"Seeing Beyond the Stones"

Proper 28.B.24
Mark 13:1-8
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

I recall the first time I stepped foot into St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. I knew the building was large—but walking inside—well, it just about took my breath away. It was that grand. Everything was on a monumental scale. The sheer size of the place is overwhelming. It reminds me, a bit, of the great stones that caught the disciple’s attention as he left the temple in the Gospel passage appointed for today.

"The Power of Words"

Proper 19.B.24
James 3:1-12
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Sara, the church gossip and self-appointed supervisor of the church’s morals, kept sticking her nose into other people’s business. Several congregants were unappreciative of her activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

"How much can you give up?"

Proper 23.B.24
Mark 10:17-31
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

This morning I awoke to the sound of my iphone alarm in the rectory—a lovely home to live in with seven bedrooms—a rather ridiculous size for two people and their cats. I took a shower with hot running water and put on these clothes—which may not be the most stylish, but were not inexpensive.

I went to the kitchen, enjoyed my breakfast from a full fridge and pantry and rehearsed my sermon which I wrote on my Apple laptop.

"An Invitation to Wisdom's House"

Proper 15.B.24
Proverbs 9:1-6
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

For the vast majority of us, Wisdom is gained through experience—it is the accumulation of life lessons. That’s why we oftentimes associate wise people with being great in years. Yet, this is not always the case. Wisdom begins young—just listen to the following gleanings from children, who may not have years on their side, yet are clearly already following the path of the wise:

"Take a nap and have a snack"

Proper 14.B.24
1 Kings 19:4-8; John 6:35, 41-51
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Discouragement can be a devastating feeling. And, we’ve all been there. From the little leaguer whose team didn’t win a game all season, to the middle manager who is let go of their job as they approache 60, the high schooler who doesn’t get into the college of their choice, to those in failing relationships and others with mounting medical issues. Who among us, at some point in our lives, hasn’t felt like throwing up our hands and throwing in the towel.

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