Sermons

“Adolescence” sermon by J. Hugh Magers from January 4, 1998 This Gospel lesson is the one window we have into Jesus’ life in early adolescence. But we really can’t appropriately use the term adolescence in this context. Entrance into adulthood was pegged at the 12th year in that culture. So the visit to the Temple

St. John Chrysostompreached this Christmas sermonin 386.It was preached at Antioch in Asia Minor–during the first year of his public ministry.Later, he became Bishop of Constantinople.It was his skillful preachingthat earned him the nickname “Chrysostom,”which means “Golden-Mouthed.” Behold a new and wondrous mystery. My ears resound to the Shepherd’s song,piping no soft melody,but chanting full

Merry Christmas!This year in AdventI’ve been noticing contrasts.Tomorrow’s gospel,the prologue to John’s gospel,is about the contrasts between light and dark.The light shines in the darknessand the darkness does not overcome it.This Advent, though,I’ve noticed the contrasts betweenShimmering commercial Christmas spirit out thereand the waiting of Advent in here.I observed the contrast betweenthe prophets’ call to

God is the actor in Luke’s Gospel.God is the actorin all salvation history,but you really can’t ignore itwhen you read Luke.In the gospel passage I readand Mary’s Song that we proclaimed togetherwe have contrasts –which I mentioned last week –and God decisively the actor.Mary has just said yes to carrying God’s childand she goes to

Historically today has been a bit of a breakfrom the solemnity of Advent.Gaudete Sunday,Rejoice Sunday.That’s why we’ve gota pink or rose candle burningand some places even have vestmentsand altar dressings to match!Rejoice!This week continues where last week left off.John is still in the desertpreparing the way of salvation.Crowds are coming to be baptizedin a baptism

We’re transitioning.We’re moving.Since All Saintswe’ve been hearingabout the end of time.It’s getting more urgent nowas we get closer to Christmas.Our gospel text isn’t Jesus talkingabout when all things are made right.Jesus isn’t even in the gospel passage today.We’re getting a hingefrom the apocalypticto the immediate,from when the Son of Man comes in his gloryto the

God’s story of the redemption of creationimpacts the whole of creation.Not only has Jesus come into the cosmosto save the entire cosmosthe cosmos announces his presence.Think about our Christmas and Epiphany narratives:A new star appearsand shepherds hear the angelic choruses.On Good Friday at Jesus’ deaththe earth groans in an earthquake.As Fred Craddock says,“There is no

“My kingdom is not from this world.If my kingdomwere from this world,my followers would be fightingto keep me from being handed over.But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.You say that I am a king…For this I was born,and for this I came into the world,to testify to the truth.”Pilate next asks“What is