Sermon.05.26.19 St. Paul’s Episcopal – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Acts 16.9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21.10, 22-22.5; John 14.23-29 Over the past few weeks, we have examined portions of Jesus farewell discourse to his disciples. Last week we noted how God would be glorified through the Son of Man. We read Jesus touching words, “Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me . . . where I am going, you cannot come” (John 13.33; NRSV). Jesus then gave his

Sermon.05.19.19 St. Paul’s Episcopal – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Acts 11.1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21.1-6; John 10.31-39; John 13.31-35 Last Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday, we noted John the Baptist’s exclamation upon seeing Jesus: “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1.29; NRSV). We considered Jesus’ emphasis on how sheep follow the shepherd for they know the shepherd’s voice. We examined Jesus’ claim, “I am the gate for the sheep. . . . Whoeve

St. Paul’s Episcopal – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Acts 9.36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7.9-17; John 10.22-30 The Fourth Sunday of Easter is commonly known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Today’s collect began with these words: “O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people . . .” Let’s begin by considering how our scriptures relate to this theme. From Psalm 23 let us note these words and phrases: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. . . Though I walk through the

Sermon.05.05.19 St. Paul’s – Brookings Fr. Larry Ort Acts 9.1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5.11-14; John 21.1-19 A careful review of the end of John 20 raises a number of questions about the authenticity of John 21. John 20 recounts the resurrection, Mary Magdalene’s visit to the tomb, and Jesus’ appearance to her. Mary returned and told the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (Vs. 18; NRSV). Thus, she was the first to bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus then appeared to the