Vicar’s Path

This sermon was recorded at St. John's Episcopal Church in Tallahassee, Florida in 2022 at the Great Vigil of Easter.

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; Psalm 119:137-144; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10  

A Matter of Life and Death - Epiphany 6 - Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 

Have you ever been cancelled?  It’s not always the gift that we want, but there is life on the other side.  In the midst of the temples of our lives crumbling, life as we know it changing, worlds colliding, betrayals and abandonment Jesus gives us hope.  Proper 28 - Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12:2-6, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-1 - Link to article mentioned in the sermon - https://nyti.ms/2NLhBuH; special thanks to the Mockingcast for their discussion on being “cancelled” which was inspiration for this sermon.  

Gratitude and the path of life...Jesus shows how thanksgiving changes the course of life in the encounter with ten lepers.  Proper 23. Readings: Jeremiah 29:1,4-7, Psalm 66:1-11, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, and Luke 17:11-19

We learn at an early age to exclude others for all sorts of reasons.  We turn people and whole swaths of humanity into caricatures so we don’t really have to get to know them or see them as human.  This makes it easier to assassinate their character and kill them figuratively, and as history shows us - literally.  This is not the way of a people touched and saved by Grace.  It’s time to wake up and say NO MORE. Proper 24 - Year C - Readings: Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 1119:97-104, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, and Luke 18:1-8

When my daughter turned four years old I asked her if she would stay four forever.  Of course, she would have none of that nonsense, as she was intent on being a princess and a cheerleader and her age didn’t seem like it would help her achieve either.  I finally wore her down and she said, “okay Daddy, I will stay four until God turns me five.”  The wisdom of children.  She intuitively knew that God is the God of today and tomorrow.  Our movement into the future is a part of God’s plan.  This can fill us with fear.  Jesus tells a difficult parable in today’s readings that says something important about moving forward in hope.  Proper 20 - Readings: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, Psalm 79:1-9, 1 Timothy 2:1-17, and Luke 16:1-13.

Do you hear voices?  We all follow certain voices in this life.  Do this!  Don’t do that!  Be this!  We listen to some and choose to ignore others.  Jeremiah has something to say about the voices and idols around us and how to fill our lives with living water. Proper 17. Readings:  Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, and Luke 14:1, 7-14.

We live in a world where bigger is seen as better and the loudest person in the room is considered significant.  Influence and “what and who matters” is often measured by how many likes, friends or accolades we have acquired.  It’s easy to feel small or even forgotten.  Jesus shows us where God gravitates on the scale of influence and what is really important.  Proper 16 - Readings:  Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17  

Have you ever wanted life to stop to you could catch your breath?  Maybe it was on the Mind Bender at Six Flags, or possibly something more consequential like a job, relationship or (you fill in the blank).  We have all likely been there at one time or another.  Sometimes we get off and are afraid to get back on.  Jesus always uses love to cast out fear and today’s readings are no exception. Proper 14 - Readings: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20; Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40

We live in an age of me and mine.  We often confuse what we want with what we need and even deserve.  These feelings can cloud our view of fairness and justice.  They sometimes lead to broken relationships and violence.  Today’s Gospel shows Jesus peeling back the veneer of fairness and uncovering greed.  Proper 13 - Readings: Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107:1-9, 43; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

Conjunction, junction what’s your function?  Conjunctions are a part of our everyday speech.  Sometimes, we pepper them in when we are trying to avoid something or talk about something we see as unfair.  BUT Mooooommmmmm.  The conjunction in Jesus’ encounter with the lawyer in Luke’s Gospel shows us the door to true compassion.   Proper 10.  Readings: Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82, Colossians 1:1-14 and Luke 10:25-37.

It’s easy to allow the nattering voices in the world and (even worse) those in our own heads to psych us out before we even begin.  We often succumb to fear and shame allowing the voices to control us.  God’s action in the lives of God’s people (especially the Elijah and the man from the Gerasenes country in the readings for this day) say something powerful about the voices that psych us out.  God’s action and involvement psych us UP.  Pentecost 2 - Proper 7. Readings: 1 Kings 19:1-15a, Psalm 42, Galatians 3:23-29 and Luke 8:26-39    

The questions of why and what if can be real killers.  While they can be useful, more often than not, they lead to paralysis and bitterness.  What new thing do you stand on the brink of this day?  Are you plagued with questions of why and what if that keep you rooted in yesterday?  God’s “deeds of power” have an answer for these questions.  Pentecost - Readings: Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:25-35, 37, Romans 8:14-17 and John 14:8-27.  

There are times when platitudes just don’t do it.  Jesus leaves us with more than words of encouragement.  This is what gave the early disciples and gives each of us the courage to look at the mountains in our lives and keep calm...and carry on.  Ascension Day.  Note: This was taped outside, so sound is pushed a bit.  Readings:  Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23 and Luke 24:44-53.

Do you scroll through the lives of others wondering why your life doesn’t look as shiny and accomplished?  Do you use the images from others in the world to set your goals and direction for “fear of missing out.”  When we do this we may be exchanging an illusion for God’s plan.  Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part...(Shameless appropriation of Tom Petty song) - Easter 6 - Readings: Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22:1-5, John 14:23-29. The wonderful concept of “Grace for the race” inspired by Christine Caine.

What or who has you covered in the dark moments of life?  The security blankets of our childhood are frayed reminders of our constant search for security and safety throughout life.  We find hope in one of the best known and recited Scriputre passages in the world.  It’s not just a comfort at funerals anymore...Readings Psam 23, John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43 and Revelation 7:9-17 - Easter 4

We all love a second chance. Are we willing to give others the opportunities we enjoy? Readings: Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5, and John 14:23-29.

Easter Sunday - - Readings:  Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, and John 20:1-18.

Easter 2 - Readings - Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 and Psalm 118:14-29.    

Easter Sunday - - Readings:  Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, and John 20:1-18.  Alleluia Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed, Alleluia!! Note: Dr. Maurice Boyd and his book “Running to Paradise” inspired and informed me during my prayers and preparations for Easter.  

Palm Sunday - Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Luke 22:14-23:56

What’s are you hiding behind?  Do you hide from others, yourself and even God?  Lent 5 - Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 and Psalm 126

[Note: Due to microphone issues, the volume is very low.]. There’s a fox in the henhouse discipleship that threatens the valuable mission of healing.  What can we do about it? Lent 2 - Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 2, Philippians 3:17-4:1 and Luke 13:31-35 Some Sources: Rachel Naomi Remen - http://www.rachelremen.com/some-thoughts-on-healing/; Angela’s Arrien writings on the Four-Fold Way, Washington Post - “What Made Friendship Between Scalia and Ginsburg Work.”; The Guardian - “Chickens ‘teamed up to kill fox’ at Brittany farming school”; Ed Bacon writings and reflections on Rachel Naomi Remen and healing.  

We live in an age of rage and division.  In many instances, the rage and offense give way to bitterness and betrayal which lead to hate.  How do we address the bitter root in our own hearts and live the words of Jesus to "love" our "enemies?" Readings: Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50 and Luke 6:27-38.

What happens when the life veneer you show the world says "Ned Flanders," but the reality underneath screams "Homer Simpson?"  What does it mean to say we are blessed?  What does it look like to be blessed?  In a world that tells us what we have to do and be to prove we are blessed and worthy, what happens when you don't measure up.  Are you suddenly less than blessed?  Epiphany 6 - Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26.  

Epiphany 5 - Readings: Isaiah 6:1-13, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, and Luke 5:1-11. Are you going to put out into the deep waters?  Is that where God is calling you?  Will you obey or try to strike a deal that allows life to look the way you think it should or the way it always has looked?  Choose any door...

Readings: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Psalm 19, and; Luke 4:14-21. There are times when what we expect and what culture conditions us to expect clouds our vision to God's love in the world.  What does it mean to say we are a part of the body of Christ?  Does this include everyone, or just those like us? Note: Inspired in concept by the work of Ilio Delia and Ed Bacon.

Readings:  Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10 and John 2: 1-11. Are there times in life when you feel worthless?  Do you struggle with your gifts and contributions to your family, community and the world?  Does it really matter?  Do you matter? Jesus has something important to say about worthiness and he said it in his first miracle in John's Gospel.  

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12 - Feast of the Epiphany - Where do we look for salvation?  When we find it what gifts do we offer? How we answer this can lead to a vision of true Grace.

[Note: Poor sound quality on this episode]. Christmas 1 - Does Anyone Really Feel Like the Favorite Child?  It's Still Christmas Y'all.  Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7, John 1:1-18, Psalm 147.

Luke 1:39-55 - Advent 4 - Change is Coming - What Wakes You Up at Night?

Advent 3 - Change is Coming.  Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 3:7-18.  Does change scare you?  Do you feel chained by the circumstances of life?  Are there situations, people or problems in your life that seem impossible?  Let's wait in the tension with Mary...let's rejoice with her as we sing of the freedom to come.

Advent 2 - Change is Coming.  Readings:  Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6.Can you hear the hope of salvation in the wilderness?  Are new beginnings clouded by the wilderness and signs of the end?  Let's go to the wilderness and explore the beginning that awaits us all...

Advent 1 - Luke 21:25-36. Do you want the good news or the bad news?  How does life change with Jesus?

Mark 13:1-8; Psalm 16:8-9.  What do you do when everything you consider safe and secure crumbles?  What do you do when your temple falls?  

John 11:32-44 - What would you do if you met the smallest person in the world? What if it’s you? The tears Jesus weeps for his friend Lazarus become living water to the powerless and hopeless? Are you ready for your Lazarus moment? Life can’t be the same...

Luke 7:11-17 - Our desires can get the best of us in this life.  What is your addiction? Does it control you? Are you tired of feeding the beast within?  The secret of the universe can free us...what is it?  It reaches out to us today, ready to set us free.

John 20:19-31- Do you feel like you have missed the appointment? That somehow your doubts about faith and the world have paralyzed you in a state of dis-ease. Fear not! Jesus comes to you as he came to Thomas and all of those who struggle. And he shows you the wounds of His own doubt and hesitation. Listen carefully with Easter ears and you can hear him say, “Hey y’all, watch this!”