Peace and Blessings
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
Minister
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
Minister
February 5, 2023 Restoring Beauty
January 29, 2023 The Vision is Beautiful
Matthew in his Gospel places the Beatitudes at the very beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and this sermon comes at the beginning of his ministry and also is considered as a prologue to the discipleship. The gospel passage for this Sunday St. Matthews 5:1-12, is the introductory part of the Sermon on the Mount.
In the closing verses of the fourth chapter of the St. Matthew gospel, Jesus having finished the calling of his disciples, begins teaching in the region of the Galilee and in the Synagogues of that region. People brought the sick to Jesus for healing, and great crowds were gathering from as far as Jerusalem, the Decapolis, Judea and areas beyond the Jordan. Seeing the crowds, Jesus gathers the disciples and goes up on a mountain.
View the entire short sermon.
Matthew in his Gospel places the Beatitudes at the very beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and this sermon comes at the beginning of his ministry and also is considered as a prologue to the discipleship. The gospel passage for this Sunday St. Matthews 5:1-12, is the introductory part of the Sermon on the Mount.
In the closing verses of the fourth chapter of the St. Matthew gospel, Jesus having finished the calling of his disciples, begins teaching in the region of the Galilee and in the Synagogues of that region. People brought the sick to Jesus for healing, and great crowds were gathering from as far as Jerusalem, the Decapolis, Judea and areas beyond the Jordan. Seeing the crowds, Jesus gathers the disciples and goes up on a mountain.
View the entire short sermon.
January 22, 2023 Called Together
The Gospel lesson for this Sunday St. Matthew 4:12-23, is so radical! It is radical to believe that people would leave their place of business to follow a teacher who said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." After Jesus had finished preaching a sermon in Capernaum, he took a stroll along the banks of the Sea of Galilee. In verses 18-19 we read “As Jesus walked by the seaside, he noticed two brothers - Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother - casting a net into the sea. He called out to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Peter and Andrew did not sit in the boat and reflect on what Jesus said to them. Apparently, they did not count the cost. Nor did they call a committee meeting. Nor did they form an association to provide them with support. Instead, they immediately left their nets and followed him.
This gospel passage is a marvelous mystery, on the one hand God works despite us, and on the other hand we are central to the plan God has of bringing salvation and wholeness to our world. Jesus made it clear that there are some specific things for men and women to do, ministries which God uses to do the kingdom-building work: like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, aiding the poor, visiting those in prison, witnessing to everyone about God's love revealed in Jesus. But for many in our society darkness prevails, as in Isaiah's day. Other gods than the Lord are being worshipped. Other ways of life than the way for which we are created are being followed. View the entire short sermon.
The Gospel lesson for this Sunday St. Matthew 4:12-23, is so radical! It is radical to believe that people would leave their place of business to follow a teacher who said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." After Jesus had finished preaching a sermon in Capernaum, he took a stroll along the banks of the Sea of Galilee. In verses 18-19 we read “As Jesus walked by the seaside, he noticed two brothers - Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother - casting a net into the sea. He called out to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Peter and Andrew did not sit in the boat and reflect on what Jesus said to them. Apparently, they did not count the cost. Nor did they call a committee meeting. Nor did they form an association to provide them with support. Instead, they immediately left their nets and followed him.
This gospel passage is a marvelous mystery, on the one hand God works despite us, and on the other hand we are central to the plan God has of bringing salvation and wholeness to our world. Jesus made it clear that there are some specific things for men and women to do, ministries which God uses to do the kingdom-building work: like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, aiding the poor, visiting those in prison, witnessing to everyone about God's love revealed in Jesus. But for many in our society darkness prevails, as in Isaiah's day. Other gods than the Lord are being worshipped. Other ways of life than the way for which we are created are being followed. View the entire short sermon.
Sunday January 15, 2023 All That We Are
The gospel reading for this Sunday is from St. John 1: 29 - 42. John the Evangelist reveals to us our role; to be a witness and to tell others that Jesus came to take away sin, Jesus is the Only Son of God and Jesus will baptize us in the Holy Spirit.
We find John the Baptist playing a particular role. John the Baptist was viewed by many as the top spiritual leader at the time. John the Baptist knew his true role was that of supporting Jesus who was the true spiritual leader at the time. John the Baptist knew that he had been born to play a certain role in the life of Israel and in the life of the Messiah. John the Baptist tells us in this passage that there was one who was coming after him that far outranked him. It would be this person who would take center stage and his role was that of being a witness.
In our passage we can also see another important personality John the disciple of Jesus and writer of John Gospel. History tells us that this person would later on be called the "disciple whom Jesus loved". Our writer at no time focuses on himself. Like John the Baptist John the evangelist (disciple of Jesus) understands that Jesus must be the focus. Both of them understand that Jesus outranks them. They understand that their role is that of being a witness for Jesus.
View the entire short sermon.
The gospel reading for this Sunday is from St. John 1: 29 - 42. John the Evangelist reveals to us our role; to be a witness and to tell others that Jesus came to take away sin, Jesus is the Only Son of God and Jesus will baptize us in the Holy Spirit.
We find John the Baptist playing a particular role. John the Baptist was viewed by many as the top spiritual leader at the time. John the Baptist knew his true role was that of supporting Jesus who was the true spiritual leader at the time. John the Baptist knew that he had been born to play a certain role in the life of Israel and in the life of the Messiah. John the Baptist tells us in this passage that there was one who was coming after him that far outranked him. It would be this person who would take center stage and his role was that of being a witness.
In our passage we can also see another important personality John the disciple of Jesus and writer of John Gospel. History tells us that this person would later on be called the "disciple whom Jesus loved". Our writer at no time focuses on himself. Like John the Baptist John the evangelist (disciple of Jesus) understands that Jesus must be the focus. Both of them understand that Jesus outranks them. They understand that their role is that of being a witness for Jesus.
View the entire short sermon.
Sunday January 8, 2023 Possibilities Unfolding
Dear Members and Friends:
Happy New Year!
I pray to God, to bless you all with joy, peace, prosperity, and good health in this New Year 2023.
Yes, Christmas is over, but the great and glorious challenge of responding to Christ's birth is just beginning. God has designed the world to work smoothly only when the needs and feelings of others are held in the same esteem as our own. God's design is for us to see every other person as sacred. In the first lesson for this Sunday, Isaiah 42 verse 3 we read “a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice”. Let us hope in this new Year 2023 we all take our turns at being bruised reeds and dimly burning wicks in our life. God cares for us right at those points. And we, as God's people, and surely as disciples of Jesus Christ, are called to go and do likewise. So, let's do it.
On this Epiphany Sunday we got to recollect the two important Sacrament of our church. Holy Communion, and Baptism. Our Baptism is a beginning. It is the desire to see the world differently, to see each other differently, and even to see ourselves differently. Baptism is a fresh start, not a destination. Baptism calls into question our previous lives, it does not bless them. Baptism is not a trial-free membership, but a rite of initiation into a way of life in which Jesus promised there would be trials. View the entire short sermon.
Dear Members and Friends:
Happy New Year!
I pray to God, to bless you all with joy, peace, prosperity, and good health in this New Year 2023.
Yes, Christmas is over, but the great and glorious challenge of responding to Christ's birth is just beginning. God has designed the world to work smoothly only when the needs and feelings of others are held in the same esteem as our own. God's design is for us to see every other person as sacred. In the first lesson for this Sunday, Isaiah 42 verse 3 we read “a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice”. Let us hope in this new Year 2023 we all take our turns at being bruised reeds and dimly burning wicks in our life. God cares for us right at those points. And we, as God's people, and surely as disciples of Jesus Christ, are called to go and do likewise. So, let's do it.
On this Epiphany Sunday we got to recollect the two important Sacrament of our church. Holy Communion, and Baptism. Our Baptism is a beginning. It is the desire to see the world differently, to see each other differently, and even to see ourselves differently. Baptism is a fresh start, not a destination. Baptism calls into question our previous lives, it does not bless them. Baptism is not a trial-free membership, but a rite of initiation into a way of life in which Jesus promised there would be trials. View the entire short sermon.
Sunday December 25, 2022 A Great Light (Entire Sermon)
Most of us are comfortable with the Christmas story. The Christmas music helps us to remember that the baby who was born in Bethlehem is Jesus, the Son of God, who brings great joy today. The shepherds heard the good news about the gift of Jesus. And because they shared the good news to the world, we too can sing joy to the world! I find it very interesting that God chose the shepherds to announce the birth of his son Jesus.
Luke does not tell us much about who the shepherds were. In chapter 2, verse 8 we read “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night (RSV).” Throughout the history of Israel, shepherding was a noble profession. Abel was the first to have this job, followed by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and of course, David. God calls Himself a shepherd and we are compared to sheep, which is anything but a compliment.
Christmas is sharing. Christmas is Holy. Christmas is Caring. Christmas is about much more than just sharing warm emotions and memories. It’s all about what God gives to each one of us. Christmas is about God’s faithfulness made tangible through history. It’s about how God has touched our lives with his love. So, what is Christmas? Well, Christmas is for People Who Have Nothing, and Christmas is for People Who Need Everything.
View the entire Sermon
Most of us are comfortable with the Christmas story. The Christmas music helps us to remember that the baby who was born in Bethlehem is Jesus, the Son of God, who brings great joy today. The shepherds heard the good news about the gift of Jesus. And because they shared the good news to the world, we too can sing joy to the world! I find it very interesting that God chose the shepherds to announce the birth of his son Jesus.
Luke does not tell us much about who the shepherds were. In chapter 2, verse 8 we read “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night (RSV).” Throughout the history of Israel, shepherding was a noble profession. Abel was the first to have this job, followed by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and of course, David. God calls Himself a shepherd and we are compared to sheep, which is anything but a compliment.
Christmas is sharing. Christmas is Holy. Christmas is Caring. Christmas is about much more than just sharing warm emotions and memories. It’s all about what God gives to each one of us. Christmas is about God’s faithfulness made tangible through history. It’s about how God has touched our lives with his love. So, what is Christmas? Well, Christmas is for People Who Have Nothing, and Christmas is for People Who Need Everything.
View the entire Sermon
Sunday December 18, 2022 Fourth Sunday of Advent
In our first reading for the fourth Sunday of advent Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14 we read, “Behold a young woman shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel." Isaiah foretold the birth of a child as a sign to King Ahaz of Judah that God would deliver his nation from the treachery of Syria and Israel. The name, Emmanuel, of course means "God with us." As modern scholars are quick to point out, the words of Isaiah may have had a much more immediate fulfillment in King Ahaz's time with the birth of a baby that signaled the defeat of Judah's enemies.
View the entire Short Sermon
In our first reading for the fourth Sunday of advent Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14 we read, “Behold a young woman shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel." Isaiah foretold the birth of a child as a sign to King Ahaz of Judah that God would deliver his nation from the treachery of Syria and Israel. The name, Emmanuel, of course means "God with us." As modern scholars are quick to point out, the words of Isaiah may have had a much more immediate fulfillment in King Ahaz's time with the birth of a baby that signaled the defeat of Judah's enemies.
View the entire Short Sermon
Sunday December 11, 2022 Third Sunday of Advent
The gospel reading for this third Sunday of Advent is St. Matthew 11: 2-11, in which Jesus redefines the greatness of John the Baptist. In verse 11 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” According to Jesus, greatness is not just a matter of impacting the world, leaving your mark. It’s something much more. What is greatness? What is Jesus’ criteria?
View the entire Short Sermon
The gospel reading for this third Sunday of Advent is St. Matthew 11: 2-11, in which Jesus redefines the greatness of John the Baptist. In verse 11 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” According to Jesus, greatness is not just a matter of impacting the world, leaving your mark. It’s something much more. What is greatness? What is Jesus’ criteria?
View the entire Short Sermon
Sunday December 4, 2022 Second Sunday of Advent
In all the gospels, we are given a picture of John the Baptist who comes before Jesus Christ and gives the people a message to get ready for the coming Messiah.
Our gospel passage for this Sunday is St. Matthews 3: 1-12. From this passage I want to take a look at what John the Baptist, man of God, told the people of Israel to do, to get ready for the coming of the Messiah. There are four key words that are spoken in this passage. We must heed to these words if we wish to fully prepare for Jesus at Christmastime. VIEW MORE
In all the gospels, we are given a picture of John the Baptist who comes before Jesus Christ and gives the people a message to get ready for the coming Messiah.
Our gospel passage for this Sunday is St. Matthews 3: 1-12. From this passage I want to take a look at what John the Baptist, man of God, told the people of Israel to do, to get ready for the coming of the Messiah. There are four key words that are spoken in this passage. We must heed to these words if we wish to fully prepare for Jesus at Christmastime. VIEW MORE
Sunday November 27, 2022 First Sunday of Advent
Today marks the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of preparation, a time of going toward the coming again of the Messiah, a time of great expectation and great anticipation. But exactly what is it that we anticipate? What are we getting ready for? What do we expect to happen? Do we anticipate the end of the world? Are we preparing our hearts and spirits to receive again the coming of the Christ child into the world? Or are we preparing for yet another month-long shopping spree – willfully and with malice aforethought squandering our bank accounts? VIEW MORE
Today marks the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of preparation, a time of going toward the coming again of the Messiah, a time of great expectation and great anticipation. But exactly what is it that we anticipate? What are we getting ready for? What do we expect to happen? Do we anticipate the end of the world? Are we preparing our hearts and spirits to receive again the coming of the Christ child into the world? Or are we preparing for yet another month-long shopping spree – willfully and with malice aforethought squandering our bank accounts? VIEW MORE