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Jesus Listened
Mark 7:24-37
In today’s sermon, Father Mark delves into the challenging gospel passage where Jesus encounters a Syrophoenician woman who pleads for her daughter’s healing. Initially, Jesus responds with a harsh dismissal, referring to the woman as a “dog,” which reflects the prejudices of his time. However, the woman’s persistent faith leads Jesus to reconsider, and he heals her daughter. Father Mark explores the idea that even Jesus, in his humanity, was shaped by his cultural upbringing and was capable of growth. This growth is exemplified in Jesus’ ability to change his mind, shedding his “shell” of cultural and religious bias, much like a lobster must shed its shell to grow.
Father Mark emphasizes the importance of being open to change and growth, even for Jesus. He challenges the congregation to embrace the possibility of lifelong learning and transformation, often through unexpected people and situations. By highlighting Jesus’ willingness to repent and be changed by the Syrophoenician woman, Father Mark calls on us to remain humble, open to new ideas, and willing to shed our own rigid preconceptions.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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From Law to Love
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
In this sermon, Father Mark reflects on the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees from the Gospel of Mark, where the Pharisees criticize Jesus’ disciples for not following the traditions of washing hands before eating. Jesus responds by challenging their focus on external rituals rather than the internal condition of the heart, teaching that what truly defiles a person comes from within. Father Mark relates this to modern-day Christianity, pointing out how rules and boundaries, often enforced to protect religious identity, can lead to exclusion and self-righteousness, instead of fostering deeper connection with God and others.
He further explores the evolution of faith, using the Old Testament stages of development—from the laws of the Torah to the self-criticism of the prophets, and finally, to the wisdom literature that embraces mystery and paradox. Father Mark encourages the congregation to reflect on where they stand in their own spiritual journey: Are they still focused on laws and rules, or have they reached a place of wisdom where they embrace the complexity of life with compassion and understanding? Particularly during contentious times like elections, he emphasizes the need for Christians to avoid judgment and focus on repentance, humility, and love for others, especially those with opposing views.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Feeding on Love
John 6:56-69
Father Mark’s sermon explores the pervasive presence of “negative energy” in modern society, comparing it to a force that feeds on conflict and hate, much like the alien entity in a Star Trek episode. This energy is encouraged by “conflict entrepreneurs” such as news outlets, social media influencers, and politicians who profit from escalating discord. The message urges listeners to recognize this force as alien to our true selves and to choose instead to serve God, who restores us to love, sanity, and wholeness.
Drawing on biblical references, particularly from Joshua and Ephesians, the sermon speaks to the spiritual battle against “cosmic powers of darkness” and encourages a shift from hate to love. The preacher compares hate to an addiction that feels good temporarily but ultimately depresses the Holy Spirit within us. Following the steps of 12-Step programs, the path to healing begins with acknowledging powerlessness over hate and turning to God for restoration.
The sermon concludes with a call to abide in Christ, as depicted in the Gospel of John, where feeding on Christ means embodying his love and rejecting the divisive energy of hate. The imagery of the Star Trek crew overcoming conflict by recognizing the true source of their struggle serves as a metaphor for society’s need to unite as one Body in Christ, transcending differences and overcoming the force of hatred through love and mutual joy.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Manna
John 6:35, 41-51
Father Mark reflects on Jesus' declaration that He is the "bread of life" and the challenges this posed to His audience, who questioned His divine origin. He emphasizes that true sustenance and eternal life come through faith in Jesus, the living bread from heaven. This theme of divine nourishment is contrasted with the "do's and don'ts" found in the epistle reading from Ephesians. The passage presents a moral code that calls Christians to reject bitterness, anger, and slander, and instead embrace truthfulness, kindness, and forgiveness. These virtues are not just moral guidelines but reflections of God's own character, which believers are called to imitate.
Father Mark further discusses the idea of imitation, noting that as humans, we learn by mimicking others, whether consciously or not. He cautions against being influenced by modern-day social media influencers, whose influence may not always be positive or rooted in truth. Instead, Christians are urged to look to God, as revealed through Jesus Christ, as their primary example. By imitating Christ, they align themselves with their true identity, created in God's image, and live out their calling to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God is toward us.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Bread of Living
John 6:24-35
In this sermon, Father Mark reflects on two significant biblical passages: the feeding of the five thousand from the Gospel of John and Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In John's Gospel, Jesus confronts the crowd following Him not for His miracles but for the physical sustenance He provided. He urges them to seek spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life, emphasizing that He Himself is the "bread of life" that quenches all hunger and thirst. This message underlines the importance of seeking spiritual fulfillment over earthly desires.
Father Mark connects this to Paul's exhortation in Ephesians, where Paul implores Christians to live a life worthy of their divine calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and unity. Despite the prevalent division and partisanship in today's society, Christians are called to embody the values of God's kingdom—mercy, kindness, and peace. He stresses that living according to the kingdom's values contrasts sharply with the world's mindset. This requires a conscious effort to be true to God's image within us, pursuing maturity and unity in Christ.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Abundance
John 6:1-21
In today's sermon, Father Mark delves into the Gospel of John, highlighting the symbolic and multi-layered nature of John's storytelling, which contrasts with the more straightforward narratives of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Father Mark emphasizes that John's Gospel often focuses on the spiritual realm and its intersection with the physical world. Using examples such as Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and Lazarus, he illustrates how Jesus' teachings point to deeper spiritual realities that are often misunderstood by those focused solely on the material world.
Focusing on the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, Father Mark explains that Jesus' question to Philip about feeding the crowd was a test of Philip's awareness of the spiritual realm. While Philip and Andrew are fixated on the physical limitations of scarcity, Jesus introduces the abundance of the spiritual realm. Father Mark encourages the congregation to recognize and tap into the spiritual resources available through faith, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is always present within and among us. By aligning ourselves with this spiritual reality, we can experience renewal, abundance, and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Wholehearted Rest
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
In his sermon, Father Mark emphasizes the importance of unity in worship, whether gathered in person or online, symbolized by the collective lighting of candles. He explores the theme of rest, using the story of Jesus and his disciples seeking solitude but finding a needy crowd. Jesus’ compassion for the crowd, despite his own need for rest, highlights the rejuvenating power of wholehearted service and divine compassion.
Father Mark introduces the idea of "Sabbath rest," which transcends mere physical rest and involves being sustained by God's creation and acting in harmony with the Creator's spirit. He references a conversation between poet David White and a Benedictine monk, underscoring that the antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness, not inactivity. Father Mark encourages the congregation to approach their tasks with open hearts, allowing God's love and grace to flow through them, thus finding true refreshment and renewal in their spiritual and daily lives.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Choosing God's Kingdom
Mark 6:1-13
In today's sermon, Father Mark reflects on the juxtaposition of Herod's gruesome banquet and the serene memory of golfing with his late father. He recounts the Gospel story where Herod, pressured by Herodias and her daughter, beheads John the Baptist to save face. This story illustrates the stark contrast between the worldly kingdom ruled by power and ego and the kingdom of God governed by love, integrity, and self-giving.
Father Mark draws parallels to contemporary events, lamenting the pervasive violence in society, such as the tragic shooting at a golf course and the recent assassination attempt on a former president. He emphasizes the need to reject the kingdom of this world, which thrives on polarization and hatred, and instead embrace the kingdom of God, where love and righteousness prevail. He calls on the congregation to seek God's kingdom first, urging them to live in a way that reflects God's love and provisions.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Embracing the Hidden Presence
Mark 6:1-13
In his sermon, Father Mark delves into the deep, often hidden presence of God within us and others. He emphasizes that while the townspeople of Nazareth recognized Jesus merely as a carpenter, they missed the profound divine essence and power within him. This oversight, Father Mark explains, was due to their unwillingness to see beyond their preconceived notions and biases. He encourages us to remain open and receptive to the divine possibilities within everyone, urging us to let go of our judgments and embrace the transformative love that flows from recognizing the image of God in ourselves and others.
Father Mark illustrates this with examples from the Bible, highlighting how God uses flawed, ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary things. He challenges us to seek and serve Christ in all persons, recognizing the divine light within. Drawing from personal anecdotes and theological insights, he calls on the congregation to foster a deeper awareness of God’s presence in everyday life and to embrace the courage to let our own divine light shine.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Lessons From the Storm
Mark 4:35-41
In today's sermon, Father Mark reflects on the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus calms a violent storm while his disciples panic. He draws a parallel between this biblical event and his own personal experience with anxiety during a trip to Spain in 1975.
Father Mark shares how, as a young man, his sense of self-worth was deeply tied to external validation, leading to feelings of insecurity and fear of losing control. During a particularly anxious moment, he had a profound realization that peace and self-worth come from within, grounded in faith, rather than from external circumstances.
Father Mark further explores how Jesus' calming of the storm serves as a metaphor for finding inner peace amidst life's tumultuous events. He suggests that Jesus' questions to the disciples, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" should be seen not as accusations but as invitations to deepen one's faith and trust in God.
By reflecting on these questions, we can understand the importance of being centered in God rather than being swayed by external forces. Father Mark emphasizes that true peace comes from within and that faith allows us to respond calmly to life's storms, just as Jesus did.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Trusting in Divine Growth
Mark 4:26-34
Father Mark's sermon focuses on the parable of the mustard seed from the Gospel of Mark, illustrating the mystery and divine nature of God's kingdom. He emphasizes that the kingdom of God grows automatically, without human intervention, symbolized by a seed that sprouts and grows while the farmer sleeps.
This innate fertility reflects God's generative power at work in creation, independent of human effort. Father Mark contrasts this divine growth with the common belief that success depends solely on human intelligence and hard work, reminding the congregation that true growth and life come from God.
Drawing from personal experience and scriptural references, Father Mark highlights the importance of recognizing our limited control and embracing God's providence. He recounts his own observations of a resilient plant in his backyard and St. Paul's message to the Corinthians, underscoring that it is God who gives the growth.
He encourages the congregation to shift from a mindset of willfulness to willingness, trusting in God's guidance and participating in the divine flow of life. This trust, he notes, brings freedom and peace, contrasting sharply with the anxiety of trying to control every aspect of our lives.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Spiritual Center
Mark 3:20-35
In today's sermon, Father Mark reflects on the Gospel of Mark where Jesus faces skepticism from his family and accusations from the scribes. Jesus responds to these challenges by questioning how a divided kingdom can stand, emphasizing the need for unity and strong foundational beliefs. Jesus' teaching centers on the idea that true family is defined not by blood but by a shared commitment to doing God's will.
Father Mark expands on this by discussing how, in ancient times, one's identity and honor were deeply intertwined with family. He contrasts this with Jesus' call for a radical shift in consciousness, encouraging followers to place their devotion to God above all societal and familial norms. He stresses the importance of having a strong spiritual reference point, much like a train needing a clear direction, to navigate life meaningfully and faithfully.
To maintain this spiritual center, Father Mark suggests daily devotional practices, reminding the congregation that without a strong commitment to God, people may find themselves devoted to less worthy pursuits. He concludes by urging everyone to regularly recenter their lives around God's will, ensuring that their primary allegiance is to the kingdom of God.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Reorienting to God
Mark 2:23-3:6
In today's gospel from Mark, Jesus challenges the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of Sabbath laws through two significant incidents. First, when His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath and are accused of breaking the law, Jesus reminds the Pharisees of David eating the consecrated bread out of necessity. He asserts that the Sabbath is made to serve humanity, not to impose burdens. In the second incident, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, exposing the Pharisees' hypocrisy as they prioritize legalism over compassion and even plot against Jesus on the same holy day.
Father Mark emphasizes that, like the Pharisees, we can become self-righteous and judgmental, using religious or cultural laws to serve our own egos rather than God's will. He challenges us to re-evaluate our beliefs and actions to ensure they are life-giving and spirit-nourishing, aligning with Jesus’ example of compassion and love. In today's polarized world, Father Mark urges us to reorient ourselves towards God, rather than becoming entrenched in partisan identities that divide and harden our hearts. By centering ourselves in God's love, we can transcend our differences and fulfill the true purpose of God's laws.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Divine Dance
John 3:1-17
Father Mark's sermon focuses on the mysterious and profound doctrine of the Trinity, emphasizing that while it may seem irrational and incomprehensible, it holds significant truths about the nature of God and our relationship with Him. The sermon begins by acknowledging the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Despite the apparent irrationality of this concept, Father Mark explains that it arises from humanity's experience of God and scripture, not mere rational thought. He emphasizes that the Trinity should not be seen as a definitive explanation of God, but rather as a metaphor that helps us grasp certain divine truths.
Father Mark highlights two key truths that the Trinity reveals about God. First, the diversity within the Godhead reflects the diversity of creation. This diversity is seen in the myriad of species and unique individual traits among humans, all of which mirror the varied yet unified nature of the Trinity. Second, the Trinity underscores the importance of relationships. The eternal dance of self-giving love among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exemplifies the perfect relational community, which humans are called to emulate. By transcending individualism and dualism, and entering into loving relationships, we reflect the divine unity and love of the Trinity.
To illustrate these concepts, Father Mark uses the metaphors of a circle of giving and receiving and a circle dance. The endless flow of love within the Trinity is like a continuous circle where each person gives and receives fully, and this divine dance invites us to participate. We are called to join this dance, embodying the love and unity of the Trinity in our lives and communities, thus fulfilling our divine purpose and reflecting the divine nature.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Ever-Present Spirit
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Father Mark’s sermon focuses on the Holy Spirit’s presence in the lives of believers, drawing on biblical examples from both the Old and New Testaments.
He explains that the Spirit of God has always been with humanity, empowering individuals for extraordinary deeds and guiding them in truth. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s presence is not new or intermittent, but a constant force within us, as evidenced by Pentecost.
Father Mark highlights the significance of realizing and awakening to this indwelling Spirit, urging believers to live from the awareness that God’s Spirit is within them. This awareness can bring strength, comfort, and unity, helping us navigate life’s challenges and fostering a deeper connection with God and each other.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Axis of Devotion
John 17:6-19
In his sermon, Father Mark examines Jesus' prayer for his disciples before his crucifixion. Jesus asks God to protect the disciples from the world's ways so they may remain united in God's loving character. Father Mark notes that living according to God's ways is counter-cultural and often opposed by the prevailing worldly culture.
Father Mark highlights the difficulty of maintaining devotion to God when constantly surrounded by a culture with conflicting values and priorities. There is a tendency to confuse cultural devotion with devotion to God's teachings. Father Mark reminds us of Jesus' warning against trying to serve two masters simultaneously.
Drawing from Jesus' metaphor of the vine and branches, Father Mark emphasizes Jesus' call for his disciples to abide in him, drawing life from his spirit rather than the world's. Staying connected to God is crucial for bearing spiritual fruit. Father Mark poses the central question: are our lives spinning around devotion to God or devotion to other things?
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Tuned In to God’s Love
John 15:9-17
Father Mark began by reflecting on Jesus' words in John 15:9-17, where Jesus says "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." He noted that this passage is not just about intellectual understanding, but about feeling a deep sense of connection and love with God. He encouraged the congregation to imagine themselves as branches connected to the true vine, Christ, and to feel the stir of inward sap rising from their root, which is planted in the ground of love.
Father Mark used various metaphors and images from the Bible to illustrate how language about God can be symbolic and figurative, pointing towards the thing itself rather than being the thing itself. He noted that while analysis of these images can be helpful, they are often meant to convey spiritual truths beyond intellectual understanding. He encouraged the congregation to allow themselves to be receptive to God's love at a deep level, rather than just processing it with their minds.
Father Mark then explored the concept of resonance, using the image of two violins in tune with each other as an example. He suggested that when our hearts are tuned to the frequency of God's love, they resonate with that love, and that this resonance can spread to others.
He also used the concept of prayer as a way of retuning our hearts to sing God's grace, allowing us to resonate with the music of the spheres and feel connected to all of creation. Throughout his sermon, Father Mark encouraged the congregation to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with God and with each other, and to allow themselves to be resonated by God's love song.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Fruit of Love
John 15:1-8
Father Mark draws parallels between our physical bodies and our spiritual lives, noting that just as what we put into our bodies affects our health, so too does what we feed our minds and spirits affect our well-being. He emphasizes that our spirits were designed to run on God, not alternative fuels like entertainment or busyness. Instead of seeking happiness and peace through external sources, we should abide in Christ, the true vine, and allow His love to flow through us.
Father Mark uses the example of pruning rose bushes to illustrate how sometimes, even good things in our lives can become distractions and drain our energy away from God. He encourages listeners to examine their priorities and ask themselves if they are producing the fruit of love in their lives and in the world. He also reminds us that it is not always easy to let go of secondary branches or suckers, but that with prayer and guidance from the divine vine grower, we can learn to prioritize what truly nourishes our souls.
Ultimately, Father Mark's message is one of encouragement to abide in Christ and allow His love to flow through us. He notes that the fruit of discipleship is love for one another, and that this love is only possible when we are abiding in the true vine. By recognizing where we may be diverting our energy away from God and by seeking guidance on how to prioritize what truly nourishes our souls, we can become more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Following the Good Shepherd
John 10:11-18
In his sermon, Fr. Mark discusses the image of Jesus as the good shepherd, contrasting it with the hired hand who abandons the sheep in times of danger. He emphasizes the deep, loving connection between the good shepherd and his sheep, which mirrors the relationship between Jesus and his heavenly Father. Fr. Mark stresses that following the good shepherd is not always easy or comfortable, as it involves sacrifice and can be counter-cultural.
Fr. Mark then relates the message of the good shepherd to the current situation at Christ Church, where the vestry and he have been trying to follow and listen to the good shepherd's guidance for over two years. He acknowledges that this process can be painful and confusing for everyone involved, but he encourages the congregation to continue following Jesus, even when it is difficult.
Finally, Fr. Mark reflects on Psalm 23, noting that the psalmist's shepherd Lord leads him in roundabout ways rather than straight paths, through challenging situations like the valley of the shadow of death and in the presence of enemies. Despite these difficulties, the psalmist maintains an unshakable trust in the Lord, and Fr. Mark suggests that this psalm might serve as a guiding scripture for the parish during this time of uncertainty, encouraging them to keep trusting, listening, and following the good shepherd.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Dying to Live
John 20:19-31
In this sermon, Father Mark discusses the concept of resurrection and its relevance to our lives in the present. He shares a story about his friend who experienced the death of his relationship with his mother, only to have it resurrected after she survived a near-fatal heart attack. Father Mark emphasizes that the power of resurrection is not limited to Jesus' story from 2,000 years ago, but is available to transform our lives here and now, releasing us from deadly habits, thought patterns, and mindsets.
Father Mark explains that the risen Christ is present in our world, sharing our human life and enabling new resurrected life within us. He encourages the congregation to experience the mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead, even though it may involve letting go of old habits, customs, or relationships.
Father Mark asserts that without death, there can be no resurrection, and that God never wastes anything. He concludes by reminding the congregation that resurrection happens every time we love, trust, and refuse to become negative or cynical, and that we don't have to wait for it later.
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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