Pastor Sullivan's Blog

In the Name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Jesus tells us a parable about two men who go to the temple to pray. The first is a Pharisee. He goes to the temple to thank God, though not for anything that God has given him. He says, “ God , I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. ” He asks nothing from God because as far as he’s concerned he needs nothing from God. He can take care of himself and God should know how good He’s got it to have such a fellow in His temple. He doesn’t extort money or goods from others. He’s just in all his dealings with others. He’s faithful to his wife. And he’s certainly not like the tax collector, a public sinner who works in a profession known for its covetousness and greed and extortion. He’s not like other men, sinful men. Instead he fasts twice each week, disciplining his body. He gives tithes ...

Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Jesus tells a parable of two men in today’s Gospel lesson. The first is a Pharisee. The Pharisee goes to the Temple, the house of the Lord, to pray. He approaches God purely out of thanksgiving, but not thanksgiving for what God has done for him. He thanks God that He is not like other men. He is not an extortioner. He’s not ravenous for other’s possessions or property. He hasn’t gotten his goods by threat or force. He thanks God that he is a hardworking and industrious fellow. And this is a good thing. He thanks God that he is not unjust. He is not an unrighteous person who wallows in the sins of the flesh like lust and covetousness. And this, too, is a good thing. His litany continues. He gives thanks that he is not an adulterer. He is faithful to his marriage vows and this, too, is a very good thing. Then he gives thanks to God that he is not like the man standing at the back of the Temple, head bo...

Order of Holy Communion - Pg. 15 Hymn #294 O Word of God Incarnate Hymn #342 Chief of Sinners Though I Be Hymn #526 In God, my faithful God Introit - pg. 77 Readings 2 Samuel 22:21-29 1 Corinthians 15:1-10 Luke 18:9-14 Collect for Trinity XI Almighty and Everlasting God, Who art always more ready to hear than we to pray and wont to give more than either we desire or deserve, pour down upon us the abundance of Thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.  Sermon on the Holy Gospel Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 1)          Jesus’ target audience for today’s parable were those “ who trusted in themselves...