Drew Downs

Make a New Normal

Proper 28C

  • In this challenging gospel, Jesus invites his followers to not just endure, but to keep up the purpose: living, loving, and being.

  • When we hear Jesus’s apocalyptic talk, we often shut down. Which means we avoid hearing the good news itself.

  • In Temple destruction and community division, Jesus paints a frightening picture with the reminder to not fear it.

  • We hear Jesus talk about division and the destruction of the Temple with a sense of fear while he offers hope.

  • Set Free

    The gospel challenges us to show up when it’s hard, not pretend false neutrality absolves us of any responsibility for the world around us.

  • At convention this year, our bishop (she’s our bishop for 6 months more!) spoke to the difference between a homily and a sermon. There is no “official” difference between the two. There are no experts to tell us such things anymore, not in this age when truth is so refuted and facts are indeed a…