St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Saint Mary's Episcopal Church - Eugene, OR

The Rev. Ryan Baker-Fones' homily for the May 5th Rite 13 ceremony

There have been numerous studies that show friendship affects our physical health. People with more and deeper friendships live longer, and their years are filled with more good health. Friendship is also important to our psychological well being. There have been studies that show it reduces stress, increases joy, and makes us generally mentally healthier. Friendships are important to us.

God loves you. God loves you, without question, without reservation. God
loves you. You already know that because we preach that all the time here
at St. Mary’s. We tell you that God loves you a lot. It’s usually how we
end sermons, but today we are starting there.

Listen to or read Bingham’s full sermon about God’s love by clicking “Read
More”

The paradox of saying yes to God is that it can be at once deeply fulfilling and utterly terrifying. Think of poor Samuel who was faced with sharing some really bad news with Eli first thing the next morning, before he had had a chance to even begin to internalize what it meant that God had spoken to him. But God was with him that first morning, and throughout his life. I truly believe if we are responding to a call from God, then God will help us do what needs to be done.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11

Comfort, O comfort my people. YES please! What a time, what a need for
comfort we all have in our world today. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, the
prophet Isaiah says. Speak tenderly to these United States and to this
world we live in as we approach the new year, two thousand twenty-four. Cry
to her that her time of suffering, pain, and violence have been served, the
penalty paid, enough. Enough bad news, devastation and despair. We’ve
already had a double portion. Into this darkness and pain a voice cries
out:

Listen to or read Ryan’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”