Emmanuel Episcopal Church Sermons

In the Beatitudes found in the Gospel of Luke, the blessings and the warnings given by Jesus are meant to be considered in the moment, and equally in the future. How then are the poor to be blessed, and rich to be woeful? Our duty as Christians is to trust in God's goodness, and our goal is to be ready to share His love with all who may come into our lives. It is to be ready to listen for God's word, and to be ready to act, for God's grace is enough today and will always be enough.

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, and 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. The Gospel reference is Luke 6:17-26.

We are too often too willing to be skeptical of miracles. We explain them away, discount their importance, or don't even take the time to acknowledge them at all. But we live in an age of miracles. Faith is taking the time to see the miracles around us, and to reclaim the wonder at the world we had as children. God is there, waiting for us. Are you ready for a chance to wonder?

The Scripture references are Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 5:1-11.

In Luke's Gospel lesson, who best describes us? The people of Capernaum who readily accept Jesus and His works, or the people of Nazareth who have known Him since he was a child but reject His teachings that threaten the comfortable predictability of their lives? Or will be like Jesus, trusting in God to give us the strength to speak truth to power and the courage to see our duty done no matter the risk. Even Jesus had to wait on God in prayer; certainly we can take comfort in being in His good company.

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:21-30.

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:21-30.

As Emmanuel enters its 170th year and we prepare for our annual meeting and the calling of an interim rector, Father Tom Rosa reminds us of the role we all play in our community and the world. The acts of love and charity the church performs are the result of all the members working together. We live out the word of the Great Commission in our daily lives, and our power is in the redeeming love of God. When we are at our weakest, the strength of Christ sustains us and supports us so that we may continue in His good works.

The Scripture references are Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10, Psalm 19, and 1 Corinthians 12-1231a. The Gospel reference is Luke 4:14-21.

Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana - His first sign, as John called it - came not as an announcement of power, but at a moment of need. The new, better wine is God's gift of His Son Jesus. Just as the wedding party needed the wine to continue the celebration, we need Jesus as the purest symbol of God's love for us. Jesus intimately concerns Himself not with our wants, but with our needs.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. The Gospel reference is John 2:1-11.

The Magi were the first to see the star announcing the newborn Christ, and the first Gentiles to seek him out and offer homage. This hiddenness of Christ is so typical of God's relationship with us; so seldom does he appear to kings in palaces, and so often to the lowly and the poor, the powerless and unprepared. When we follow the light of our individual epiphanies we are led smack into God, and we can see clearly God's vision for us. Guided by the star of Christ's presence, we experience a life of light and love.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7,10-14, and Ephesians 3:1-12. The Gospel reference is Matthew 2:1-12.

Through the Word, "Abba" - God the Father - made all of Creation, and through the Word made incarnate - Jesus the Christ - He brought and still brings life, light, love, and hope to those in darkness. This living Word is the source of our physical, spiritual, and eternal life and is the greatest gift from our loving God.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147:13-21, and Galatians 3:23-25,4:4-7. The Gospel reference is John 1:1-18.

Isn't wonderful and fitting that the shepherds tending their flocks as the lambs were born were the first to see the Lamb of God? His lowly birth shows us just how much God loves us and all His creation, and willingly came into the world to bring us to Himself.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.

Mary the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist, kept each other company as they shared the miracle of motherhood. One a woman well past childbearing age and the other a virgin, they could each appreciate the hand of God on them and could acknowledge the truth of His handiwork in their lives. We too can support each other as a church family, and to reach out in support of those around us who need proof of God's love and healing help in times of trouble. It is at Christmas that we celebrate the birth of our Savior who came to us so that we can welcome him into our lives every day.

The Scripture references are Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, and Hebrews 10:5-10. The Gospel reference is Luke 1:39-45(46-55).

Being receptive to joy takes some readiness, but at this Advent season we are preparing ourselves to be ready to welcome the One who took on our humanity to give us His divinity.

The Scripture references are Zephaniah 3:14-20, Canticle 9 (The First Song of Isaiah) Isaiah 12:2-6, and Philippians 4:4-7. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:7-18.

The lessons today tell us we are to clear a path for God to enter our lives, which He so desires to do. We need to remove the impediments that keep God out. We are children of promise, God's promise, and by opening our lives to transforming grace we open ourselves to the possibility that our hearts and our world can be a place for Jesus to live in us and abide with us always.

The Scripture references are Malachi 3:1-4, The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79), and Philippians 1:3-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 3:1-6.

We can miss so much when we rush through life, especially in the holiday season. Advent allows us to pause, to prepare, and to experience the expectation and hope of the birth of Jesus. Where is God inviting you to slow down, stop, and breathe?

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-9, and 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. The Gospel reference is Luke21:25-36.

Christ's kingdom is unlike any historic earthly kingdom or established church. Saint Julian of Norwich wrote that she saw Christ as a king "reigning in the soul." As we come to the end of another liturgical year, let us give thanks to God and to His Son and lay our blessings before His throne.

The Scripture references are Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Psalm 93, and Revelation 1:4b-8. The Gospel reference is John 18:33-37.

The ancient Greek root of our name for the Lord's Supper, "eucharist", translates as "thanksgiving." Having an attitude of gratitude is a transforming spiritual experience. It allows us to see the limitless opportunity to transform the world in which we live, and to share our many blessings with those around us.

The Scripture references are Joel 2:21-27, Psalm 126, and 1 Timothy 2:1-7. The Gospel reference is Matthew 6:25-33.

As we look around us at the plight of those who have no one to support them, who are suffering from war, famine, or disaster, we must always remember that every life is precious in God's sight. We must strive always in all our actions to live out our Christian call to God's service, and never to lose sight of those whose faith sustains them in the most difficult times. They serve as an example and a lesson for us and a guide to ease the suffering of those we meet.

The Scripture references are 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146, and Hebrews 9:24-28. The Gospel reference is Mark 12:38-44.

On All Saints Day we remember that we are forever woven together with all the saints - past, present, and future - through our shared baptism into the body of Christ. When we mourn those who have died, we also bear witness to the hope of everlasting life in Jesus Christ. As we worship, let us remember that gathered together we are the saints of today and that our faith in God and His Son will support and sustain us always.

The Scripture references are Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, and Hebrews 9:11-14. The Gospel reference is Mark 12:28-34.

As we move forward we are called to truly see what God wishes for us. Jesus offers a clear vision of what true life looks like, but too often we turn a blind eye to the possibilities that lie before us. To truly see is not without risk. Let us be like Bartimaeus and when Jesus asks us what we want him to do, answer "My teacher, let me see."

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, and Hebrews 7:23-28. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:46-52.

As we celebrate our time together, Mother Andria remembers the mountaintop moments we have shared and calls us to be mindful that God is with us, always, no matter what. We can look at our past and where we were, at our present where God is with us now, and at our future where God calls us forward to places of promise. For those of us who share this bond there is never a good-bye, only "until we meet again."

The Scripture references are Isaiah 53:4-12, Psalm 91:9-12,15-16, and Hebrews5:1-10. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:35-45.

The wealthy young man in Mark's gospel lives on today, when we see our material riches as an end in themselves. What we have, and how we look at our possessions, can either help to bring about the kingdom of God on earth or act as a barrier to our living lives of God's love. Trusting that sharing our blessings to support our parish mission, to make Emmanuel a welcoming place to those seeking relationship with God, and to come together as a church family truly helps us to make a piece of that kingdom a reality.

The Scripture references are Amos 5:6-7,10-15, Psalm 90:12-17, and Hebrews 4:12-16. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:17-31.