A Posture of Forgiveness
September 13, 2026
16th Sunday after Pentecost; Proper 19 Year A
Matthew 18:21-35
Click the Audio Link below to hear the Sermon. the second audio file includes the reading for the day.
Sources:
- Anne Lamont, “You Are Every Age You’ve Ever Been (or Earth is Forgiveness School), Sweet Breathing Blog, February 14, 2020. Accessed Sept. 12, 2026: https://sweetbreathing.com/you-are-every-age-youve-ever-been-or-earth-is-forgiveness-school/2020/15/
- Sarah Fisher, “More Than Makes Sense,” Castings of Diocese of East Carolina, September 11, 2026. Accessed Sept. 12, 2026: https://mailchi.mp/47ff79ed8430/castings-june-12-18263498?e=c541d7822f
Jesus and Jackie – Raising the Bar
September 17, 2017
Church of the Servant, Wilmington, NC
Proper 19, Year A
Exodus 14:19-31; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
Listen here, or read below:
As promised last week, this week’s gospel presents a lesson about forgiveness. Just a quick reminder: By the time Matthew’s gospel was written, the temple had been destroyed and the Hebrew people, as well as early Christians, had been driven out of Jerusalem. So Matthew’s gospel is intended to help this early Christian community stay faithful to God and to one another in an unfamiliar land.
In the preceding chapters, Jesus’ teachings have moved the bar on what it is to be faithful. In his estimation, the ten commandments didn’t go far enough. It’s not only those who murder that are liable to judgement, but those who are angry with others. 
Not just those who commit adultery, but those who look with lust at another person. Jesus-followers were expected to not just love their neighbors, but to love their enemies, and to turn the other cheek.
jodygreenwood 