Category: Sermons
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Commemoration of St. Thomas
Readings: Ephesians 4:7, 11-16 | John 20:24-29 Text: John 20:24-29 Who was St. Thomas and why is he remembered? Thomas was one of the apostles. In the lists of the Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), Thomas is paired with Matthew, so perhaps when they were sent out in twos (Matthew 10:5-6), they…
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Fourth Sunday in Advent
~ Rorate Coeli ~ Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 | Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 1:39-56 Text: Philippians 4:4-7 “The Lord is at Hand For You” Intro: It formed the theme for last Sunday, and now here it is again: Rejoice in the Lord always. Today focuses heavily on the reason for rejoicing in all circumstances: The Lord…
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Commemoration of Nicasius and Eutropia, Martyrs
Text: Romans 12:14-21, Luke 6:27-36 Who was Nicasius? Nicasius was a bishop in Rheims, on the frontier of the Roman empire. This area had a Christian presence dating back to 260 AD. In the new year’s eve of 407, a horde of Barbarians crossed the frozen Rhine River. To the Roman inhabitants of Gaul, it…
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Third Sunday in Advent
~ Gaudete ~ Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11 | 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 | Matthew 11:2-11 Text: Isaiah 40:1-8 It’s been said that Isaiah is a reflection of the Bible, Old and New Testaments. The first 39 chapters speak of God’s judgment against His wayward people and the nations of the earth. The 40th chapter begins the proclamation…
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Commemoration of Ambrose of Milan
Readings: Ephesians 3:8-12 | John 10:11-16 Text: Ephesians 3:8-12 Who was Ambrose? What led the Church to remember him? Aurelius Ambrosius was born in 339 to a Roman Christian family in Gaul in modern-day Germany. His father was a praetorian prefect, or high-ranking administrator for the province. Ambrose was set to follow in his father’s…
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Second Sunday of Advent
Readings: Malachi 4:1-6 | Romans 15:4-13 | Luke 21:25-36 Text: Malachi 4:1-6 Every day, we are reminded that the godless enjoy prosperity and ease. They are the ones getting their way in the senate, gaining favor in school and society. The boastful sneer at the Christians and speak evil of them falsely (calling them bigots…
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Growing in Faith
The Feast of St. Andrew Text: John 1:35-42a Who was Andrew? How is he remembered? Andrew was the brother of Peter, first a disciple of John and moved by the words, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Although he was the first to believe, he wasn’t as impetuous as his brother. The two of them were…
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First Sunday in Advent
~ Ad Te Levavi ~ Readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8 | Romans 13:8-14 | Matthew 21:1-9 Text: Matthew 21:1-9 “Your King Comes to You” This is the beginning of Advent, the season leading up to Christmas. This word, Advent, is handed down to us from generations of Christians before us. It means, “to come to” (ad +…
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The Feast of All Saints (observed)
Readings: Revelation 7:2-19 | 1 John 3:1-3 | Matthew 5:1-12 Text: Revelation 7:2-19 Theme: The victory and salvation of the Church of all time belongs to the Lamb, which He has given to you. I. Reading the Book of Revelation is kind of like diving into the Old Testament. It seems to be full of…
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Reformation Sunday
Readings: Revelation 14:6-7 | Romans 3:19-28 | Matthew 11:12-19 Text: Matthew 11:12-19 Theme: The Reformation is about the natural beauty of hearing the Word of Christ in faith. They’re on the side of your head, but they don’t often get much attention (unless something is wrong with them). But on this commemoration of the Reformation,…