Matthew 17:1-9 “It is good for us to be here.” These were the words of Peter, recorded in today’s Gospel from St. Matthew, as he spoke on behalf of himself, James, and John, on the mount of transfiguration. Of course, it could only be a good thing for them to be there, because the Lord…
Matthew 8:1-13 The ministry of Jesus was marked by many physical healings, which he performed for those who were sick, lame, blind, deaf, or even dead. Usually, when he healed someone, he spoke to and over that person, and also touched the person. St. Luke informs us of an earlier time when Jesus was in…
Sermon Text: John 2:1-11 If something is blessed by the presence and approval of Jesus, then that thing is – without a doubt – a good thing, to be enjoyed and celebrated. Weddings are good. Marriages are good. Families are good. Or at least, they are supposed to be good. But they are not always…
Psalm 92: 1-5 “Qui cantat, bis orat.” This Latin proverb translates roughly to “The one who sings, prays twice.” It was quoted by St. Augustine, by Martin Luther, and by a host of other Christian leaders and thinkers through the centuries: to emphasize the importance of singing, and of music in general, in the Christian…
Baptism of Our Lord – Matthew 3:13-17 In his baptism, Jesus became, in a very clear and decisive way, the friend and companion of sinners. The baptism that John the Baptist had been sent by the Lord to administer, and that Jesus also wished to receive, was a baptism for sinners. But of course, Jesus…
Sermon Text – Luke 2:22-40 St. Luke tells us that there was a “just and devout” man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was “waiting for the Consolation of Israel.” Luke also tells us that “it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the…