is restored to life when he takes her by the hand. In both cases a boundary is crossed: in Jesus’ time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others...
