Luke 17:5-10 I have seen what faith the size of a mustard seed can do. I have seen mountains move, and the impossible come to pass. I’d be willing to bet most of the people in this room have too, whether you know it or not. One of the greatest privileges and most difficult challengesContinue reading “Mustard Seed Hearts”
Author Archives: amcaudill27
Tearing Down the Gate
Luke 16:19-31 “If you’re talking about the afterlife, you’re missing the point.” In my preparations for this week’s sermon I listened to a sermon podcast that Ben likes to reach for, and this phrase from the episode on Lazarus and the rich man has really stuck with me. If I’m talking about the afterlife inContinue reading “Tearing Down the Gate”
Finding the Right Answer
Luke 16:1-13 The parable of the dishonest manager, as our Gospel lesson from Luke this week is known, is one of the most hotly contested and opaque passages in the New Testament. Since the earliest days of the church, Christian scholars and believers alike have puzzled over this strange story from the mouth of Jesus.Continue reading “Finding the Right Answer”
Stories Jesus Told
Luke 15:1-10 The stories we tell our children shape them, and us, and pour the foundation upon which a life is built. Those stories include stories out of picture books and Bibles, movies and television, family history and the day’s news. Growing up as the daughter of an educator, I had the great privilege ofContinue reading “Stories Jesus Told”
Worth the Cost
Luke 14:25-33 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” It’s not the only time Jesus says something like this in the Gospels, but it is maybe the most direct. I once led a Bible Study withContinue reading “Worth the Cost”
Practicing Freedom & Rest
Luke 13:10-17 In our Bible Study this past Wednesday, we reflected on the fact that our mainstream Christian culture has become far removed from anything resembling the practice of Sabbath. Some of you reflected that you’ve seen the shift in your own lifetime, recalling a time not too long ago that stores were closed onContinue reading “Practicing Freedom & Rest”
Surrounded by Hope
Hebrews 11:29-12:2 A dear friend and colleague of mine often recounts the story of a beloved parish elder, a matriarch that has been a part of his congregation for her entire long life. They were speaking about the vastness of the church they both love, a large downtown parish that could comfortably hold our entireContinue reading “Surrounded by Hope”
Delight
Luke 12:32-40 As I’ve shared with some of you over the past few months, I am trying my hand at gardening. I know that my efforts are quaint; a small four by four raised bed in my backyard has nothing on the beautiful farms and gardens so many of you keep. My little garden doesContinue reading “Delight”
What Will Happen If I Don’t?
Luke 10:25-37 Two weeks ago, two members of St Mark’s sat in the hot sun for two hours to pick up food from the Candlelight Ministries Mobile Food Pantry on behalf of a community member in need who first came to us through the ministry of the Episcopal Thrift Store. Through a coordinated effort ofContinue reading “What Will Happen If I Don’t?”
Travel Lightly
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 I have a confession to make. I am not a light traveler. Whether it’s an overnight trip or a move to a new place, I always bring more than any reasonable person would think is necessary. My siblings and I are notorious in our family for keeping our cars full- full ofContinue reading “Travel Lightly”
Mother A Writes 