Joseph Peters-Mathews

We don’t see graves opening on a regular basis which Matthew implies is happening. I do, however, see people coming back to life. When they go into recovery or find peace and health after living and struggling with disordered eating, when a new med mixture helps them stay in this world and start interacting with other people again that’s the dead being raised. When the sock box is full and we haven’t put the sock in or someone who can’t make it to church brings supplies for the little free pantry that’s good news for the poor.

Sam Magill is a coach and poet. He has served on the Bishop’s Committee at St. Hilda St. Patrick and has chaired the stewardship committee.  This sermon was preached as a response to the texts for The Second Sunday of Advent, Year A. The sermon was based on the manuscript below. Advent has got to

On page 1 of her book on Advent, Rutledge says, “Advent is not simply a transitional season but in and of itself communicates a message of immense, even ultimate, importance. Of all the seasons of the church year, Advent most closely mirrors the daily lives of Christians and of the church, asks the most important ethical questions, presents the most accurate picture of the human condition, and above all, orients us to the future of the God who will come again.”

Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus has had opportunities to make shows of force and to claim and win the world around him as God’s by taking over and fighting a war. Instead he’s said “He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Jesus has said, “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you…Words matter.

Trade with the gifts God has given you. Bend your minds to holy learning, that you may escape the fretting moth of littleness of mind that would wear out your souls. Brace your wills to action, that they may not be the spoils of weak desires. Train your hearts and lips to song, which gives courage to the soul. Being buffeted by trials, learn to laugh. Being reproved, give thanks. Having failed, determine to succeed.

Especially on this All Saints Sunday, we can look to that cast of all-star saints who surely lived as Jesus wanted them to, reflecting on how feebly we struggle as they in glory shine. But as Sister Joyce Rupp writes, the saints are not only those people “who have been canonized by the church, but all people whose lives reflect the goodness of God. Saints are not perfect people. They have their faults, idiosyncrasies and weaknesses. They have their own struggles and difficulties. Even the canonized ones are noted to have been difficult to live with because of some unique mannerism.

It came to pass that Keanu Reeves went on a late-night talk show to promote a new movie. He bantered with the host. They told stories and made jokes. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. In the run up to the commercial break, the host made a sudden shift in conversation. “Keanu Reeves,” He said, “What happens after we die?” The crowd laughed.

The Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews is the vicar of St. Hilda St. Patrick. This sermon was delivered on All Saints Day, November 1, 2022. The sermon was a response to Luke 6.20-31 and based on the manuscript below. O blest communion,fellowship divine,we feebly struggle,they in glory shine;yet all are one in thee,for all are thine.Alleluia! Alleluia!