Goodness incarnate was crucified. Loving kindness must somehow lead us to a cruciform, self-giving, life that takes upon itself risk for the sake of the other.
\n\n"Love, if it is genuine, vastly exceeds feelings." - Kari Jo Verhulst
","summary":"14th Sunday of Pentecost, 2023. ","date_published":"2023-09-03T11:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/5a1c46f3-080e-4a51-ae84-cff606e36531.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":31635247,"duration_in_seconds":1581}]},{"id":"d0889d53-2a7b-4d49-b9f0-c2eb347ca310","title":"Episode 70: \"Midwifery\"","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/70","content_text":"Erich Fromm, a psychoanalyst, humanistic philosopher, and German Jew who fled the Nazi regime once wrote, “Obedience might very well cause the end of human history.”","content_html":"Erich Fromm, a psychoanalyst, humanistic philosopher, and German Jew who fled the Nazi regime once wrote, “Obedience might very well cause the end of human history.”
","summary":"13th Sunday of Pentecost, 2023. ","date_published":"2023-08-27T11:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/d0889d53-2a7b-4d49-b9f0-c2eb347ca310.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":40245206,"duration_in_seconds":2012}]},{"id":"803c2555-824d-45dd-8ecc-2105731a1392","title":"Episode 69: \"Sink or Swim\"","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/69","content_text":"The sinking of humanity has come, is coming, and will always come by way of fear. Fear is the sinking of our relationships and society, it creates pits and storms (broken modalities of relationship) that we inevitably will sink into. Love and deep attention to our shared humanity will lift us out. ","content_html":"The sinking of humanity has come, is coming, and will always come by way of fear. Fear is the sinking of our relationships and society, it creates pits and storms (broken modalities of relationship) that we inevitably will sink into. Love and deep attention to our shared humanity will lift us out.
","summary":"11th Sunday of Pentecost, 2023. ","date_published":"2023-08-13T11:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/803c2555-824d-45dd-8ecc-2105731a1392.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":44300455,"duration_in_seconds":2214}]},{"id":"93d1be15-e881-4d27-8f0e-7a49656e0988","title":"Episode 68: Trinity Sunday - \"The Unselfish God\"","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/68","content_text":"","content_html":"","summary":"","date_published":"2022-06-12T11:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/93d1be15-e881-4d27-8f0e-7a49656e0988.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":30645376,"duration_in_seconds":1532}]},{"id":"ac621db2-babc-42f9-a923-597c0ed3493b","title":"Episode 67: Pentecost Sunday - \"The Divine Spark\"","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/67","content_text":"","content_html":"","summary":"","date_published":"2022-06-05T11:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/ac621db2-babc-42f9-a923-597c0ed3493b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":29178016,"duration_in_seconds":1458}]},{"id":"96c86f5a-287f-40c7-9aea-5fe702f47d30","title":"Episode 66: 7th Sunday of Easter - \"God of Mutuality\"","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/66","content_text":"","content_html":"","summary":"","date_published":"2022-05-29T11:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/96c86f5a-287f-40c7-9aea-5fe702f47d30.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":33545056,"duration_in_seconds":1677}]},{"id":"a28e4856-81da-47f8-ba52-1845c3808f7c","title":"Episode 65: 6th Sunday of Easter - \"Attuned To God\"","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/65","content_text":"","content_html":"","summary":"","date_published":"2022-05-22T11:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/a28e4856-81da-47f8-ba52-1845c3808f7c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":33335296,"duration_in_seconds":1666}]},{"id":"40a7b15b-2aa8-4efc-a059-c9c5a018b89e","title":"Episode 64: 5th Sunday of Easter - \"A Detached Love\"","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/64","content_text":"“Where I am going you can not come...Love one another”\n“When Christ said to his disciples, ‘Love one another,’ he was not prescribing attachment for them… he commanded them to transform these bonds into friendship.” - Simone Weil","content_html":"“Where I am going you can not come...Love one another”
\n“When Christ said to his disciples, ‘Love one another,’ he was not prescribing attachment for them… he commanded them to transform these bonds into friendship.” - Simone Weil
The Sacred Commons Church Lenten Readings.
","summary":"Lenten Reflections. \"It is a gift to be simple, it is a gift to be free; it is a gift to come down where we ought to be.”","date_published":"2021-03-18T06:45:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/e2e6dac6-d1f9-4815-8a2f-db0edca5941c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":6580388,"duration_in_seconds":411}]},{"id":"3a591c6b-200c-4f94-936f-31902a63d51a","title":"Episode 55: Travel Lightly","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/55","content_text":"The Sacred Commons Church Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"The Sacred Commons Church Lenten Readings.
","summary":"Lenten Reflections. \"He said to him, \"Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up\"","date_published":"2021-03-17T06:45:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/3a591c6b-200c-4f94-936f-31902a63d51a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":7596617,"duration_in_seconds":474}]},{"id":"15fb2155-1a52-498e-96e0-75f6fc732f02","title":"Episode 54: The Muddiness of God ","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/54","content_text":"The Sacred Commons Church Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"The Sacred Commons Church Lenten Readings.
","summary":"Lenten Reflections. \"When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes\"","date_published":"2021-03-16T06:45:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/15fb2155-1a52-498e-96e0-75f6fc732f02.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":7847234,"duration_in_seconds":490}]},{"id":"f7ad390e-8401-4d93-a42b-b8ade20be5be","title":"Episode 53: Importance Of The Last Moment","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/53","content_text":"The Sacred Commons Church Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"The Sacred Commons Church Lenten Readings.
","summary":"\"Hasten to apply a remedy in time; resolve to give yourself sincerely to God, and begin from this moment a life which, at the hour of death, will be to you a source, not of affliction, but of consolation.\"","date_published":"2021-03-05T07:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/f7ad390e-8401-4d93-a42b-b8ade20be5be.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":7706288,"duration_in_seconds":481}]},{"id":"8d7f15e8-18e4-42f0-a534-8ab88e5cef5d","title":"Episode 52: The Just Die In A Sweet Peace","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/52","content_text":"St. Alphonsus Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"St. Alphonsus Lenten Readings.
","summary":"St Teresa desired death so vehemently that she regarded the continuation of life as death: hence she composed the celebrated hymn, I die because I do not die. Such is death to the saints. - St. Alphonsus","date_published":"2021-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/8d7f15e8-18e4-42f0-a534-8ab88e5cef5d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":4374458,"duration_in_seconds":273}]},{"id":"fddfde4d-f90b-438d-a699-caca8a0741b5","title":"Episode 51: The Entrance To Life","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/51","content_text":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings.
","summary":"“To the just, death is only a passage to eternal life.” - St Anthanasius ","date_published":"2021-02-25T14:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/fddfde4d-f90b-438d-a699-caca8a0741b5.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":4952003,"duration_in_seconds":309}]},{"id":"b416d068-927b-4eeb-9c87-49f0575447fd","title":"Episode 50: We Must Detach Ourselves","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/50","content_text":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings.
","summary":"St. Alphonsus - We Must Detach Ourselves From The World. \"When all worldly affairs are already adjusted, the soul may be entirely occupied in uniting itself to God. At that hour, we should think and speak only of God and of Paradise.\"","date_published":"2021-02-23T19:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/b416d068-927b-4eeb-9c87-49f0575447fd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":11026025,"duration_in_seconds":689}]},{"id":"22dc79a3-9591-4a65-9d4f-8601ed76d8a0","title":"Episode 49: The Vanity Of The World","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/49","content_text":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings.
","summary":"St. Alphonsus - The Vanity Of The World. \"Seek only the goods which cannot be taken by shipwreck.”","date_published":"2021-02-22T06:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/22dc79a3-9591-4a65-9d4f-8601ed76d8a0.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":9823814,"duration_in_seconds":613}]},{"id":"cbf431f7-c40a-45ca-b3ab-d84671a93803","title":"Episode 48: The Death Of The Just","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/48","content_text":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings.
","summary":"St. Alphonsus - The Death Of The Just. \"To sinners it (death) appears full of terror; but to the saints it is amiable and precious. “It is precious,” says St Bernard, “as the end of labours, the consummation of victory, the gate of life.”","date_published":"2021-02-19T06:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/cbf431f7-c40a-45ca-b3ab-d84671a93803.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":10513949,"duration_in_seconds":657}]},{"id":"a92b3533-ae9b-4d4c-b54a-47537d957ef8","title":"Episode 47: St. Alphonsus - Sad State Of The Worldling At Death","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/47","content_text":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings. ","content_html":"Sacred Commons Lenten Readings.
","summary":"Consideration VII - Sentiments of a dying Christian, who has been careless about the duties of religion and has thought but little of death. ","date_published":"2021-02-17T06:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/a92b3533-ae9b-4d4c-b54a-47537d957ef8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":9699965,"duration_in_seconds":606}]},{"id":"126ab71f-efc5-4ddc-81b2-509b51411fd1","title":"Episode 46: St. Alphonsus - Let Us Labor To Save Our Souls","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/46","content_text":"The Lenten readings of the Sacred Commons. ","content_html":"The Lenten readings of the Sacred Commons.
","summary":"Consideration 1 - Portrait of a man who has recently gone into the other world","date_published":"2021-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/126ab71f-efc5-4ddc-81b2-509b51411fd1.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":5856893,"duration_in_seconds":366}]},{"id":"c68e2dc6-ab41-447f-b0ac-40f3026a5ed7","title":"Episode 45: Why talk about death? St. Alphonsus - The Body In The Grave","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/45","content_text":"The Lenten readings of the Sacred Commons. ","content_html":"The Lenten readings of the Sacred Commons.
","summary":"Consideration 1 - Portrait of a man who has recently gone into the other world","date_published":"2021-02-15T13:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/c68e2dc6-ab41-447f-b0ac-40f3026a5ed7.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":8956871,"duration_in_seconds":559}]},{"id":"273c6eea-8322-4802-b1ab-9047b0ce41a7","title":"St. Alphonsus - Affections and Prayers","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/44","content_text":"Lenten readings. ","content_html":"Lenten readings.
","summary":"Consideration 1 - Portrait of a man who has recently gone into the other world","date_published":"2021-02-12T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/273c6eea-8322-4802-b1ab-9047b0ce41a7.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":6653827,"duration_in_seconds":415}]},{"id":"52947cf7-19f1-411f-8a2b-b970b3ed7290","title":"St. Alphonsus - Preperation for Death","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/43","content_text":"Lenten readings ","content_html":"Lenten readings
","summary":"Consideration 1 - Portrait of a man who has recently gone into the other world","date_published":"2021-02-11T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/52947cf7-19f1-411f-8a2b-b970b3ed7290.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":11388032,"duration_in_seconds":568}]},{"id":"1855a3d5-23f5-400a-9116-4d237e01a692","title":"Sermon - \"The Come Down\" (February 22, 2020)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/thecomedown","content_text":"Exodus 24:12-18\nPsalm 2\n2 Peter 1:16-21\nMatthew 17:1-9","content_html":"Exodus 24:12-18
\nPsalm 2
\n2 Peter 1:16-21
\nMatthew 17:1-9
Matt 5:13-20
\n\nJesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
\n\n“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
\n\n“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
\n\nIsaiah 58:6-12
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: a lectionary musing on being salt & light and a visible community.","date_published":"2020-02-10T12:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/020cff7b-f494-45d6-9cec-eb26f4cd27c4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":30492236,"duration_in_seconds":1524}]},{"id":"e762f26d-83db-48e3-907b-3eae977e2b43","title":"Sermon - \"The Visible Community\" (February 8, 2020)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/thevisiblecommunity","content_text":"Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]\n1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]\nMatthew 5:13-20\nPsalm 112:1-9, (10)**\n","content_html":"Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]\n1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]\nMatthew 5:13-20\nPsalm 112:1-9, (10)**\nMatt 5:1-12
\n\nWhen Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
\n\n“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
\n\n“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
\n\n“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
\n\n“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
\n\n“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
\n\n“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
\n\n“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
\n\n“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
\n\n“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: a lectionary musing on the beatitudes.","date_published":"2020-02-05T16:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/b34e36a5-6fb4-4070-adb8-dedcb0593efa.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":47471852,"duration_in_seconds":2373}]},{"id":"58d25d22-a6ff-4173-b457-b56f475d195c","title":"Sermon - \"Will Christians Become Disciples\" (January 18, 2020)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/willchristiansbecomedisciples","content_text":"Isaiah 49:1-7\n1 Corinthians 1:1-9\nJohn 1:29-42\nPsalm 40:1-12\n","content_html":"Isaiah 49:1-7\n1 Corinthians 1:1-9\nJohn 1:29-42\nPsalm 40:1-12\nLuke 2:41-52
\n\nThe parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
\n\nAnd Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
","summary":"Second Sunday after Christmas","date_published":"2020-01-04T12:30:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/852f50a6-a610-4455-9893-04e52a1bfc14.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":29630936,"duration_in_seconds":1481}]},{"id":"1f89d63a-a51d-41a9-b4c3-c77d17c32787","title":"Sermon - \"Dear Silas\" (November 9, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/dearsilas","content_text":"Haggai 1:15b-2:9\nPsalm 98\n2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17\nLuke 20:27-38\n\n\"Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, \"Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.\"\n\nJesus said to them, \"Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.\"","content_html":"Haggai 1:15b-2:9
\nPsalm 98
\n2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
\nLuke 20:27-38
"Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her."
\n\nJesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."
","summary":"Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost ","date_published":"2019-11-09T16:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/1f89d63a-a51d-41a9-b4c3-c77d17c32787.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":31596226,"duration_in_seconds":1316}]},{"id":"ab09ba1d-21b2-43d0-b678-8e76d75536d0","title":"Sermon - \"Which Jesus\" (August 17, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/whichjesus","content_text":"Luke 12:49-56\n\nJesus said, \"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:\n\nfather against son\nand son against father,\n\nmother against daughter\nand daughter against mother,\n\nmother-in-law against her daughter-in-law\nand daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.\"\n\nHe also said to the crowds, \"When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say,There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?\"\n\nHebrews 11:29-12:2\nJeremiah 23:23-29\nPsalm 82","content_html":"Luke 12:49-56
\n\nJesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:
\n\nfather against son
\nand son against father,
mother against daughter
\nand daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
\nand daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say,There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
\nJeremiah 23:23-29
\nPsalm 82
Luke 11:1-13
\n\nJesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:
\n\nFather, hallowed be your name.
\nYour kingdom come.
\nGive us each day our daily bread.
\nAnd forgive us our sins,
\nfor we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
\nAnd do not bring us to the time of trial."
And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within,Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
\n\nGenesis 18:20-32
\nPsalm 138
\nColossians 2:6-15, (16-19)
Luke 10:38-42
\n\nAs Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
\n\nGenesis 18:1-10a
\nPsalm 15
\nColossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:25-37
\n\nJust then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."
\n\nBut wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, `Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
\n\nDeuteronomy 30:9-14
\nPsalm 25:1-9
\nColossians 1:1-14
** Luke 10:1-11, 16-20**
\n\nThe Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them,The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.'
"Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
\n\nThe seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
\n\n2 Kings 5:1-14
\nPsalm 30
\nGalatians 6:(1-6)7-16
Luke 9:51-62
\n\nWhen the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.
\n\nAs they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
\n\n2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
\nPsalm 77:1-2, 11-20
\nGalatians 5:1,13-25
Acts 2:1-21
\n\nWhen the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
\n\nNow there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."
\n\nBut Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
\n\n`In the last days it will be, God declares,
\n\nthat I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
\nand your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
\nand your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
\nin those days I will pour out my Spirit;
\nand they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
\nand signs on the earth below,
\nblood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
\nand the moon to blood,
\nbefore the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "
\n\nGenesis 11:1-9
\nPsalm 104:25-35, 37
\nJohn 14:8-17 (25-27)
Acts 16:16-34
\n\nAbout midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.
\n\nRevelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21
\nJohn 17:20-26
\nPsalm 97
Acts 16:9-15
\n\nDuring the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
\n\nWe set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us.
\n\nRevelation 21:10, 22-22:5
\nJohn 14:23-29
\nor John 5:1-9
\nPsalm 67
Acts 11:10-18
\n\nNow the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' But I replied,By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' But a second time the voice answered from heaven, What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying,Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, `John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."
Rev 21:1-6
\nJohn 13:31-35
\nPsalm 148
Acts 9:36-43
\n\nNow in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
\n\nThe Response
\nPsalm 23
Dominus regit me
\n\n1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
\nI shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
\nand leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
\nand guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *
\nfor you are with me;
\nyour rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
\nyou have anointed my head with oil,
\nand my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
\nand I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
The Epistle
\nRevelation 7:9-17
I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
\n\n“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
\n\nAnd all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,
\n\n“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
\n\nand thanksgiving and honor
\n\nand power and might
\n\nbe to our God forever and ever!
\nAmen.”
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
\n\nFor this reason they are before the throne of God,
\nand worship him day and night within his temple,
\nand the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
\nthe sun will not strike them,
\nnor any scorching heat;
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
\nand he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
\n\nThe Gospel
\nJohn 10:22-30
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
","summary":"Fourth Saturday of Easter","date_published":"2019-05-11T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/745d7fa4-4823-4336-afdd-50b854c6a02b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":22249163,"duration_in_seconds":1390}]},{"id":"bd941c3b-b68a-4287-a4bf-7d0d8d3e185c","title":"Sermon - \"Healed By Blindness\" (May 4, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/healedbyblindness","content_text":"Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)\n\nSaul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, \"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?\" He asked, \"Who are you, Lord?\" The reply came, \"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.\" [The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.\n\nNow there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, \"Ananias.\" He answered, \"Here I am, Lord.\" The Lord said to him, \"Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.\" But Ananias answered, \"Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.\" But the Lord said to him, \"Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.\" So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, \"Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.\" And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.\n\nFor several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, \"He is the Son of God.\"]\n\nThe Response\nPsalm 30\n\nExaltabo te, Domine\n\n1 I will exalt you, O Lord,\nbecause you have lifted me up *\nand have not let my enemies triumph over me.\n2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *\nand you restored me to health.\n3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *\nyou restored my life as I was going down to the grave.\n4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *\ngive thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.\n5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *\nhis favor for a lifetime.\n6 Weeping may spend the night, *\nbut joy comes in the morning.\n7 While I felt secure, I said,\n\"I shall never be disturbed. *\nYou, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.\"\n8 Then you hid your face, *\nand I was filled with fear.\n9 I cried to you, O Lord; *\nI pleaded with the Lord, saying,\n10 \"What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *\nwill the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?\n11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *\nO Lord, be my helper.\"\n12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *\nyou have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.\n13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *\nO Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.\n\nThe Epistle\nRevelation 5:11-14\n\nI looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,\n\n\"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered\nto receive power and wealth and wisdom and might\nand honor and glory and blessing!\"\nThen I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,\n\n\"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb\nbe blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!\"\nAnd the four living creatures said, \"Amen!\" And the elders fell down and worshiped.\n\nThe Gospel\nJohn 21:1-19\n\nJesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, \"I am going fishing.\" They said to him, \"We will go with you.\" They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.\n\nJust after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, \"Children, you have no fish, have you?\" They answered him, \"No.\" He said to them, \"Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.\" So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, \"It is the Lord!\" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.\n\nWhen they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, \"Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.\" So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, \"Come and have breakfast.\" Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, \"Who are you?\" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.\n\nWhen they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, \"Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?\" He said to him, \"Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.\" Jesus said to him, \"Feed my lambs.\" A second time he said to him, \"Simon son of John, do you love me?\" He said to him, \"Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.\" Jesus said to him, \"Tend my sheep.\" He said to him the third time, \"Simon son of John, do you love me?\" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, \"Do you love me?\" And he said to him, \"Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.\" Jesus said to him, \"Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.\" (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, \"Follow me.\"","content_html":"Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
\n\nSaul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." [The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
\n\nNow there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
\n\nFor several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."]
\n\nThe Response
\nPsalm 30
Exaltabo te, Domine
\n\n1 I will exalt you, O Lord,
\nbecause you have lifted me up *
\nand have not let my enemies triumph over me.
\n2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *
\nand you restored me to health.
\n3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *
\nyou restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
\n4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *
\ngive thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
\n5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
\nhis favor for a lifetime.
\n6 Weeping may spend the night, *
\nbut joy comes in the morning.
\n7 While I felt secure, I said,
\n"I shall never be disturbed. *
\nYou, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains."
\n8 Then you hid your face, *
\nand I was filled with fear.
\n9 I cried to you, O Lord; *
\nI pleaded with the Lord, saying,
\n10 "What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *
\nwill the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
\n11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *
\nO Lord, be my helper."
\n12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
\nyou have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
\n13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
\nO Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
The Epistle
\nRevelation 5:11-14
I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,
\n\n"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
\nto receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
\nand honor and glory and blessing!"
\nThen I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
\nbe blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
\nAnd the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Gospel
\nJohn 21:1-19
Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
\n\nJust after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
\n\nWhen they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
\n\nWhen they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."
","summary":"Third Saturday of Easter","date_published":"2019-05-04T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/bd941c3b-b68a-4287-a4bf-7d0d8d3e185c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":19863506,"duration_in_seconds":1241}]},{"id":"76081887-13fa-4c40-a66d-f4e261cc8a6d","title":"Sermon - \"Neo-Evangelical\" (April 27, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/neoevangelical","content_text":"Acts 5:27-32\n\nWhen the temple police had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, \"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us.\" But Peter and the apostles answered, \"We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.\"\n\nThe Response\nPsalm 118:14-29\n\nConfitemini Domino\n\n14 The Lord is my strength and my song, *\nand he has become my salvation.\n15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *\nin the tents of the righteous:\n16 \"The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *\nthe right hand of the Lord is exalted!\nthe right hand of the Lord has triumphed!\"\n17 I shall not die, but live, *\nand declare the works of the Lord.\n18 The Lord has punished me sorely, *\nbut he did not hand me over to death.\n19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *\nI will enter them;\nI will offer thanks to the Lord.\n20 \"This is the gate of the Lord; *\nhe who is righteous may enter.\"\n21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *\nand have become my salvation.\n22 The same stone which the builders rejected *\nhas become the chief cornerstone.\n23 This is the Lord'S doing, *\nand it is marvelous in our eyes.\n24 On this day the Lord has acted; *\nwe will rejoice and be glad in it.\n25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *\nLord, send us now success.\n26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *\nwe bless you from the house of the Lord.\n27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *\nform a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.\n28 \"You are my God, and I will thank you; *\nyou are my God, and I will exalt you.\"\n29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *\nhis mercy endures for ever.\nor\n**\nPsalm 150**\n\nLaudate Dominum\n\n1 Hallelujah!\nPraise God in his holy temple; *\npraise him in the firmament of his power.\n2 Praise him for his mighty acts; *\npraise him for his excellent greatness.\n3 Praise him with the blast of the ram's-horn; *\npraise him with lyre and harp.\n4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; *\npraise him with strings and pipe.\n5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; *\npraise him with loud-clanging cymbals.\n6 Let everything that has breath *\npraise the Lord. Hallelujah!\n**\nThe New Testament\nRevelation 1:4-8**\n\nJohn to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.\n\nTo him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.\n\nLook! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. \"I am the Alpha and the Omega,\" says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.\n\nThe Gospel\nJohn 20:19-31\n\nWhen it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, \"Peace be with you.\" After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, \"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.\" When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, \"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.\"\n\nBut Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, \"We have seen the Lord.\" But he said to them, \"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.\"\n\nA week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, \"Peace be with you.\" Then he said to Thomas, \"Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.\" Thomas answered him, \"My Lord and my God!\" Jesus said to him, \"Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.\"\n\nNow Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.","content_html":"Acts 5:27-32
\n\nWhen the temple police had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."
\n\nThe Response
\nPsalm 118:14-29
Confitemini Domino
\n\n14 The Lord is my strength and my song, *
\nand he has become my salvation.
\n15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *
\nin the tents of the righteous:
\n16 "The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
\nthe right hand of the Lord is exalted!
\nthe right hand of the Lord has triumphed!"
\n17 I shall not die, but live, *
\nand declare the works of the Lord.
\n18 The Lord has punished me sorely, *
\nbut he did not hand me over to death.
\n19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
\nI will enter them;
\nI will offer thanks to the Lord.
\n20 "This is the gate of the Lord; *
\nhe who is righteous may enter."
\n21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
\nand have become my salvation.
\n22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
\nhas become the chief cornerstone.
\n23 This is the Lord'S doing, *
\nand it is marvelous in our eyes.
\n24 On this day the Lord has acted; *
\nwe will rejoice and be glad in it.
\n25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *
\nLord, send us now success.
\n26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
\nwe bless you from the house of the Lord.
\n27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *
\nform a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.
\n28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; *
\nyou are my God, and I will exalt you."
\n29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
\nhis mercy endures for ever.
\nor
\n**
\nPsalm 150**
Laudate Dominum
\n\n1 Hallelujah!
\nPraise God in his holy temple; *
\npraise him in the firmament of his power.
\n2 Praise him for his mighty acts; *
\npraise him for his excellent greatness.
\n3 Praise him with the blast of the ram's-horn; *
\npraise him with lyre and harp.
\n4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; *
\npraise him with strings and pipe.
\n5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; *
\npraise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
\n6 Let everything that has breath *
\npraise the Lord. Hallelujah!
\n**
\nThe New Testament
\nRevelation 1:4-8**
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
\n\nTo him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
\n\nLook! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
\n\nThe Gospel
\nJohn 20:19-31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
\n\nBut Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
\n\nA week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
\n\nNow Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
","summary":"Second Saturday of Easter","date_published":"2019-04-27T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/76081887-13fa-4c40-a66d-f4e261cc8a6d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":28896143,"duration_in_seconds":1806}]},{"id":"aba5e03f-e966-4445-991b-0ea7ac58e16f","title":"Sermon - \"Until Kingdom Comes\" (April 13, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/untilkingdomcomes","content_text":"Luke 22:14-23:56\n\nWhen the hour for the Passover meal came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, \"I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.\" Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, \"Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.\" Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, \"This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.\" And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, \"This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!\" Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.\n\nA dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, \"The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.\n\n\"You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.\n\n\"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.\" And he said to him, \"Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!\" Jesus said, \"I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.\"\n\nHe said to them, \"When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?\" They said, \"No, not a thing.\" He said to them, \"But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, `And he was counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.\" They said, \"Lord, look, here are two swords.\" He replied, \"It is enough.\"","content_html":"Luke 22:14-23:56
\n\nWhen the hour for the Passover meal came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
\n\nA dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
\n\n"You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
\n\n"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me."
\n\nHe said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, `And he was counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." He replied, "It is enough."
","summary":"Palm Sunday","date_published":"2019-04-13T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/aba5e03f-e966-4445-991b-0ea7ac58e16f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":18788992,"duration_in_seconds":1174}]},{"id":"518a65e5-963a-4cfd-aba7-3b278ed98799","title":"Sermon - Love Has Its Reasons","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/lovehasitsreasons","content_text":"Old Testament\nIsaiah 43:16-21\n\nThus says the Lord,\nwho makes a way in the sea,\na path in the mighty waters,\nwho brings out chariot and horse,\narmy and warrior;\nthey lie down, they cannot rise,\nthey are extinguished, quenched like a wick:\nDo not remember the former things,\nor consider the things of old.\nI am about to do a new thing;\nnow it springs forth, do you not perceive it?\nI will make a way in the wilderness\nand rivers in the desert.\nThe wild animals will honour me,\nthe jackals and the ostriches;\nfor I give water in the wilderness,\nrivers in the desert,\nto give drink to my chosen people,\nthe people whom I formed for myself\nso that they might declare my praise.\nThe Response\nPsalm 126\n\nIn convertendo\n\n1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *\nthen were we like those who dream.\n2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *\nand our tongue with shouts of joy.\n3 Then they said among the nations, *\n\"The Lord has done great things for them.\"\n4 The Lord has done great things for us, *\nand we are glad indeed.\n5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *\nlike the watercourses of the Negev.\n6 Those who sowed with tears *\nwill reap with songs of joy.\n7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *\nwill come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.\n\nThe Epistle\nPhilippians 3:4b-14\n\nIf anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.\n\nYet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.\n\nNot that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.\n\nThe Gospel\nJohn 12:1-8\n\nSix days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, \"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?\" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, \"Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.\"","content_html":"Old Testament
\nIsaiah 43:16-21
Thus says the Lord,
\nwho makes a way in the sea,
\na path in the mighty waters,
\nwho brings out chariot and horse,
\narmy and warrior;
\nthey lie down, they cannot rise,
\nthey are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
\nDo not remember the former things,
\nor consider the things of old.
\nI am about to do a new thing;
\nnow it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
\nI will make a way in the wilderness
\nand rivers in the desert.
\nThe wild animals will honour me,
\nthe jackals and the ostriches;
\nfor I give water in the wilderness,
\nrivers in the desert,
\nto give drink to my chosen people,
\nthe people whom I formed for myself
\nso that they might declare my praise.
\nThe Response
\nPsalm 126
In convertendo
\n\n1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
\nthen were we like those who dream.
\n2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
\nand our tongue with shouts of joy.
\n3 Then they said among the nations, *
\n"The Lord has done great things for them."
\n4 The Lord has done great things for us, *
\nand we are glad indeed.
\n5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *
\nlike the watercourses of the Negev.
\n6 Those who sowed with tears *
\nwill reap with songs of joy.
\n7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
\nwill come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
The Epistle
\nPhilippians 3:4b-14
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
\n\nYet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
\n\nNot that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
\n\nThe Gospel
\nJohn 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
","summary":"5th Sunday in Lent","date_published":"2019-04-06T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/518a65e5-963a-4cfd-aba7-3b278ed98799.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":22711616,"duration_in_seconds":1419}]},{"id":"6696605c-28e5-4a7a-aad9-14a17fda55ae","title":"Lectionary Musings - Foxes & Hens","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/foxes-and-hens","content_text":"Luke 13:31-35\n\nSome Pharisees came and said to Jesus, \"Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.\" He said to them, \"Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'\"","content_html":"Luke 13:31-35
\n\nSome Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: a lenten lectionary musing on prophetic witness, lament, and hope. ","date_published":"2019-03-22T11:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/6696605c-28e5-4a7a-aad9-14a17fda55ae.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":13657295,"duration_in_seconds":853}]},{"id":"9bbb3ff6-9338-4fcf-84c6-af1ab810bccd","title":"Lectionary Musings - The Devil Made Me Do It","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/devil-made-me-do-it","content_text":"Luke 4:1-13\n\nAfter his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, \"If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.\" Jesus answered him, \"It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'\"\n\nThen the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, \"To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.\" Jesus answered him, \"It is written,\n\n'Worship the Lord your God,\nand serve only him.'\"\nThen the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, \"If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,\n\n'He will command his angels concerning you,\nto protect you,'\nand\n\n'On their hands they will bear you up,\nso that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'\"\nJesus answered him, \"It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'\" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.","content_html":"Luke 4:1-13
\n\nAfter his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"
\n\nThen the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written,
\n\n'Worship the Lord your God,
\nand serve only him.'"
\nThen the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
'He will command his angels concerning you,
\nto protect you,'
\nand
'On their hands they will bear you up,
\nso that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
\nJesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
\n\nWhen you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, "Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us." When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: "A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me." You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.
\n\nPsalm 91:1-2, 9-16
\n\nQui habitat
\n\n1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, *
\nabides under the shadow of the Almighty.
\n2 He shall say to the Lord,
\n"You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
\nmy God in whom I put my trust."
\n9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, *
\nand the Most High your habitation,
\n10 There shall no evil happen to you, *
\nneither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
\n11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
\nto keep you in all your ways.
\n12 They shall bear you in their hands, *
\nlest you dash your foot against a stone.
\n13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; *
\nyou shall trample the young lion and the serpent under your feet.
\n14 Because he is bound to me in love,
\ntherefore will I deliver him; *
\nI will protect him, because he knows my Name.
\n15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; *
\nI am with him in trouble;
\nI will rescue him and bring him to honor.
\n16 With long life will I satisfy him, *
\nand show him my salvation.
The Epistle
\nRomans 10:8b-13
"The word is near you,
\non your lips and in your heart"
\n(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
The Gospel
\nLuke 4:1-13
After his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"
\n\nThen the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written,
\n\n'Worship the Lord your God,
\nand serve only him.'"
\nThen the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
'He will command his angels concerning you,
\nto protect you,'
\nand
'On their hands they will bear you up,
\nso that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
\nJesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Jesus is what God has to say.
\n\n*Luke 9:28-36 *
\n\nJesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: a lectionary musing on the Bible, its misuse, and how Jesus is what God has to say. ","date_published":"2019-03-07T11:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/35cd3e11-72dd-4b0c-86a6-3e8d76d7bcfe.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":32087861,"duration_in_seconds":2005}]},{"id":"18d94808-6bbf-46f2-a7eb-d6e6591e77bb","title":"Sermon - \"Transfiguration\" (Mar 2, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/transfiguration","content_text":"Exodus 34:29-35\n\nMoses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.\n\nPsalm 99\n\nDominus regnavit\n\n1 The Lord is King;\nlet the people tremble; *\nhe is enthroned upon the cherubim;\nlet the earth shake.\n2 The Lord is great in Zion; *\nhe is high above all peoples.\n3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *\nhe is the Holy One.\n4 \"O mighty King, lover of justice,\nyou have established equity; *\nyou have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.\"\n5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God\nand fall down before his footstool; *\nhe is the Holy One.\n6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,\nand Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *\nthey called upon the Lord, and he answered them.\n7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *\nthey kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.\n8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *\nyou were a God who forgave them,\nyet punished them for their evil deeds.\n9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God\nand worship him upon his holy hill; *\nfor the Lord our God is the Holy One.\n\n2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2\n\nSince, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.\n\nTherefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.\n\nThe Gospel\nLuke 9:28-36, [37-43a]\n\nJesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, \"Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah\"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, \"This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!\" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.\n\nOn the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, \"Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.\" Jesus answered, \"You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.\" While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.Special Guest: Eric Ash.","content_html":"Exodus 34:29-35
\n\nMoses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
\n\nPsalm 99
\n\nDominus regnavit
\n\n1 The Lord is King;
\nlet the people tremble; *
\nhe is enthroned upon the cherubim;
\nlet the earth shake.
\n2 The Lord is great in Zion; *
\nhe is high above all peoples.
\n3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *
\nhe is the Holy One.
\n4 "O mighty King, lover of justice,
\nyou have established equity; *
\nyou have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."
\n5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
\nand fall down before his footstool; *
\nhe is the Holy One.
\n6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
\nand Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *
\nthey called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
\n7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
\nthey kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
\n8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *
\nyou were a God who forgave them,
\nyet punished them for their evil deeds.
\n9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
\nand worship him upon his holy hill; *
\nfor the Lord our God is the Holy One.
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
\n\nSince, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
\n\nTherefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
\n\nThe Gospel
\nLuke 9:28-36, [37-43a]
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
\n\nOn the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.
Special Guest: Eric Ash.
","summary":"Last Saturday after Epiphany (Transfiguration)","date_published":"2019-03-02T16:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/18d94808-6bbf-46f2-a7eb-d6e6591e77bb.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":15781076,"duration_in_seconds":986}]},{"id":"31e35c9c-8696-49a4-a5d5-bbce764f531d","title":"Lectionary Musings - Hey Haters","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/hey-haters","content_text":"Luke 6:27-38\n\nJesus said, \"I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.\n\n\"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.\n\n\"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.\"","content_html":"Luke 6:27-38
\n\nJesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
\n\n"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
\n\n"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: a lectionary musing on cultivating enemies - rightly. ","date_published":"2019-03-01T10:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/31e35c9c-8696-49a4-a5d5-bbce764f531d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":24844154,"duration_in_seconds":1552}]},{"id":"68887479-2611-48d0-8e51-bb8cc53c2a63","title":"Sermon - \"Wait For It\" (Feb 23, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/wait-for-it","content_text":"Genesis 45:3-11, 15\n\nJoseph said to his brothers, \"I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?\" But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.\n\nThen Joseph said to his brothers, \"Come closer to me.\" And they came closer. He said, \"I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there--since there are five more years of famine to come--so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.'\"\n\nAnd he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.\n\nPsalm 37:1-12, 41-42\n\nNoli aemulari\n\n1 Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; *\ndo not be jealous of those who do wrong.\n2 For they shall soon wither like the grass, *\nand like the green grass fade away.\n3 Put your trust in the Lord and do good; *\ndwell in the land and feed on its riches.\n4 Take delight in the Lord, *\nand he shall give you your heart's desire.\n5 Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, *\nand he will bring it to pass.\n6 He will make your righteousness as clear as the light *\nand your just dealing as the noonday.\n7 Be still before the Lord *\nand wait patiently for him.\n8 Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, *\nthe one who succeeds in evil schemes.\n9 Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; *\ndo not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.\n10 For evildoers shall be cut off, *\nbut those who wait upon the Lord shall possess the land.\n11 In a little while the wicked shall be no more; *\nyou shall search out their place, but they will not be there.\n12 But the lowly shall possess the land; *\nthey will delight in abundance of peace.\n41 But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the Lord; *\nhe is their stronghold in time of trouble.\n42 The Lord will help them and rescue them; *\nhe will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them,\nbecause they seek refuge in him.\n\n1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50\n\nSomeone will ask, \"How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?\" Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body.\n\nSo it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, \"The first man, Adam, became a living being\"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.\n\nWhat I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.\n\nThe Gospel\nLuke 6:27-38\n\nJesus said, \"I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.\n\n\"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.\n\n\"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.\"","content_html":"Genesis 45:3-11, 15
\n\nJoseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.
\n\nThen Joseph said to his brothers, "Come closer to me." And they came closer. He said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there--since there are five more years of famine to come--so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.'"
\n\nAnd he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.
\n\nPsalm 37:1-12, 41-42
\n\nNoli aemulari
\n\n1 Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; *
\ndo not be jealous of those who do wrong.
\n2 For they shall soon wither like the grass, *
\nand like the green grass fade away.
\n3 Put your trust in the Lord and do good; *
\ndwell in the land and feed on its riches.
\n4 Take delight in the Lord, *
\nand he shall give you your heart's desire.
\n5 Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, *
\nand he will bring it to pass.
\n6 He will make your righteousness as clear as the light *
\nand your just dealing as the noonday.
\n7 Be still before the Lord *
\nand wait patiently for him.
\n8 Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, *
\nthe one who succeeds in evil schemes.
\n9 Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; *
\ndo not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
\n10 For evildoers shall be cut off, *
\nbut those who wait upon the Lord shall possess the land.
\n11 In a little while the wicked shall be no more; *
\nyou shall search out their place, but they will not be there.
\n12 But the lowly shall possess the land; *
\nthey will delight in abundance of peace.
\n41 But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the Lord; *
\nhe is their stronghold in time of trouble.
\n42 The Lord will help them and rescue them; *
\nhe will rescue them from the wicked and deliver them,
\nbecause they seek refuge in him.
1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50
\n\nSomeone will ask, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?" Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body.
\n\nSo it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.
\n\nWhat I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
\n\nThe Gospel
\nLuke 6:27-38
Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
\n\n"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
\n\n"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
","summary":"Seventh Saturday after the Epiphany ","date_published":"2019-02-23T16:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/68887479-2611-48d0-8e51-bb8cc53c2a63.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":25676069,"duration_in_seconds":1604}]},{"id":"8e0c0348-a0a7-48cb-8146-aff0bbca2268","title":"Lectionary Musings - Beyond Thoughts & Prayers","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/beyond-thoughts-and-prayers","content_text":"Jeremiah 17:5-10\n\nThus says the Lord:\nCursed are those who trust in mere mortals\nand make mere flesh their strength...\nBlessed are those who trust in the Lord,\nwhose trust is the Lord.\nThey shall be like a tree planted by water...\n\nI the Lord test the mind\nand search the heart,\nto give to all according to their ways,\naccording to the fruit of their doings.\n\nPsalm 1\n\n1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, \nnor lingered in the way of sinners,\nnor sat in the seats of the scornful!\n2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, \nand they meditate on his law day and night._\n3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit\n\n1 Corinthians 15:12-20\n\nNow if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ--whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.\n\nBut in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.\n\nLuke 6:17-26\n\nJesus came down with the twelve apostles and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.\n\nThen he looked up at his disciples and said:\n\n“Blessed are you who are poor,\nfor yours is the kingdom of God.\n“Blessed are you who are hungry now, \nfor you will be filled.\n“Blessed are you who weep now, \nfor you will laugh.\n“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.\"\n\"But woe to you who are rich,\nfor you have received your consolation.\n\"Woe to you who are full now,\nfor you will be hungry.\n\"Woe to you who are laughing now,\nfor you will mourn and weep.\n\"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.\"","content_html":"Jeremiah 17:5-10
\n\nThus says the Lord:
\nCursed are those who trust in mere mortals
\nand make mere flesh their strength...
\nBlessed are those who trust in the Lord,
\nwhose trust is the Lord.
\nThey shall be like a tree planted by water...
I the Lord test the mind
\nand search the heart,
\nto give to all according to their ways,
\naccording to the fruit of their doings.
Psalm 1
\n\n1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked,
\nnor lingered in the way of sinners,
\nnor sat in the seats of the scornful!
\n2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord,
\nand they meditate on his law day and night._
\n3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
\n\nNow if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ--whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
\n\nBut in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.
\n\nLuke 6:17-26
\n\nJesus came down with the twelve apostles and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
\n\nThen he looked up at his disciples and said:
\n\n“Blessed are you who are poor,
\nfor yours is the kingdom of God.
\n“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
\nfor you will be filled.
\n“Blessed are you who weep now,
\nfor you will laugh.
\n“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets."
\n"But woe to you who are rich,
\nfor you have received your consolation.
\n"Woe to you who are full now,
\nfor you will be hungry.
\n"Woe to you who are laughing now,
\nfor you will mourn and weep.
\n"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets."
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
\n\nNow if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ--whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
\n\nBut in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.
\n\nThe Gospel
\nLuke 6:17-26
Jesus came down with the twelve apostles and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
\n\nThen he looked up at his disciples and said:
\n\n“Blessed are you who are poor,
\nfor yours is the kingdom of God.
\n“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
\nfor you will be filled.
\n“Blessed are you who weep now,
\nfor you will laugh.
\n“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets."
\n"But woe to you who are rich,
\nfor you have received your consolation.
\n"Woe to you who are full now,
\nfor you will be hungry.
\n"Woe to you who are laughing now,
\nfor you will mourn and weep.
\n"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets."
Isaiah 6:1-8
\n\nIn the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:
\n\n"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
\nthe whole earth is full of his glory."
\nThe pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!"
Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!"
\n\nLuke 5:1-11
\n\nOnce while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: lectionary musings on how encountering God will often leave us undone rather than with a spiritual high. ","date_published":"2019-02-12T12:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/a6f36eab-b182-450f-a2b4-be80cbe78b48.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":29690945,"duration_in_seconds":1855}]},{"id":"0698c5b7-4ebf-41a6-83cb-68998d0500fc","title":"Sermon - \"Launch Out\" (Feb 9, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/launch-out","content_text":"Luke 5:1-11\n\nOnce while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, \"Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.\" Simon answered, \"Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.\" When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, \"Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!\" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, \"Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.\" When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.","content_html":"Luke 5:1-11
\n\nOnce while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
","summary":"Fifth Saturday after the Epiphany ","date_published":"2019-02-09T16:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/0698c5b7-4ebf-41a6-83cb-68998d0500fc.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":15870731,"duration_in_seconds":991}]},{"id":"eaac176e-244f-4063-9bc6-24cc495faf93","title":"Lectionary Musings - May Be Wrong, May Be Right","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/maybewrong-mayberight","content_text":"1 Corinthians 13:1-13\n\nIf I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.\n\nLove is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.\n\nLuke 4:21-30\n\nIn the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, \"Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.\" All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, \"Is not this Joseph's son?\" He said to them, \"Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'\" And he said, \"Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.\" When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.","content_html":"1 Corinthians 13:1-13
\n\nIf I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
\n\nLove is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
\n\nLuke 4:21-30
\n\nIn the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: lectionary musings on how love is more important than being right and how Jesus was willing to cross the line. ","date_published":"2019-02-04T08:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/eaac176e-244f-4063-9bc6-24cc495faf93.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":28735181,"duration_in_seconds":1795}]},{"id":"ac44270f-9a00-4bb0-b29d-6318b1c5b73e","title":"Sermon - \"Cross The Line\" (Feb 2, 2019)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/cross-the-line","content_text":"Jeremiah 1:4-10\n1 Corinthians 13:1-13\nLuke 4:21-30\nPsalm 71:1-6\n\n1 Corinthians 13:1-13\n\nIf I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.\n\nLove is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.\n\nLuke 4:21-30\n\nIn the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, \"Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.\" All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, \"Is not this Joseph's son?\" He said to them, \"Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'\" And he said, \"Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.\" When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.","content_html":"Jeremiah 1:4-10
\n1 Corinthians 13:1-13
\nLuke 4:21-30
\nPsalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
\n\nIf I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
\n\nLove is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
\n\nLuke 4:21-30
\n\nIn the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
","summary":"Fourth Saturday after the Epiphany ","date_published":"2019-02-02T04:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/ac44270f-9a00-4bb0-b29d-6318b1c5b73e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":28215599,"duration_in_seconds":1763}]},{"id":"a0b23c3e-f917-4dcd-878b-261ecbb44aa3","title":"Lectionary Musings - Love Across The Lines (Luke 4:14-21)","url":"https://thesacredcommons.fireside.fm/love-across-the-lines","content_text":"1 Corinthians 12:12-31\n\nJust as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.\n\nIndeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, \"Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,\" that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, \"Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,\" that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, \"I have no need of you,\" nor again the head to the feet, \"I have no need of you.\" On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.\n\nNow you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.\n\nLuke 4:14-21\n\nJesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.\n\nWhen he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:\n\n\"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,\nbecause he has anointed me\nto bring good news to the poor.\nHe has sent me to proclaim release to the captives\nand recovery of sight to the blind,\nto let the oppressed go free,\nto proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.\"\nAnd he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, \"Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.\"","content_html":"1 Corinthians 12:12-31
\n\nJust as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
\n\nIndeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
\n\nNow you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.
\n\nLuke 4:14-21
\n\nJesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
\n\nWhen he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
\n\n"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
\nbecause he has anointed me
\nto bring good news to the poor.
\nHe has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
\nand recovery of sight to the blind,
\nto let the oppressed go free,
\nto proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
\nAnd he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
\n1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
\nLuke 4:14-21
\nPsalm 19
Nehemiah 8
\n"They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands."
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
\n"The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
Psalm 19
\nLet the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
\nheart be acceptable in your sight, *
\nO Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Luke 4:14-21
\nJesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
\n\n"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
\nbecause he has anointed me
\nto bring good news to the poor.
\nHe has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
\nand recovery of sight to the blind,
\nto let the oppressed go free,
\nto proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
\nAnd he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C
\n\nJohn 2:1-11
\n\nOn the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
","summary":"The Sacred Commons: Lectionary Musings on Epiphany with Jon Paul & Diana Robles (Hosts)","date_published":"2019-01-21T18:15:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/14456944-bf4a-4802-a441-f7a3ebd738a1/cbca3d63-cd95-490d-9540-fb5766f8e495.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":45451460,"duration_in_seconds":2840}]}]}