Digging for Life
March 3, 2013
Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross, GA
Sermon on Luke 13:1-9, given while serving as seminarian
Lent 3 – Year C (RCL)
Exodus 3:1-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 & Luke 13:1-9
Some of you may remember the movie Julia. The film is based on a true story that traces the lifelong relationship between playwright Lillian Hellman, who is played by Jane Fonda, and her friend Julia, played by Vanessa Redgrave.
Although the film was released in the late 1970’s, I didn’t actually see it until many years later, when I was in my 20’s. What I especially connected with in the movie was the stark contrast between Lillie and Julia. Their personalities and world-perspectives were completely different from each other. Elements of those differences reminded me of the contrast between me and my best friend at the time.
Julia was a visionary and consummate risk-taker. When she reached college-age, she left the U.S., traveling to Vienna to study with the likes of Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein. While there, she was compelled to a live a life that confronted the injustices she saw in the world around her. I remember, that as I watched the movie, Julia’s strength and conviction reminded me of my best friend. Although she didn’t move overseas after college, she left our hometown of Houston, and forged a less conventional path. She was not constrained by what others thought, but instead blazed the trail her heart defined.
Transforming Lent
January 28, 2013
Photo by: Bill Monk
Last Tuesday, Bishop Rob Wright, the Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, preached at our Candler worship service. One aspect of his message that caught my attention was that of transformation. He conveyed, and I have personally experienced, the reality that our response to God transforms us. While certainly this message would resonate with many in the congregation who have responded to a vocation of ministry, it is not reserved for these. God’s transforming nature is true for ALL people.
Looking ahead to Lent, the bishop asked if chocolates and sweets prevent us from moving forward in your relationship with God, and if not, he wondered why it is these things that we give up for Lent? We were reminded that Lent is about transformation – finding a new way, turning toward God anew. Read the rest of this entry »
“Facts” derail the conversation
January 10, 2013
This space is normally used to post sermons, but today, I was troubled by information I heard while I was peacefully eating lunch… The situation is not unique, but considering the problem our leaders (and their constituents, for that matter) are having with civil conversation about very important matters, I decided I’d post this reflection. At the root of it is the struggle we have in a time of overly-available information, to gain the accurate and appropriate information needed to make thoughtful, reasonable decisions. I welcome your constructive feedback and insights:
While having lunch today at a nearby restaurant I saw a FB post that spoke of another school shooting, this time in California, less than a month after the Sandy Hook tragedy. I looked at the television screens nearby, one on sports, the other on a talk-show; neither with news of this latest shooting. I started looking at the FB post for possible fabrication… you just never know what folks make up these days. But it was true… though, luckily (is that the right word?) the assailant had a shotgun, not a high-powered assault weapon, and therefore, was limited in his ability to carry out a wide-scale massacre.
Here I Am
December 23, 2012
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Houston, Texas
Advent 4, Year C – Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Good morning, I’m so excited to be here today. There are so many familiar faces… Not just those I’m related to… it seems like just yesterday that I was sitting in the pews alongside you… In some ways at least. But, I know that can’t be, because there are some unfamiliar faces, too… which is always a good sign for a church!
I remember several years ago, when I was one of those unfamiliar faces at St. Andrews. One Sunday I showed up anticipating Barbara’s sermon, and there was this young guy who got up to preach. I could tell that many in the congregation were excited to see him, but I had no idea who he was… I was a little disappointed I wasn’t getting to hear Barbara, but, that’s the way it goes sometimes…
This guy who was preaching that day was Kevin Schubert. He, like me now, had just returned from seminary, and was newly ordained… I now understand what the fuss was all about! As I stand here with eager faces before me, welcoming me back into the community that has been an important part of my journey.
I came to St. Andrews about seven years ago, while I was on the path to discerning my vocation. I had been in Banking for twenty years, and although I feel that some people are called to a vocation in banking, really I do, I also know very confidently that I am not one of them. It’s not that I wasn’t good at it, it just wasn’t what I thought I was supposed to be doing any longer… And so, I began listening for what was next. Read the rest of this entry »
