Pinball Wizard

August 20, 2010

I am engaged in an intense struggle with myself over whether or not to include lyrics from this The Who classic in Sunday’s sermon on Jesus healing the deaf mute:

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Luther on the spiritual bond of the tongue

August 19, 2010

Christ heals the deaf mute (Mk. 7.31-37, Gospel for Trinity XII), loosing the bond of his tongue. Luther in his lectures on Genesis explains the spiritual bond on our tongues which keeps us from confessing sin: Thus these brothers of Joseph are not only troubled about the sin of which they were conscious—although they took [...]

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He’s back!

August 17, 2010

You know those reports about Favre retiring? Wrong. Completely wrong. Favre has arrived at Winter Park. Lesson? Don’t believe everything the media tell you. Think for yourself. UPDATE: My initial post was very unkind, and entirely unbecoming a minister of the Gospel. I am sorry for it.

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Pastor Bob imposes penance

August 16, 2010

Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis is pure genius. And for another laugh today, check this out.

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St Mary, Mother of God

August 15, 2010

Gospel: St. Luke 1.39-55 It’s great having Pastor McClean and Vicar Kieselowsky here, but sharing in the ministry with them also means they discover my weaknesses and inadequacies. Recently the Vicar and I were driving somewhere and he discovered a scandalous secret about me. Sometimes, I listen to R.C. Sproul. {He’s a Calvinist. Not Lutheran.} [...]

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I don’t think I’m going too far

August 14, 2010

when I say that Mary was a means of grace. What are the means of grace, but earthly things joined with divine, given for our salvation? The Word comes to water and it is a Baptism, a life-giving water, rich in grace and a washing of the Holy Spirit. The Word comes to bread and [...]

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Trinity 9 – The not-so-secret meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward

August 12, 2010

I’m way behind on posting; this sermon is from August 1. This parable of the Unjust Steward has long vexed me, because I was looking for some deep and hidden meaning. Some of the parables are explained allegorically, that is, where each person and part is symbolically interpreted. There is no shortage of commentaries creatively [...]

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The Marriage of Sarah Mellott and Edward Cadagin

August 12, 2010

July 31, 2010 Sarah is a thorough and orderly person, which was evident as she planned this wedding. Last night at the rehearsal, I discovered part of Ed’s own thoroughness, as he asked me for a copy of the vows so he could practice them. That always makes a pastor happy — but the truth, [...]

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Psalm 45

August 12, 2010

This was much better when I preached it. I think. The Hebrew Bible contains introductions to each Psalm that often leave the reader wanting more details. Psalm 45 begins, “To the Director,” presumably a choir director; then, “According to the Lilies,” which could either be some kind of musical instruction, or a particular tune, in [...]

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All glorious is the princess in her chamber

August 12, 2010

I’m working through the Psalter at our Wednesday Evening services; last night we arrived at Psalm 45, which I preached as a wedding hymn for Christ and His bride the church. I just noticed that the Gradual for the Feast of St. Mary (which falls this coming Sunday, August 15) is taken from that same [...]

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