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The Palm Gospel as Unpredictable Danger
a Sermon for Passion Sunday Text: Mark 11:1-11 & Mark 14:1-15:47 must we choose? We’re challenged with two gospels today. They are a natural juxtaposition. One is happy and the other is sad. One declares victory, the other demonstrates earthly defeat. We processed in joyously and we’re likely to walk out depressed. My natural inclination…
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Our Marks, Like Dust
a Sermon for Ash Wednesday, B Text: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 We’re trained from an early age to hate red ink. Our tests and composition papers were often so riddled with red, contrasting starkly with our own black or blue markings on the white piece of paper. Each of our teachers counted up those red marks—with…
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Inside the Cacophony
a Homily for the Last Sunday after Epiphany, B Text:Mark 9:2-9 I walked into my poetry class completely unprepared for what was about to happen. This was years ago, back when I dreamed of becoming a writer, a playwright or poet, actually. Or at the very least the teacher of writers. It was our second…
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Outside the walls of the city
a homily for Epiphany 6B Text: Mark 1:40-45 Nudy Trees My daughter and I have this little game. We point out the nudy trees to one another. She shouts: “That tree’s nudy!” Then she squeals and says “there’s another one!” I do it too. Then I point…
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Destination Unknown
Text: Mark 1:29-39 Distractions This gospel is like life: it has a lot of distractions. There are lots of details we could run down; tangents we could explore: These new disciples, their mom and her mysterious ailment, the demon possession. This gospel, on the other hand, is actually about the gospel. It is about moving, finding,…
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When GOD Gives Conflicting Instructions
On her blog yesterday, the Rev. Susan Russell announced a Celebration of Equality. It is a really special event in the life of her Pasadena congregation and I’m sure is going to be an awesome sight. In the midst of this celebration is a “sneak preview” of a new documentary about the Rt. Rev. V.…
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Celebrating Fools
Today is Epiphany. It is one of those church holidays that has morphed over time to become what is known in some parts as “Three Kings Day”. Originally something else, it is now the day we honor the “Wise Men” or “Three Kings”. Unfortunately, we celebrate without the hint of irony that comes with getting…
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A Humble Beginning
My Christmas Message Christmas isn’t just some story about family. It isn’t about shopping or gift-giving. It isn’t about all the hoopla. And even “putting Christ back into Christmas” is to make Christmas something it isn’t. It is way more than that. Have a very Merry Christmas!