Sermon for Thanksgiving Eve, November 25, 2020 (Luke 17:11-19)

"Freedom from Want" (1943) by Norman Rockwell (1894-1978). Norman Rockwell Museum. Public Domain. Originally preached at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Setauket, New York. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Sometimes, the lectionary makes interesting choices for the readings for non-liturgical holidays, like … Continue reading Sermon for Thanksgiving Eve, November 25, 2020 (Luke 17:11-19)

Sermon for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28 (November 15, 2020) – Matthew 25:14-30

"The Parable of the Talents" (2013) by Andrej Nikolaevich Mironov. Ryazan, Russia. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Originally preached on the occasion of the rite of confirmation for the confirmation class of 2020 at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church. The year was 1529.  Martin Luther (whose birthday we observed on Tuesday) had just finished … Continue reading Sermon for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28 (November 15, 2020) – Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon for the Feast of All Saints, November 1, 2020 (Matthew 5:1-12)

"Jesus Teaching the Beatitudes" (ca. 1886-1896) by James Tissot (1836-1902). The Brooklyn Museum. Public Domain. Originally preached at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Setauket, New York. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I would like to begin my sermon this morning with a little Latin lesson.  Why do we call the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon … Continue reading Sermon for the Feast of All Saints, November 1, 2020 (Matthew 5:1-12)