Sermon.09.23.18 St. Paul’s – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Proverbs 31.10-31; Psalm 1; James 3.13 – 4.3, 7-8a; Mark 9.30-37 Today’s Collect concisely summarizes the content of the lectionary readings: “Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one Go

Sermon.09.16.18 St. Paul’s – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Proverbs 1.20-33; Psalm 19; James 3.1-12; Mark 8.27-38 Today’s reading from the gospel of Mark changes our focus. Up to this point, Mark has reported on numerous aspects of Jesus ministry – the miraculous feeding of the 5000, the casting out of demons, the healing of the lame, the deaf, and the mute. Jesus and his disciples are now traveling toward he villages of Caesarea Philippi. Following the death of Herod the Great sho

Sermon.09.09.18 St. Paul’s – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Proverbs 22.1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; James 2.1-17; Mark 7.24-37 “Ephphatha!” “Be Opened!” Last Sunday we focused on the question: How does one sing a noble song? This question was grounded in the psalmist’s confession, “My heart is stirring with a noble song” (Psalm 45.1; NRSV). We noted James’ admonition to be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1.22; NRSV). As we become doers of t

Sermon.09.02.18 St. Paul’s – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Song of Solomon 2.8-13; Psalm 45.1-2, 7-10; James 1.17-27; Mark 7.1-8, 14-15, 21-23 How Does One Sing A Noble Song? The psalmist wrote: “My heart is stirring with a noble song” (Psalm 45.1; NRSV). In many respects, one’s life is a story or a song which comes from the heart. Mehmet Murat ildan, the Turkish author, said: “To live is to write a story. If you are a strong person, your life story will mostly be written by you; i