Gather > Scatter

Deacon Eduardo's sermon is a profound reflection on the unifying power of the gospel and Jesus' role as the great gatherer. He begins by acknowledging the diverse congregation, united under one roof despite differences in culture, language, and circumstances. The deacon emphasizes that this unity is rooted in the "great truths" of salvation, quoting Psalm 8:4-5, "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?"

The sermon then focuses on the Gospel story of Jesus welcoming children, found in Mark 10. Deacon Eduardo uses this passage to illustrate Christ's desire to gather all people to Himself, contrasting it with the disciples' attempt to scatter the children. He draws a parallel between this scene and the broader spiritual battle between Jesus as the gatherer and Satan as the scatterer.

Deacon Eduardo expands on this theme, pointing out how the scattering spirit is evident in modern society, particularly in politics and elections. He cites examples from Austria and the United States, where voters are increasingly divided into distinct groups, leading to a fractured society. The deacon warns that this division often results in neglect of the vulnerable, whom Jesus calls us to serve.

The sermon takes a personal turn as Deacon Eduardo shares how relationships within the church have helped him broaden his perspective beyond his own interests. He describes how gathering with diverse believers around the same table and sharing a common cup has expanded his heart to yearn for others' well-being.

Referencing the recent Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, Deacon Eduardo reminds the congregation of their victory in Christ over the scattering forces of sin. He declares, "We are on the winning side here in this room, gathered together on the winning side. No longer afraid, no longer scattered, no longer alone."

The deacon then highlights the church's role as a "beacon of hope" in a disintegrating society, citing recent celebrations of Mexican Independence Day as an example of unity in diversity. He also emphasizes the importance of the Nigerian church in supporting the American church during times of difficulty, calling for reciprocal support and prayer for Nigeria.

Deacon Eduardo concludes by urging the congregation to take seriously their role in gathering around Jesus' table regularly. He stresses the importance of presenting a unified vision to children, showing them different nations, cultures, and circumstances coming together as one people blessed with a common inheritance. The deacon's final exhortation is for each member to play their part in gathering people, especially children, into Christ's saving and loving embrace.

Throughout the sermon, Deacon Eduardo maintains a tone of urgency and hope, blending scriptural references with contemporary examples to illustrate the ongoing spiritual battle between gathering and scattering forces. His message emphasizes the power of unity in Christ to overcome worldly divisions and present a compelling vision of God's kingdom.

Kick & A Miss

Kevin West begins his sermon with a personal anecdote about missing the ball while playing soccer as a child, using this as an analogy for the disciples' repeated misunderstandings of Jesus' teachings in the Gospel of Mark. He highlights how Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem and crucifixion, continually tries to prepare His disciples for what is to come, but they consistently "kick and miss" the point.

The sermon delves into specific examples from Mark's gospel, such as Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah followed by his rebuke of Jesus' prediction of suffering (Mark 8:27-33). Kevin also mentions the disciples' argument about greatness (Mark 9:33-37) and James and John's request for positions of power (Mark 10:35-45). These instances demonstrate the disciples' failure to grasp Jesus' teachings about the nature of God's kingdom and true greatness.

Kevin then focuses on the episode where the disciples try to stop someone casting out demons in Jesus' name (Mark 9:38-41). He explains how this reveals the disciples' narrow view of God's work and their desire to maintain exclusive authority. Jesus corrects them, emphasizing the importance of even small acts done in His name and warning against causing others to stumble in their faith.

The sermon draws parallels to the Old Testament story of Moses and the 70 elders in Numbers 11. West highlights the similarity between Joshua's reaction to Eldad and Medad prophesying in the camp and the disciples' reaction to the unauthorized exorcist. This comparison illustrates the human tendency towards tribalism and distrust of those outside our immediate group.

Kevin then incorporates teachings from the book of James, emphasizing the need for humility, submission to God, and resistance to the devil (James 4:7-10). He explains how these principles are essential in overcoming the quarrels and favoritism that James addresses in his letter.

Throughout the sermon, Kevin maintains a focus on the importance of trusting Jesus and keeping our eyes fixed on Him. He emphasizes that our human desires for security, greatness, and control can only be properly ordered through a focus on Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.

Kevin concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on the image of the crucifix as they receive the Eucharist, encouraging them to see it as a representation of the God we can trust – the one who, through the cross, is drawing all people to Himself (John 12:32). This final exhortation ties together the themes of trust, humility, and the centrality of Christ's sacrifice in the Christian life.

Helplessness Not Holiness

Fr. Noah's sermon begins with a reflection on the Transfiguration, emphasizing Jesus' unique nature as God incarnate. Unlike Moses and Elijah, whose encounters with God's glory were external, Jesus' divinity radiates from within. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the living tabernacle, making God's presence accessible to all.

The sermon then transitions to the aftermath of the Transfiguration, where Jesus and His disciples encounter a father seeking help for his demon-possessed son. Fr. Noah uses this to illustrate the importance of prayer in spiritual warfare. He explains that the disciples' failure to exorcise the demon stemmed from their lack of prayer, teaching that authority must be rooted in an intimate knowledge of Jesus gained through prayer.

Fr. Noah then focuses on the father's plea, "I believe; help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). He challenges the notion that God only responds to perfect faith, asserting instead that God works with those who acknowledge their helplessness and inadequacy. This leads to a powerful message about approaching God in our weakness, rather than trying to achieve self-made holiness.

The sermon explores Jesus' response to the father's resignedness, emphasizing that Christ works with those who admit their need for help. Fr. Noah uses this to encourage listeners not to be discouraged when God's responses don't meet their expectations, as illustrated by the boy appearing dead after the exorcism before Jesus raised him up.

Fr. Noah then reflects on the rarity of mountaintop experiences in our spiritual lives, drawing from his personal experience walking the Camino de Santiago. He emphasizes the importance of remembering and making present those moments of closeness with God to sustain us through life's valleys.

The sermon concludes with a powerful explanation of the Eucharist as a regular mountaintop experience. Fr. Noah teaches that through the priest's words of institution, Christ's crucifixion is made present and effective in the moment. He describes this as an opportunity for every "helpless, resigned, sin-sick person" to give their sin to Jesus and receive His perfect faith and righteousness.

Finally, Fr. Noah encourages his listeners to approach the altar with humility, asking for help in their unbelief and weakness. He assures them that Jesus will lift them up and send them out to share His love with the world, transformed by their encounter with Him in the power of the Holy Spirit.