There is no them

When a preacher talks about a Gospel that is unique from the others, they are often talking about The Gospel of John. Today, however, it is Luke’s Gospel that does something different.   There is little doubt that Luke takes a number of things from Mark’s Gospel, and makes changes.   “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” is a question from Mark’s chapter 10 , asked by a wealthy man.   Luke changes the man to “an expert in the law,” and then asks the man what is written in the law.   His reply is what Jesus says in Mark’s 12th chapter, where it is Jesus answering the question of a faithful scribe.   Luke then tells us that the expert in the law wants to vindicate himself, and asks “and who is my neighbor?” This brings us to the well known story found only in Luke’s Gospel .   It is so well known that it has firmly settled into our language. A good Samaritan had a set of jumper cables to restart my car. A good Samaritan helped me carry things ...

Preached at St. Paul's SLC on Sunday July 6th at both services. The kingdom of God has come near to us. It has been over 10 years for our journey together as Rector and congregation of St. Paul’s Salt Lake City.   After much faithful discernment and prayer, I believe it is time for us to move to our next chapters of faithful ministry.   It is very important to me that Sienna be in the same place for middle and high school, which means my being Priest in the same community for at least the next 8 years.   If I answer honestly, I believe this would be too long for us to grow into what we are called next to be, and I want what is right for all of us.   With that in my heart and mind, I have accepted a call to be the next Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Marble Falls TX, and to share in their mission to be a major Christian Presence in the Hill Country of Texas, proclaiming the Good News of God in Jesus Christ. This will be a return to the Diocese of my seminary edu...