Laetare 2025

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The lack of money is a test. Insufficient resources is a test. In today’s Gospel, Jesus sees a large crowd coming to Him, so He puts a question to Philip, “‘Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?’ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.”

Jesus is enacting here His own sermon, where He told His disciples not to worry about what they would eat, or what they would drink, or what they would wear: “For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”…

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Holy Thursday Divine Service 2024

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Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread and gave it to His disciples. And the disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ immediately started to quarrel.

St. Luke tells us, “Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.” (Luke 22:24 NKJV) After this, instead of praying, they slept. Then they fought the guards, Peter slicing off a man’s ear. Then they ran.

But first, they argued. About who was greatest.

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Laetare Sermon 2024

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Today’s Gospel begins with many disciples; there is “a great multitude [following Jesus].” But by the end of the same chapter, after Jesus teaches about the Supper, almost everyone turns around and stops following Him. They loved the loaves, they marveled at the miracles – but they could not stomach His teaching. American Christianity preaches a gospel of success; Jesus is the giver of health and wealth.

But when the cross comes, it’s very tempting to turn back and follow Him no more….

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