In this homily, Dr. Martha Rainbolt explores the meaning of John Donne’s Meditation 17, Section 3. This sermon explores the deep inter-connectedness of all humanity, and what that means for us as spiritual people. The audio version of this sermon was unavailable, so the post is in PDF format for reading.
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How should we respond to the suffering and problems we see around us in this world? It can be tempting to throw our hands up and say, “What’s the use? What I can do is so small, it won’t make any difference.” In this sermon, Father John examines the short book of Obadiah, where God speaks against Edom for their indifference to Israel during a time of great national calamity. With a call to not hold back from getting involved, ...
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In this final installment of our sermon series on I Corinthians the difficult topic of money is discussed. Why have people of faith unanimously affirmed the ancient spiritual discipline of giving our financial resources? Father John explores how money comes closest to “standing in” for God in our lives than anything else we encounter on earth. Then, based on Paul’s advise to the Corinthians, we also consider the question, “What can we do to grow in our generosity?” Offering some ...
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Sometimes we get so focused on our own wants, feelings, and needs that we fail to live in mutuality with others. Father John explores Paul’s instructions concerning marriage in I Corinthians 7, where the apostle Paul offers a key spiritual principle for having healthy, long-lasting relationships.
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How does taking care of our bodies and spirituality fit together? In this next installment of Father John’s sermon series on I Corinthians, he examines Paul’s instructions to the church concerning how they take care of their bodies. This sermon is not a guilt trip – it is a word of encouragement reminding us that our souls support our body and our bodies support our souls!
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It is so easy to judge other people, but in doing so we create negativity within ourselves and our spiritual community. In this sermon on I Corinthians 4, Father John examines Paul’s insights concerning judging others, highlighting two principles which diminish our enthusiasm for doing so. Refraining from judging others helps us become a community of understanding and compassion.
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How should we respond when people try to drag us into conflict and drama? The way we react to conflict may determine whether we live lives full of spiritual power or not. In the third chapter of I Corinthians, the apostle Paul addresses arguments among Christians in the church, and how they can avoid it. Father John explores perspectives that can help us live on a higher level by seeking unity and peace with others.
Our focus this week turns to the second chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, where Paul contends that “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him … these things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.” Rather than a text about heaven, as it is commonly understood and quoted, Father John points out that Paul is referring to realities available to us now ...
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This week our parish considers the legacy that we will leave to the Greencastle community and beyond. Father John examines two stories from the life of Jesus which inform his followers how they can leave a meaningful and lasting mark on the world for the glory of God. This sermon was followed by a parish meeting where a three year plan for growth, plans for renovation of Hamilton Hall, and the development of our children’s ministry were explored and discussed. ...
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During the wilderness wanderings, the Israelites found that they were tested – and it was all about trusting in God. Today we hear people easily quip, “Just trust God,” or “God will never let you down,” but life does not always seem that simple… In today’s sermon, Father John looks at the experience of Israel in the wilderness as an example of the kind of trust that God is looking for in us – a gritty faith that does not ...
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