This probably isn't the right format, but I wanted to share that I tuned in to the Christians for Kamala call last night. Thank you Diana for your words during that session. I came because you would be there and stayed because of all the great content and speakers that followed. Only made it through 2 hours - plan to listen to the last 2 hours later today.
Naomi Shihab Nye's poem speaks to the tender places in my heart. I've known my share of sorrow, and there were times when kindness felt like an impossible dream. But I've also witnessed its power to heal, to connect, to transform lives. I remember a time when a stranger's simple act of kindness helped me through a dark period. It was like a tiny seed of hope planted in my soul, and it reminded me that even when life feels bleak, there is always the possibility of light and love. Kindness is a gift we can all give, and its impact is immeasurable.
This is exactly what my sermon last Sunday was about. Who could miss the differences between so much current political hate speech AND the attempt to “redesign Christianity” to serve personal desires. I didn’t!!! It was one of my best sermons ever…too bad it was heard by a typical “summer attendance” congregation. This Episcopal Deacon will not quit preaching about our responsibilities to the world beyond our walls!!!
Amazing! My sermon yesterday 'feathered' many of the motifs offered here, even though this week I didn't follow the RCL. I love how the Spirit works with such awesome congruency!
A thought occurred to me, that one reason why many Fundies lean into St. Paul may be that Pauline epistles are very much more filled with "do's and dont's", (women keep quiet, don't wear hats, don't be gay, don't think impure thoughts, don't wear your pearl necklace, and obey your husband, love each others, speak kindly, interpret tongues if someone speaks in tongues, etc). It's specific, and seemingly easy to grasp. ;)
Whereas the gospels (Jesus) tends to present ethical principles that require thought to implement, eg, if you hate someone in your heart it's like you have already murdered them; be a good Samaritan; if a soldier forces you, go one extra mile. Well, in which situations should I go the extra mile? Is it okay to hate Dems in my heart? Is a Samaritan like an immigrant?
The parables of Christ have multiple meanings and implications for Christian ethics. And somehow, some folks often feel less inclined to be thoughtful about their faith, and seem to prefer specific directives. Thus, they avoid the gospels that present ethical principles like compassion, love, kindness. However, they find Paul easier because he's more direct.
That's often true here in South Africa, and I'm often challenged to "just tell us what we should say about a/b/c issues, Rev."
I read this Saturday and found it interesting. I waited til now to respond because I wanted to read what other Cottagers wrote and also have a conversation with adult grand daughter with whom I have had the pleasure of discussion about sermons and Sunday school since she was eight years old. Also , our Rector's sermon on line was helpful --as is usually is -- this morning . So thank you all.
Thank you as always. I didn't read this till late this afternoon, but my sermon this morning, though coming from a different angle, made many of the same points. It's fun to feel as though I'm on the same wave-length as DBB!
I just preached on this today. I was especially struck by your comment that the “do’s” are not works but virtues and the lovely image of the sacred mosaic
"The “do’s” are rooted in a single thing — God’s love — the embracing, renewing, liberating, always forgiving nature of the Holy One." Truly a sermon that can mend divides and awaken hope! Thank you!
Sometimes common Scriptures can be read or heard with boredom, and I’ll admit that is true for me. Today it was as if you picked up a boring looking stone I had just tossed aside. Then you turned it carefully to catch the light. Bright bits of gold sparkled there in the rock I had just given up. Thank you for the fresh look.
Your thoughts are as REMINDERS from Jesus our Lord! Hallelujah!!
Thank you so very much for these words! So very timely...and necessary!
This probably isn't the right format, but I wanted to share that I tuned in to the Christians for Kamala call last night. Thank you Diana for your words during that session. I came because you would be there and stayed because of all the great content and speakers that followed. Only made it through 2 hours - plan to listen to the last 2 hours later today.
Naomi Shihab Nye's poem speaks to the tender places in my heart. I've known my share of sorrow, and there were times when kindness felt like an impossible dream. But I've also witnessed its power to heal, to connect, to transform lives. I remember a time when a stranger's simple act of kindness helped me through a dark period. It was like a tiny seed of hope planted in my soul, and it reminded me that even when life feels bleak, there is always the possibility of light and love. Kindness is a gift we can all give, and its impact is immeasurable.
This is exactly what my sermon last Sunday was about. Who could miss the differences between so much current political hate speech AND the attempt to “redesign Christianity” to serve personal desires. I didn’t!!! It was one of my best sermons ever…too bad it was heard by a typical “summer attendance” congregation. This Episcopal Deacon will not quit preaching about our responsibilities to the world beyond our walls!!!
Rev Vicki Knipp
Episcopal Deacon
Austin
I simply love this! Thank you.
Amazing! My sermon yesterday 'feathered' many of the motifs offered here, even though this week I didn't follow the RCL. I love how the Spirit works with such awesome congruency!
A thought occurred to me, that one reason why many Fundies lean into St. Paul may be that Pauline epistles are very much more filled with "do's and dont's", (women keep quiet, don't wear hats, don't be gay, don't think impure thoughts, don't wear your pearl necklace, and obey your husband, love each others, speak kindly, interpret tongues if someone speaks in tongues, etc). It's specific, and seemingly easy to grasp. ;)
Whereas the gospels (Jesus) tends to present ethical principles that require thought to implement, eg, if you hate someone in your heart it's like you have already murdered them; be a good Samaritan; if a soldier forces you, go one extra mile. Well, in which situations should I go the extra mile? Is it okay to hate Dems in my heart? Is a Samaritan like an immigrant?
The parables of Christ have multiple meanings and implications for Christian ethics. And somehow, some folks often feel less inclined to be thoughtful about their faith, and seem to prefer specific directives. Thus, they avoid the gospels that present ethical principles like compassion, love, kindness. However, they find Paul easier because he's more direct.
That's often true here in South Africa, and I'm often challenged to "just tell us what we should say about a/b/c issues, Rev."
Peace.
I read this Saturday and found it interesting. I waited til now to respond because I wanted to read what other Cottagers wrote and also have a conversation with adult grand daughter with whom I have had the pleasure of discussion about sermons and Sunday school since she was eight years old. Also , our Rector's sermon on line was helpful --as is usually is -- this morning . So thank you all.
Thank you as always. I didn't read this till late this afternoon, but my sermon this morning, though coming from a different angle, made many of the same points. It's fun to feel as though I'm on the same wave-length as DBB!
I just preached on this today. I was especially struck by your comment that the “do’s” are not works but virtues and the lovely image of the sacred mosaic
Thank you for this message.
So good…so good…so healing and so comforting to my ♥️ heart.
Amen and amen!
💯
"The “do’s” are rooted in a single thing — God’s love — the embracing, renewing, liberating, always forgiving nature of the Holy One." Truly a sermon that can mend divides and awaken hope! Thank you!
Sometimes common Scriptures can be read or heard with boredom, and I’ll admit that is true for me. Today it was as if you picked up a boring looking stone I had just tossed aside. Then you turned it carefully to catch the light. Bright bits of gold sparkled there in the rock I had just given up. Thank you for the fresh look.
Lovely comment!