Episodios
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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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Questions and Doubts
John 20:19-31
Reverend Wendy discusses the story of "Doubting Thomas" from John 20:19-31, emphasizing that it is normal and acceptable to have doubts and questions about faith. She shares her own experience of a crisis of faith following her divorce, during which she questioned and doubted God. Reverend Wendy points out that even in the Bible, figures like Job questioned and challenged God during difficult times.
The sermon highlights Jesus' gentle and compassionate response to Thomas's doubts, inviting him to touch His hands and side to confirm His presence. This act demonstrates Jesus' love for Thomas and serves as a reminder that Jesus is always present, even in moments of uncertainty and doubt.
Reverend Wendy relates the message to the congregation's current situation, acknowledging the uncertainties they face in the coming years. She encourages them to trust that Jesus is with them, inviting them to embrace His presence and love, just as Thomas did when he proclaimed, "My Lord and my 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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Easter 2024
Matthew 28:1-10
Father Mark's Easter sermon focuses on the transformative power of the resurrection. He points out that in the Gospel accounts, Jesus' followers initially fail to recognize the risen Christ, signifying that something about Him has changed. This transformation extends to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, who are no longer just followers but become apostles, sent out to carry God's love and grace into the world.
Father Mark emphasizes that transformation often occurs when something old falls apart, forcing the soul to go to a new place. He suggests that in our personal and communal lives, we must be willing to let go of the past and embrace change, even when it is painful or disorienting. This is particularly relevant to the church, which is experiencing a time of upheaval and must adapt to new realities.
The sermon concludes by highlighting the radical newness of Jesus' teachings and actions, which overturn conventional human ways of living and relating. To be truly raised with Christ means setting our minds on things above, embodying forgiveness, compassion, and self-emptying love. The central question of Easter, then, is not what happened to Jesus in the past, but how the resurrection challenges and changes us in the present.
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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The Passion of Jesus Christ as told in Mark 14:1-15:47.
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Full Immersion
John 12:20-33
Fr. Mark uses a humorous story about a woman trying to avoid full immersion baptism to illustrate how we often try to protect our vulnerable inner selves by staying on the surface of life, preoccupied with the external world. He says we need to die to our false surface self in order to find our true self in God.
Jesus himself felt the human fear of losing his individual self, but knew that fruitful, abundant life is found in union with God and others, not in individualism. His death and resurrection shows that dying to self leads to new life, just as a seed must die to produce a harvest. This applies not just to individuals but to communities and the church - we must die to our own needs and agendas to truly serve others.
Ultimately, we need to shed the "flotation devices" that keep us on the surface and let the waters of baptism do their transformative work in us. This means dying to our disconnection, tribalism and obsession with externals in order to build a new, connected world 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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Love or Judgment?
John 3:14-21
Father Mark’s sermon revolves around interpreting the famous biblical verse, John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." Father Mark discusses how this verse can be interpreted as either comforting or terrifying, depending on one's perspective. He highlights the contrast between viewing God as a loving, merciful being or as a demanding, uncompromising judge.
Father Mark emphasizes that interpreting the Bible involves drawing upon tradition, reason, experience, and other biblical passages. He suggests that the word "believe" in John 3:16 could be better translated as "trust," shifting the focus from holding specific beliefs to surrendering to the Spirit of Christ. He draws parallels with parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son, illustrating God's unconditional love and desire to seek out and rejoice over those who are lost.
The sermon invites the congregation to interpret John 3:16 as a message of God's love and healing rather than condemnation. Father Mark proposes understanding the word "saved" in verse 17 as being healed from various societal ills, aligning with God's desire to restore wholeness and union with the divine. He encourages interpreting the Bible through the lens of a merciful, forgiving, and infinitely loving 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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Beyond the Marketplace
John 2:13-22
Father Mark's sermon focuses on the story of Jesus cleansing the temple. He argues that the act was driven by Jesus' frustration with the temple becoming a marketplace.
Traditionally, people brought animals for sacrifice, but the temple merchants inflated prices and prioritized profit over worship. This commercialization contrasted with God's free flow of grace and love.
The sermon highlights the dangers of a "marketplace mentality" even in our spiritual lives. We easily fall into thinking of God as someone we make deals with, expecting something in return for our actions. However, true faith involves accepting God's gifts freely, without needing to earn them.
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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Facing Ourselves
Mark 1:9-15
This sermon by Father Mark delves into the themes of self-examination and living a life centered on divine things, drawing on the Gospel of Mark and Sister Joan Chittister's book "Falling Upward." Father Mark emphasizes the importance of introspection and confronting our inner selves, challenging the tendency to blame others and avoid responsibility. He argues that true freedom lies in letting go of selfish desires and attachments, aligning our lives with Christ's teachings, and embracing the challenges that come with following His path.
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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Fast and Feast
Mark 1:9-15
Father Mark's sermon explores the concept of the wilderness as a place of testing and transformation, drawing parallels between the experiences of Jesus and those of the congregation during Lent. He emphasizes the presence of two opposing forces in our lives: the "divisive, oppositional, satanic spirit" that separates us from God and others, and the "life-giving, loving, compassionate spirit of Jesus."
The sermon encourages self-reflection during Lent, urging congregants to examine the motivations behind their thoughts, words, and actions. Father Mark highlights the subtle nature of negative energy, which can often masquerade as righteousness or even friendship. He emphasizes the importance of discerning this energy and choosing instead the loving spirit of Christ.
The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to "fast from the life-depleting energies and feast on the life-giving energies." Father Mark expresses hope that the congregation will learn to trust the energy of God's love during their Lenten journey.
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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Transfiguration
Mark 9:2-9
Christianity teaches that Christ can be born a thousand times in Bethlehem, but all are in vain until he is born in each individual. The meaning of the transfiguration is not just that Jesus was transfigured 2,000 years ago, but that we are called to say yes to our own transfiguration and metamorphosis into something greater than ourselves.
As we enter Lent, it is a time for us to courageously seek to become truer versions of ourselves, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and to see life from a different, larger, higher perspective through the eyes of Christ who dwells within 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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Weak and Strong
Mark 1:29-39
Father Mark's sermon delves into the narrative of Jesus' healing and exorcism activities in Capernaum, as described in the Gospel according to Mark, highlighting Jesus' deliberate choice to maintain the Messianic secret. He interprets Jesus' refusal to allow demons to reveal his identity as a strategic measure to prevent misconceptions about his messiahship, particularly against the backdrop of contemporary Jewish expectations of a military liberator.
Father Mark elaborates on the "Messianic secret" theme, suggesting Jesus aimed to redefine messianic expectations, focusing on servitude and spiritual liberation rather than political dominance. This redefinition is contrasted with prevailing cultural norms that valorize power and retaliation over forgiveness and servitude.
The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' message and actions, encouraging a reevaluation of personal and communal values in light of the Gospel's teachings. It calls for a radical shift from cultural conformity to Gospel-formed lives, challenging listeners to embrace servanthood, forgiveness, and a reoriented understanding of strength as envisioned by Jesus.
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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Root of Authority
Mark 1:21-28
Father Mark's sermon focuses on the unique authority of Jesus as depicted in the Gospel story, where Jesus teaches and performs an exorcism in a synagogue. He contrasts Jesus' innate authority with the external, institutional authority of the scribes.
The people in the synagogue recognized Jesus' authority as emanating from his essence and connection with God, rather than from any official position.
Father Mark also explores how Christian authority has evolved, discussing the shift from institutional authority to scriptural authority during the Protestant Reformation. He introduces a balanced approach to understanding scripture, incorporating Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience.
The sermon encourages embracing these diverse sources to grow in wisdom and deepen one's spiritual understanding.
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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Beyond Nets and Boats
Mark 1:14-20
In his sermon, Father Mark explores the Gospel of Mark, specifically the story of Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him. He discusses three ways to interpret this story: as a historical account, a rationalized narrative, or a personal, deeper message.
Father Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding "repentance" in its original context, as a call to change one's mindset and actions. He critiques the common reluctance to change, especially in political contexts, and challenges the congregation to consider how Jesus' message applies today.
Addressing the current challenges of the Christian Church, Father Mark suggests a shift in perspective: viewing church roles not just as tasks, but as part of God's larger mission of reconciliation and love. He encourages the congregation to listen to God's call with open hearts and minds, and to engage in the church and the world with renewed energy and a sense of divine purpose.
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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Come and See
John 1:43-51
Father Mark's sermon, based on the Gospel of John, delves into the theme of invitation and openness, using the story of Philip inviting Nathaniel to meet Jesus. He highlights how Nathaniel's initial skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth reflects a common human tendency to prejudge and dismiss others based on superficial attributes like their origin, social status, or beliefs. Father Mark emphasizes that Jesus represents an invitation from God to see beyond such prejudices and to recognize the divine presence in all people and situations.
The sermon further explores how this story is relevant to contemporary perceptions of Christianity. With the Christian church often viewed skeptically due to various scandals and perceived hypocrisies, Father Mark suggests that, like Philip, Christians should invite others to "come and see" the true essence of their faith, rather than trying to argue or persuade. He points out that many people join churches because someone they know invited them, illustrating the power of personal invitation over argument.
Towards the end, Father Mark reflects on the characteristics that make the congregation unique, such as openness, inclusivity, love, hospitality, spiritual depth, and intellectual engagement. He encourages the congregation to consider what aspects of their church life they would want others to experience and to extend invitations accordingly. He concludes by suggesting that life itself is an invitation from God to participate in His work, urging his listeners to approach life with curiosity and openness, constantly asking, "What's the invitation here?"
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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Baptism and Belonging
Mark 1:4-11
Father Mark's sermon focuses on the theme of identity in the context of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. He explores how Jesus, at his baptism, was reaffirmed by God as His beloved son. This affirmation of identity, Father Mark suggests, is crucial before Jesus begins his earthly ministry and faces temptation. He draws parallels between this divine affirmation and our own understanding of identity through baptism.
Father Mark explains that baptism has both an objective and subjective element. Objectively, it asserts our status as God’s beloved children. Subjectively, it's about our personal acceptance and understanding of this truth. He emphasizes the ease with which we can forget this fundamental identity and seek validation through other means like occupation, social status, or political affiliations. These identities, he argues, are transient and do not define our true selves.
He further discusses how our perception of ourselves shapes who we become, citing studies on children who were believed to be gifted and consequently excelled. This highlights the power of perception and belief in forming our identity.
Father Mark also touches on the communal aspect of baptism, reminding us that as beloved children of God, we are also siblings to one another. This idea calls for unity and understanding amidst the divisiveness in the world. He concludes by reminding the congregation of the importance of remembering and living out our true identity as children 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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Discharging Our Loyal Soldier
Luke 2:22-40
Father Mark's sermon reflects on the biblical narrative of Simeon and Anna encountering the infant Jesus in the Temple. He explores the theme of transitions in life, using Simeon's experience as a metaphor.
Father Mark extends this metaphor to our lives, suggesting that we often struggle with identity and purpose after major life transitions, akin to the loyal Japanese soldiers post-WWII. He suggests that, like Simeon and the loyal soldiers, we must learn to let go of past roles and identities to embrace new callings and purposes.
This involves shifting from seeking a distant God to recognizing and surrendering to God's omnipresent nature. We have the opportunity to embrace the present presence of God in our lives here and now.
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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Story Power
Fr. Mark's Christmas Eve sermon reflects deeply on the power of stories, particularly the Christmas narrative, as tools for discovery and understanding. He begins by recounting the Gospel of Luke's account of Jesus' birth, emphasizing how stories, even those seemingly simple like the Christmas narrative, have profound impacts on us. He notes that our brains are wired for stories, as they engage multiple parts of our brain, not just the language-processing areas.
Fr. Mark draws parallels between the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and current global issues, like the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza, highlighting how powerful decisions can affect the lives of distant individuals. He also connects this to the personal experience of powerlessness many felt during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sermon emphasizes the concept of awe and how humans are hardwired for it. It discusses how moments of awe connect us to something larger than ourselves, which some may call God. This is illustrated through the shepherds' awe at the angels' announcement of Jesus' birth and the character Suzanne from Elizabeth Stout's novel, who experiences a deep sensation she associates with God.
Fr. Mark concludes by emphasizing how stories like the Christmas narrative have the power to shape our identity, imagination, and sense of belonging. He encourages listeners to let these stories resonate with them and evoke sensations that connect them to the divine.
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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Beyond Amazement
John 1:1-14
If we are to honor these texts, we cannot avoid personal involvement. All of these texts are “after our souls.” We must go beyond our initial amazement, which can block our deeper spiritual development.
We can harbor within us a pondering heart, which is the vital path of discipleship, as we reflect on the multiple aspects of Christmas which include the birth of Christ within the soul.
We discover that grace is the free flow of infinite, intimate Love, so we can share this with the lives we touch each day.
The child wrapped in swaddling clothes, in the inner house of Christmas, will be you.
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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Beyond Belief
Luke 1:26-38
Rev. Wendy's sermon starts with a personal anecdote about hearing the song "Mary Did You Know?" and transitions into exploring the theme of impossible pregnancies in the Bible. She connects Mary's miraculous conception of Jesus with other biblical stories of unlikely births, such as those of Elizabeth (John the Baptist's mother), Sarah (Isaac's mother), and Hannah (Samuel's mother). Rev. Wendy highlights the common thread in these stories: the idea that nothing is impossible with God.
The sermon delves into the Gospel of Luke, beginning with the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the subsequent events. Rev. Wendy emphasizes Mary's initial confusion and eventual acceptance of her role, drawing parallels to Old Testament figures who also accepted divine calls. She discusses the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise, which is not included in the specific passage but is crucial to understanding Mary's journey.
Rev. Wendy further explores Mary's ongoing process of understanding and accepting her role as the mother of Jesus. She notes that Mary spent her entire life learning about and pondering the significance of her son. The sermon concludes by connecting Mary's experience to the congregants' lives, encouraging them to be open to the Spirit's prompting and to follow Jesus' way. The overarching message is about faith, acceptance, and the belief in the possibility of the impossible with divine intervention.
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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