Pentecost XXI, Great God

From the Rector’s Study Sunday, October 25th, Pentecost XXI, great God Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 The beginning of this passage is famously linked to one of the most popular parables, the Good Samaritan. This...

Pentecost XX, Face on a Coin

From the Rector’s Study Sunday, October 18th, Pentecost XX, Face on a Coin Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 99.1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 The Pharisees and Herodians are trying to trap Jesus by putting him in an impossible bind. If he says no to pay the taxes, the...

Harvest Thanksgiving, Action, not just words

From the Rector’s Study Sunday, October 11th, Harvest Thanksgiving, Action, not just words Deuteronomy 8:7-18, Psalm 65, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 The two parts of Thanksgiving come together. In Corinthians Paul says that God loves a cheerful giver, and we...

Pentecost XVIII, Trust and Faith

From the Rector’s Study Sunday, October 4th, Pentecost XVIII, Trust and Faith Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 What seems to be missing in the parable in the wicked tenants is the agreement about what goes to the owner and...

Pentecost XVII, Authority Questioned

From the Rector’s Study Sunday, September 27th, Pentecost XVII, Authority Questioned Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 Given the religious atmosphere of the day it is not surprising that Jesus’ authority is questioned. Here is...

Pentecost XVI, Fair Wages

From the Rector’s Study Sunday, September 20th, Pentecost XVI, Fair Wages Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105.1–6, 37–45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 This parable like so many can be viewed from a variety of perspectives. For example, the last ones hired at the end of...