"A Reason for Rejoicing"

Proper 19.C.2019
Luke 15:1-10
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

The parables Jesus tells in today’s Gospel are about joy. A shepherd has compassion for a single errant sheep and leaves the ninety-nine in order to find and rescue it. Later, we are told that a woman searches diligently for a coin until it is discovered. Understandably, we tend to focus on issues of being lost and of being found. But what I believe is so often missed is the common denominator of joy that finds itself expressed best in the context of community.

"Making an Idol of Yourself"

Proper 13.C.2019
Luke 12:13-21
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

When Roy DeLamotte was chaplain at Paine College in Georgia, he preached the shortest sermon in the college’s history. However, he had a rather long topic: “What does Christ Answer When We Ask, “Lord, What’s in Religion for Me?” The complete content of his sermon was one word: “Nothing.” He later explained that the one word sermon was meant for people brought up in what he referred to as the ‘gimme-gimme’ gospel. When asked how long it took him to prepare the message, he said, “Twenty years.”

"Don't Let the Grass Grow On Your Path"

Proper 12.C.2019
Genesis 18:20-32, Luke 11:1-13
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Early African converts to Christianity were earnest and regular in their private devotions. It was customary for each individual to have a separate place where they would go to pour out their hearts to God. Over time, the paths to these private places of prayer became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect their life of prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, “Brother/or Sister, the grass grows on your path.”

"Just Do It"

Proper 10.C.2019
Deuteronomy 30:9-14 & Luke 10:25-37
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

The well-known athletic corporation, Nike, launched a slogan in 1988: “Just do it.” It’s been wildly successful, in part because it can be heard as intensely personal or universal in scope. So successful has this motto been that it has been trademarked. I like to think that Moses and Jesus could have put in a claim for the catchphrase as well. “Just do it.”

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