Author: prjcm

Repentance: from Racism and Xenophobia

The readings for the First Sunday in Lent are: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11.

You can listen to Pastor Jay’s sermon* here:

* For the season of Lent–a time of repentance and preparation for Easter by remembering our Baptismal Covenant with God–Pr Jay is exploring the theme of Repentance. The schedule is:

Lent I: Repentance: from Racism

Lent II: Repentance: from Heterosexism

Lent III: Repentance: from Sexism

Lent IV: Repentance: from Ablelism

Lent V: Repentance: into New Life

Lent: A Season of Repentance

The readings for Ash Wednesday are: Psalm 51; Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 103:8-14; II Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.

You can listen to Pastor Jay’s sermon here:

Let us pray:

Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Transfiguration: Talking about God

The readings for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus are: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; II Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9.

You can listen to Pastor Jay’s sermon here:

This is the last Sunday of celebration before Lent begins (this Wednesday). A blessing as we say farewell to our Alleluia usage for a season:

All shall be Amen and Alleluia.
We shall rest and we shall see.
We shall see and we shall know.
We shall know and we shall love.
We shall love and we shall praise.
Behold our end which is no end.

-Augustine of Hippo

Wrestling with the Incarnation

The readings for the Feast of the Presentation are: Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40.

You can listen to Pastor Jay’s sermon here:

The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is traditionally the last day of the Christmas Season (40 days from Christmas Eve). And a day for blessing candles and other symbols of God’s light shining in the world.

Let us sing with Simeon: “O Lord, now let your servant go in peace. Your Word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people. Amen.”