Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman: Strength from each other

From a sermon preached at St. Nick’s, Richfield September 9, 2018 Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman: Strength from each other Our Gospel story for today is one of the most controversial in the New Testament. I love this story, because we get to see two things: a determined, outspoken, quick-witted woman, one of only 18 whose words are recorded in the New...

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Mary Magdalene: Peering into the darkness

Peering into the darkness. Talking about it. It’s what women do. And at this time in history, when women are looking squarely into the darkness of sexual misconduct, rape, and gun violence, we in the religious life delve deep into the story of women who peered into the darkness, found their souls transformed, and changed history. Mary, the mother of Jesus, saw...

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Pontius Pilate: You should have listened to your wife

The story of Jesus’ life and death could have turned out differently, had Pontius Pilate listened to his wife. Kind and intuitive (and unnamed), she is known for these few words: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man [Jesus], for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Matthew 27:19 Allow me to paint the story....

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The Witch of Endor: Clairvoyant and Compassionate

Read the Witch of Endor’s story: 1 Samuel 28 Profile in history: Low Classic moment Bringing back Samuel’s spirit for King Saul. She also tells Saul he will die the next day. Who was the Witch of Endor? A woman from Endor who could summon the spirits of the dead An independent contractor (paid by the session) A woman living alone An outcast What did the Witch of Endor...

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Women of Holy Week: Mary Magdalene

Over sixteen years ago, I had cancer (and have been blessedly cancer-free since then). Walking within sight of the valley of death is a pretty scary place. But I believe in angels. So I looked for an angel during each chemo treatment, each medical procedure, each visit to the hospital. I expected to find one, and most of the time I did. Twice I was...

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