Sermons from St. John’s Episcopal Church

One Particular Matthew. Fr. Louis Harris. June 7, 2026.

From the propers [https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/AProp5_RCL.html] this week, Father Harris reflects on the universal human cry, "I just want to know what to do," through the lens of Saint Matthew's sudden, life-changing decision to leave his tax booth and follow Jesus. Exploring our tendency to seek happiness in quick fixes or misplaced security, Father Harris addresses the deep anxiety of feeling lost or disconnected from the leader of our spiritual journey. Ultimately, we have been offered a profound comfort: even when we lose sight of the way forward, Jesus is paying attention to us, and his timeless invitation to follow Him is personalized for each of our lives.

On the Trinity. Fr. Louis Harris. May 31, 2026.

From the propers [https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/ATrinity_RCL.html] this week, Father Harris acknowledges the discomfort and confusion that often surround Trinity Sunday and its seemingly abstract, "out-there" doctrine. Rather than attempting a complex philosophical defense, he reframes church doctrine not as cold, rigid laws meant to dominate us or be weaponized against others, but as living wisdom meant to be inwardly digested, wrestled with, and infused into our hearts. Ultimately, the Trinity serves as a beautiful, dynamic image of the entire cosmos: a movement of love flowing out from the Father and returning through the Son. We are invited to step into the middle of this cosmic journey, moving past blind conformity so that we might be truly formed by this mystery and actively participate in God's love.

Pentecost. Fr. David Houk. May 24, 2026.

Acts 2:1-21 [https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/APentDay_RCL.html#ot1]. Pentecost is God’s plan coming together, which means people coming together.

The Cosmic Prayer. Fr. Louis Harris. May 18, 2026.

From the propers [https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster7_RCL.html] this week, Father Harris unpacks John 17 where Jesus, facing the looming, ugly inevitability of the cross, turns his eyes to heaven and prays for his disciples. Father Harris explores the cosmic principle of "glory," illustrating how we are created not to glorify ourselves, but to reflect God's goodness, truth, and beauty in our everyday lives. Rather than giving in to the modern anxieties of scarcity and isolation, we are challenged to move past fear and embrace our highest calling: finishing the work God has given us by building a society of friendship, self-offering, and true Christian unity.

The Holy Spirit and you. Fr. David Houk. May 10, 2026.

John 14:15-21 [https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Easter/AEaster6_RCL.html#gsp1]. The Holy Spirit is not a mystery to be understood but a gift to be received.