Going Deeper With Christ Episcopal Church Friends

Tuned In to God’s Love

John 15:9-17



Father Mark began by reflecting on Jesus' words in John 15:9-17, where Jesus says "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." He noted that this passage is not just about intellectual understanding, but about feeling a deep sense of connection and love with God. He encouraged the congregation to imagine themselves as branches connected to the true vine, Christ, and to feel the stir of inward sap rising from their root, which is planted in the ground of love.



Father Mark used various metaphors and images from the Bible to illustrate how language about God can be symbolic and figurative, pointing towards the thing itself rather than being the thing itself. He noted that while analysis of these images can be helpful, they are often meant to convey spiritual truths beyond intellectual understanding. He encouraged the congregation to allow themselves to be receptive to God's love at a deep level, rather than just processing it with their minds.



Father Mark then explored the concept of resonance, using the image of two violins in tune with each other as an example. He suggested that when our hearts are tuned to the frequency of God's love, they resonate with that love, and that this resonance can spread to others.



He also used the concept of prayer as a way of retuning our hearts to sing God's grace, allowing us to resonate with the music of the spheres and feel connected to all of creation. Throughout his sermon, Father Mark encouraged the congregation to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with God and with each other, and to allow themselves to be resonated by God's love song.



Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Fruit of Love

John 15:1-8



Father Mark draws parallels between our physical bodies and our spiritual lives, noting that just as what we put into our bodies affects our health, so too does what we feed our minds and spirits affect our well-being. He emphasizes that our spirits were designed to run on God, not alternative fuels like entertainment or busyness. Instead of seeking happiness and peace through external sources, we should abide in Christ, the true vine, and allow His love to flow through us.



Father Mark uses the example of pruning rose bushes to illustrate how sometimes, even good things in our lives can become distractions and drain our energy away from God. He encourages listeners to examine their priorities and ask themselves if they are producing the fruit of love in their lives and in the world. He also reminds us that it is not always easy to let go of secondary branches or suckers, but that with prayer and guidance from the divine vine grower, we can learn to prioritize what truly nourishes our souls.



Ultimately, Father Mark's message is one of encouragement to abide in Christ and allow His love to flow through us. He notes that the fruit of discipleship is love for one another, and that this love is only possible when we are abiding in the true vine. By recognizing where we may be diverting our energy away from God and by seeking guidance on how to prioritize what truly nourishes our souls, we can become more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ.



Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Following the Good Shepherd

John 10:11-18



In his sermon, Fr. Mark discusses the image of Jesus as the good shepherd, contrasting it with the hired hand who abandons the sheep in times of danger. He emphasizes the deep, loving connection between the good shepherd and his sheep, which mirrors the relationship between Jesus and his heavenly Father. Fr. Mark stresses that following the good shepherd is not always easy or comfortable, as it involves sacrifice and can be counter-cultural.



Fr. Mark then relates the message of the good shepherd to the current situation at Christ Church, where the vestry and he have been trying to follow and listen to the good shepherd's guidance for over two years. He acknowledges that this process can be painful and confusing for everyone involved, but he encourages the congregation to continue following Jesus, even when it is difficult.



Finally, Fr. Mark reflects on Psalm 23, noting that the psalmist's shepherd Lord leads him in roundabout ways rather than straight paths, through challenging situations like the valley of the shadow of death and in the presence of enemies. Despite these difficulties, the psalmist maintains an unshakable trust in the Lord, and Fr. Mark suggests that this psalm might serve as a guiding scripture for the parish during this time of uncertainty, encouraging them to keep trusting, listening, and following the good shepherd.



Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Dying to Live

John 20:19-31



In this sermon, Father Mark discusses the concept of resurrection and its relevance to our lives in the present. He shares a story about his friend who experienced the death of his relationship with his mother, only to have it resurrected after she survived a near-fatal heart attack. Father Mark emphasizes that the power of resurrection is not limited to Jesus' story from 2,000 years ago, but is available to transform our lives here and now, releasing us from deadly habits, thought patterns, and mindsets.



Father Mark explains that the risen Christ is present in our world, sharing our human life and enabling new resurrected life within us. He encourages the congregation to experience the mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead, even though it may involve letting go of old habits, customs, or relationships.



Father Mark asserts that without death, there can be no resurrection, and that God never wastes anything. He concludes by reminding the congregation that resurrection happens every time we love, trust, and refuse to become negative or cynical, and that we don't have to wait for it later.



Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Questions and Doubts

John 20:19-31



Reverend Wendy discusses the story of "Doubting Thomas" from John 20:19-31, emphasizing that it is normal and acceptable to have doubts and questions about faith. She shares her own experience of a crisis of faith following her divorce, during which she questioned and doubted God. Reverend Wendy points out that even in the Bible, figures like Job questioned and challenged God during difficult times.



The sermon highlights Jesus' gentle and compassionate response to Thomas's doubts, inviting him to touch His hands and side to confirm His presence. This act demonstrates Jesus' love for Thomas and serves as a reminder that Jesus is always present, even in moments of uncertainty and doubt.



Reverend Wendy relates the message to the congregation's current situation, acknowledging the uncertainties they face in the coming years. She encourages them to trust that Jesus is with them, inviting them to embrace His presence and love, just as Thomas did when he proclaimed, "My Lord and my God."



Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Easter 2024

Matthew 28:1-10



Father Mark's Easter sermon focuses on the transformative power of the resurrection. He points out that in the Gospel accounts, Jesus' followers initially fail to recognize the risen Christ, signifying that something about Him has changed. This transformation extends to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, who are no longer just followers but become apostles, sent out to carry God's love and grace into the world.



Father Mark emphasizes that transformation often occurs when something old falls apart, forcing the soul to go to a new place. He suggests that in our personal and communal lives, we must be willing to let go of the past and embrace change, even when it is painful or disorienting. This is particularly relevant to the church, which is experiencing a time of upheaval and must adapt to new realities.



The sermon concludes by highlighting the radical newness of Jesus' teachings and actions, which overturn conventional human ways of living and relating. To be truly raised with Christ means setting our minds on things above, embodying forgiveness, compassion, and self-emptying love. The central question of Easter, then, is not what happened to Jesus in the past, but how the resurrection challenges and changes us in the present.



Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.