Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas: Recent Episodes
John L. Blackburn
Fr. Blackburn preaches on Mark 2:23-3:6, which is a record of one of Jesus’ encounters of healing in the synagogue.
The Rev’d Dr Robert Certain, who is the interim rector of Church of the Messiah in Gonzales, Texas, was our guest preacher on this day. Fr. Certain is a retired Air Force airman who was also a POW during the Vietnam War.
Father Blackburn preaches on the Holy Trinity and the mystery of the relationship that the persons of the Godhead have with each other.
Father Blackburn preaches on Psalm 22, a portion of which was our Gradual Psalm this week.
As part of our Recovery Sunday Liturgy, the Rev’d Fr. Keith A. Davis preaches at Saint Christopher’s. Fr. Davis is part of our Diocesan Recovery Ministry and the Associate Rector of Saint George Church in San Antonio.
Father Blackburn and the Parish Church were invite to join Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Father Blackburn is the preacher.
A sermon for Holy Tuesday, 2024. The Lessons are Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and John 12:20-36.
Father Blackburn preaches on Numbers 21 and John 3, tying together the lifting up of the Serpent in the Desert and the lifting high of the Cross.
Fr. Blackburn preaches on the account of the Transfiguration from the Gospel According to Saint Mark.
Dr. Jason Dykehouse, an Old Testament Scholar and Author, preached our sermon gif Gaudete Sunday.
Dr. Garwood Anderson, Dean of Nashotah House Theological Seminary, preaches on the Second Sunday of Advent.
The Rev’d Dr. Todd Still, Dean of the G. W. Truett Seminary at Baylor University, gives this sermon in the First Sunday of Advent.
Father Blackburn preaches a sermon on why we gather to commemorate All the Faithful Departed.
The Venerable Mike Besson, Archdeacon of the Diocese of West Texas, preaches his Second Sermon during our Patronal Feast Day Celebration of Choral Evensong. His text for this sermon is Romans 12.
The Venerable Mike Besson, the Archdeacon of the Diocese of West Texas, preaches the Sermon during our Choral Eucharist celebrating our Patronal Feast Day and 65th Anniversary.
In this podcast the Rev’d Tom Turner delivers a sermon on Independence Day. Father Turner is the Priest-in-charge of Church of the Advent in Alice, Texas.
Father Blackburn preaches on two passages from today’s lectionary: Romans 6:1-11 & Matthew 10:24-39.
Today is the Feast of the Ascension. Father Blackburn preaches on the significance of this day in the life of the Church.
Here is a recording of the Sermon delivered during the Burial of Suzanne Cotton, by The Rev’d John L. Blackburn.
Father Blackburn explores Saint Peter’s admonition to grow into the fullness of Christ.
Fr Blackburn gives this sermon in the Doubting of Saint Thomas, on the Second Sunday in Eastertide.
Brother James Dennis delivers our Easter Day Sermon. His text is John 20 and Genesis 1. From all of us at Saint Christopher’s, Happy Easter.
Brother James Dennis preaches on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
Brother James Dennis, Master if the Anglican Order of Preacher, delivers out first Sermon on the Holy Triduum on Maundy Thursday. The Gospel Text is John 13:1-17, 31b-35.
Fr Blackburn preaches a homily for the Spy Wednesday Eucharist. The Text is from John 13:21-32.
From all of the parishioners of Saint Christopher’s Parish, we wish you a happy, joyful, and peaceful Christmastide.
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America. It is also a Feast Day in the Episcopal Church. We come to firstly render our thanksgiving, praises and prayers to God.
Today is the Feast of All Saints, when the Church remembers our forebears in Faith. Father Blackburn preaches the sermon this evening.
Today’s Gospel Lesson is the story of Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus through a crowd of people. But, the story hinges on not the tree climbing, but the transformation of Zacchaeus by the presence of Jesus. Father Blackburn retells this story, which is found in Luke 19.
Fr. Blackburn preaches a sermon on the parable of the unrighteous man’s prayer. You can find the scripture referenced in Luke 18:9-14
The Exile from Jerusalem was a pivotal moment in time in the lives of the Jewish people; yet God continued to display his faithfulness to them. Father Blackburn explores the implications of lost and hurt, showing that these do not signal the end. Our scripture comes from Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7.
This is a re-recording of the sermon from our annual Blessing of the Animals Liturgy, which was held on October 1st.
One of the primary ways we follow Jesus is by being a servant for him. In todays sermon, from Luke 17:5-10, Jesus gives us a description of what that looks like. Father Blackburn is the preacher.
In his First Letter to Saint Timothy, Saint Paul describes a few prayers that we should be saying every day. In today's Sermon, Father Blackburn explores these prayers and calls us to become living prayers.
What does it mean to be lost? It might mean that you are lost in a forest, that you are lost in your daily life, or even lost to the Church. Jesus comes to find us, because he is a shepherd who knows how to find lost sheep and people
Jesus calls us to "carry our cross" in Luke 14:25-33. Father Blackburn explains what that means in our modern world, in our lives, and in our discipleship as Christians.
One of the most celebrated Chapters of the New Testament is found in the Letter to the Hebrews. Chapter 11 and the beginning of 12 is a litany of faith, culminating in the climatic "Therefore!" In this sermon, Father Blackburn discusses the roles of saints in our lives and how they point us to Jesus, not for their glory, but for his.
We all have stuff...and maybe admittedly too much stuff. Jesus warns us about the dangerous of having too much stuff and what the remedy is for it. The Passage for today is from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 12, beginning in verse 32.
In his letter to the Colossians, Saint Paul implores us to "set our minds on things that are above". But the second portion of the lesson tells us to be dead to sin. In this sermon, Father Blackburn gives us the reasons why we must put sin to death in our lives, and a few basic tools to use to examine our living.
July 25th (in some places it is July 24th) is the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, Saint Christopher. But what is a patron Saint, and why are they important. Father John explains and explores these questions, and tells part of Saint Christopher's legend of carrying the Christ Child across a river.
Jesus gives us the Lord's Prayer as a model for all of our other prayers. But, do we really think about what we are say? In this Sermon, Father Blackburn gives rather slowly through each line of the Lord's Prayer and helps us think about what we are saying to God.
Our lesson for today comes from the Gospel of Saint Luke, Chapter 10, beginning in verse 38. Jesus, Martha and Mary.
Today's Gospel Lesson is the parable of the Good Samaritan, one of the most famous of Jesus' parables.
On July 4th, our Independence Day, Saint Christopher's welcomed the Rev'd Dexter Lesieur, the Vicar of Devine, as our guest preacher for the day. Father Dexter took his text from Matthew 5, beginning in verse 43.
Due to a slight technical difficulty, the first sentence or two of his sermon did not get recorded. However, the rest of the sermon does, indeed, remain intact.
Jesus sends 70 of his followers out to prepare the cities and town that he is to visit for his arrival. And he sends them with great urgency as he has set his face to Jerusalem; he is headed there to complete his work. Father Blackburn explores the meaning of this for the 70 men who were sent out, but also what that sending looks like for us today. Our passage is from Luke 10:1-11, 16-20.
Saint Paul, writing to the Galatians reminds them that we are set free in Christ Jesus from the grace and mercy of his gift of redemption. But then what? Father Blackburn explains what freedom is, what it means for us, and how we are to live into that freedom. The text is taken from Galatians 5:1, 13-25.
Today, we read a passage from Luke 8, and the healing of a man with a "Legion" of demons in control of him. Jesus heals, or excorcisis these demon from him, and in doing so displays the Justice of God, as well as the restoration of the man. Father Blackburn explores this passage and ask, "What do we need Jesus to also remove from our lives?"
Today is Trinity Sunday, the day when we call to mind in a specific way the nature of the Triune God: The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But, sometimes we forget how we relate to the Trinity as well, and our vocation as the Image Bearers of God. Father Blackburn preaches this sermon about one of the great mysteries of the Church.
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that is given to us is the Peace of Christ. It is something that Jesus both promised and gave to his disciples. But what does that peace truly look like, and how do we know what it is? In this sermon, preached on the Feast of Pentecost, Father Blackburn shows the stark contrast between the peace of the world and the peace of Jesus.
After a tragedy like another school shooting, a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, we sometimes turn to prayer, or as many officials say, thoughts and prayers. But sometimes, we say our prayers, and then do nothing. So, what is the just and proper use of prayer? Father Blackburn reflects on the purpose of prayer, how it has informed and shaped the course of history, and what our prayer should be.
The Feast of the Ascension is part of the Great 50 Days of Easter. Yet, it is one of the mysterious days, as it is hard to wrap our minds around what the ascension means for Jesus and also what it means for us. Father Blackburn gives this sermon at our Ascension Day Liturgy.
The sermon from a Requiem Mass held at Saint Christopher's by-the-sea on Wednesday, 25 May at 5:30 p.m.
Today, the Church celebrates and prays for the land, the produce of farms and livestock, and all things that give us sustenance. But, how does that relate to understanding of Creation now and the age to come. Father Blackburn reflects on New Creation, Stewardship of Creation, and all the things that give us blessings in this life.
Acts 11:1-18 records Saint Peter retelling a story about what he had experienced with a group of Gentiles who had come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. During the time together, Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, but he needed to give an explanation to the Church in Jerusalem as they questioned his wisdom and judgement. Father Blackburn explores the assumptions made by both Peter and the Jewish Christians and how we sometimes find ourselves in the same mind as they are.
We apologize that this sermon appears later than usual; there were a few technical difficulties with the recording equipment, and Father Blackburn had to record it after the Sunday Liturgy.
Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd, but he is also the True Paschal Lamb. Our reading is from the 7th Chapter of the Book of Revelation.
The final chapter of Saint John's Gospel has Jesus asking Simon Peter how much peter love him. And the answer is less that satisfying. How do we move away from being fond of Jesus to truly loving Jesus. The Sermon today is preached by the Rev'd. John Blackbuurn.
The Story of Doubting Thomas goes to us during Eastertide on the Second Sunday of Easter, as today, this evening in fact, is when Jesus reveals himself to Thomas. But, how often are we "Thomases"? How often do we need just a nudge to come to belief and faith. Father Blackburn explores some of these questions during his sermon this morning. The Gospel passage, from which this sermon is based, is from John 20.
Our Gospel Lesson from Evening Prayer on Easter Day comes from the Gospel according to Saint Luke. In this passage, two disciples encounter the Risen Jesus while on the road to Emmaus, and they do not recognize him. Father Blackburn ask questions that many of us might be asking as we think and ponder on this reading. The Scripture this Sermon is based on is Luke 24:13-35.
For Centuries, the Christian Church has gather on this night to wait in vigil for Easter Morning, the morning of the Resurrection. Some of these Vigils lasted all night with readings—far more than we read this evening—and some even recited the entire book of Psalm into the night and early morning hours until the first rays of daylight shone through windows or broke on the horizon until they celebrated the Easter Eucharist.
Sometimes, sermons, and multiple sermons at that, were preached after each reading, but the Principal sermon, the one that everyone held their breath for was the Sermon after the Gospel reading recounting the Resurrection account. Among those who preached sermons on Easter that we have recorded is Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople. Saint John, whose nick-name Chrysostom means, “Golden-mouthed” has been known for these sixteen hundred years as one of the finest preachers to stand in the pulpit. It was become customary at the Great Vigil of Easter to read a portion of this sermon he preached around 400 AD. In it, you will hear Saint Chrysostom reference people who come at different hours, which is an illusion to a parable of Jesus about the workers who come at different hours during the day to labor in the fields.
This is the sermon from our Liturgy for Good Friday, 2022. Father Blackburn is the preacher.
Today the Church celebrates Maundy Thursday, the giving of the New Commandment as well as the command and institution of the Lord's Supper, or the Holy Eucharist. Part of the rites for this evening is the Ceremony of Foot-washing, the symbol of love and discipleship. The other is that of Passover and our own redemption from Sin. Father Blackburn explains these two rites in this sermon.
Today is Spy Wednesday, the day by tradition that Judas betrayed our Blessed Lord to the Chief Priests. Father Blackburn asks the question, "When have you betrayed Jesus"?
One of the prophecies that weaves its way through both the Old and the New Testaments is the giving of Israel and the Messiah as the Light to the Nations. Jesus, himself, speaks about light, and how he is the Light of the World. This Light draws all men to God, and is found in many place in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others. And once the light draws men, then they come to the House of Prayer, the Temple, where these Greeks that we meet find Jesus. This sermon picks up on the theme of Light, Israel as the Light, Jesus as the Light, and how we are also to be Light. This sermon is preached by Father Blackburn.
During Holy Week, we hear the four Servant Songs found in Isaiah, as well as recall the events of Holy Week as told to us by Saint John's Gospel. Fig Monday, the first day of Holy Week, calls us to remember both the first Servant Song, as well as the events at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary after Lazarus has been raised from the dead. The scripture passages are Isaiah 42:1-9 and John 12:1-11. Father Blackburn is the preacher this evening.
Today, the Church celebrates Palm Sunday, sometimes known as the Sunday of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. We gather before the service away from the Church to form a procession into the Nave. We then hear the Passion of our Lord as told be the Gospel according to Saint Luke. And we bury Jesus. But why do we do this? Why do we reenact all of this drama? And what does all of this mean for us? Father Blackburn's sermon for this Palm Sunday asks us to draw nearer in Christ and into deeper relationship with him.
This morning, Saint Christopher's was pleased to welcome the The Rev'd Eric Tarver. Pastor Tarver is the preacher and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beeville, Texas. His Sermon today was about the role and the cost of worship our Blessed Lord. We were also happy to welcome the members of the Bethlehem Baptist Church Choir to sing in our Liturgy.
Pastor Tarver's text was the beginning of the 12th Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John.
The parable of the Prodigal Son is one that is familiar to many people, both Christian and non-Christian alike. It is a story that rings true throughout different times and cultures. But, what happens if we look at it with rather fresh eyes? Father Blackburn's sermon examines all the characters in this story and asks us, "Who are we today?"
Lent is a season that calls us to repentance. But sometimes, we really don't know what repentance means, or how to go about it. And, something else that we tend to do from time to time is to worry about everyone else's sins and short-coming instead of our own. In today's Gospel Lesson, Jesus is asked questions about where or not people who die tragically are more sinful than the rest, and Jesus response is both shocking, helpful, and honest. Father Blackburn explores the themes of repentance, amendment of life, and looking into our own selves in this sermon. The Scripture Passage is from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, Chapter 13, beginning at the first verse.
As Christians, we are already Citizens of Heaven. Saint Paul is explaining this to the Church in Phillipi, which is a Roman city and province. But, what does it look like or what does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? Fr. Blackburn discusses this in his sermon during the Second Sunday in Lent. The Scripture reference is Philippians 3:17-4:1.
Spiritual warfare is something that is a reality that all Christians face. It is in the world around us, in our thoughts, our habits. Jesus himself underwent warfare with the world, the flesh and the devil. Today's sermon is about the Temptations of Jesus as they are recording in the Gospel of Luke. Father Blackburn is the preacher, and explains to us what Jesus' temptations meant for him, and what they mean for us as well.
Today is the First Day of Lent, commonly known as Ash Wednesday Lent is a season of fasting, penance, prayer, and seeing some of the places where we all fall short of God's will for us, and were we love sin rather than love God. Father Blackburn preaches this sermon on Ash Wednesday Evening just before we are called to repentance and to have ashes imposed upon us.
Today is the Last Sunday of Epiphany, also known as Quinquagesima, or approximately 50 days before Easter. With the revision of the Lectionary in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, each year we read the story of the Transfiguration from one of the Gospel accounts. This year, the reading come from the Gospel of Luke. But, we are also only a few days removed from the outbreak of War in the Ukraine, and we must always remember to hold in the balance the Bible and the news; Karl Barth said something about preaching with the Bible in one hand and the Newspaper in the other. Which leads to this sermon in which we look at the Glory of Christ with our eyes open to him, but also to the world around us, both internationally and locally. This Scripture referenced is from Luke 9, and Father Blackburn is the preacher
This is an audio version of the Sermon from the Burial Services for two sisters, Elizabeth Ann Bradford Taylor Brown and Susan Elaine Bradford. Both sisters had died over a year ago, but because of the Covid-19 global pandemic, the families did not think it wise to gather family and friends together until now. The sermon is preached by Father Blackburn, the Priest-in-Charge of Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea. The readings, not included on this podcast but referenced in the sermon include Wisdom 3:1-5, 9; Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39, and John 11:21-27.
Saint Luke's Gospel presents us with a version of the Beatitudes that are different from the account we have in Matthew. Alongside the "blessed are those", Luke records Jesus pronouncing a series of "woes" upon the rich, upon those who are fed. Father Blackburn's sermon for this, Septuagesima Sunday, calls on the parish, and each of us as individuals, to evaluate if we are truly living into our calling as Christians.
One of the most stupendous episodes in the Hebrew Scriptures is Isaiah's vision of God seated on a throne in the Temple in Jerusalem, which is found in Isaiah 6. It is the episode that defines Isaiah's life as a prophet. Each week, we as Christians gather in "temples" all of the globe, and we encounter God each week; but what do we do because of it? In this Sermon, Father Blackburn asks the question, "Do we sometimes ignore our call because we think we are unworthy?"
In the Gospel according to Saint John, the Second Chapter opens with Jesus, his mother, and the disciples attending a wedding in Cana. During the festivities, the wine runs out, and Jesus is pressed to do something by his mother. What occurs is the first of the Signs that Saint John records Jesus performing while on earth. But, what does changing water in six stone jars really mean? Father Blackburn's sermon gives some insight into what Saint John the Evangelist is pointing to, and how we, ourselves, are sometimes empty stone jars. The Scripture reference is John 2:1-11
Sometimes, we ask ourselves questions that are more existential in nature; questions about who we are and why we are here. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we as Christians take on a new identity, and it is that of Christ. The question then becomes, "How do we live into that identity and purpose?" Father Blackburn preaches a sermon today, on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, using Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 as the primary Scripture Reference.
The only story that we have in the gospels from Jesus' childhood is the story of him in the temple, sitting with the teachers there, while Mary and Joseph look franticly for him. In that story there are many subtle hints that we can draw about not only who Jesus is, but also who we should be as well. Fr. Blackburn explores this passage and asks the question of all Christians, "How well do we truly know our Holy Scriptures?" The passage for today's reading is Luke 2:41-52.
Names, like brands, sometimes define who we are, or at least who we want to be. But, as Christians, we bear the Name of Jesus out into the world. On the Feast of the Holy Name, Fr. Blackburn explains, using the image of marketing and branding, what names mean to us. As we all begin this new year, let us commit to wear the Name of Jesus daily so that we may draw others unto the Lord.
This morning, the world learned the news that The Most Rev'd Desmond Tutu, the former Archbishop of Cape Town died at the age of 90 on the Day after Christmas. One of the phrases that "The Arch" used in his sermons and talks was that we are all "God-bearers", people made in the image of God. How does that square with celebrating the second day of Christmas? In this morning's sermon, Father Blackburn explores what the preparations for Christmas looked like, but also what our role is now. The Scripture Reference for today is Isaiah 61:10-62:3. May Desmond rest in peace and rise again in glory.
On Christmas Morning, we hear the Prologue to Saint John's Gospel. In this portion of the First Chapter of Saint John's Gospel, John unfolds the Mystery of the Incarnation. Using images that relate back to Genesis 1, John tells us who Jesus is, and what it means for Christ, the Word to come into this world. This Sermon was preached by Father Blackburn on Christmas Morning. The Scripture References are John 1:1-14, The Letter to the Hebrews 1:1-12, and Saint Paul's Letter to the Philippians 2:6 & 7.
On Christmas Eve, we remember the story of the Birth of Jesus, the angels singing to the shepherds, of Mary and Joseph unable to find room in the inn. It is a story that we all know rather well. Tonight's sermon, preached by Father Blackburn, asks us to consider the message of the angels to the Shepherds, and who it is that we celebrate this night. The Scripture references that Father Blackburn uses for this sermon are Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. On behalf of the Clergy, Vestry and Parish of Saint Christopher's, we wish you all a very happy Christmastide.
Sometimes we are rather unkind to Saint Thomas. But, one of the things we should do is look to Thomas as one of our examples of a life of faith and reconversion. This sermon was preached by Father Blackburn on the occasion of his First Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood.
The Magnificat, sometimes known as the Song of Mary, is a song of praise and remembering to God for the wonders he has done, and will do in Creation. Mary's song is a look back to what to coming of God looks like, but also is a look forward to what we know the world looks like when God comes again. On this, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Father Blackburn looks into the joy of Mary's song and asks how can each of us begin to make the opening verse of, "My Soul doth magnify Lord" their own personal song of joy and remembrance. The Magnificat and the passage for today are found in the Gospel according to Saint Luke, Chapter 1, beginning in verse 39.
Today we are introduced to Saint John the Baptist and his fiery sermon on the banks of the River Jordan. Sometimes we can't get past the image of John and move into the heart of his message of repentance. Part of what John says is needed for repentance is learning to live a life pleasing to God and in compassion for your neighbor. Father Blackburn asks the question today, "Are we living lives that are bearing good fruit?" The Scripture passage for today's sermon is Luke 3:7-18.
One of the beloved Canticles that is found in the Gospel according to Luke is the Song of Zechariah, which is would in the first chapter of Luke. In that Song of Praise, Zechariah is telling all who would hear that God has come, and the birth of his son, who would be known to many as John the Baptizer, is the signal that God was beginning to do a new thing--the coming of the Messiah.
Today is the First Sunday of Advent, and it is the beginning of our new Liturgical Year. What does that mean for us as Christians, and why do we even worry about liturgical years. The Gospel for today, Luke 21:25-36, is one of the passages of Jesus giving us a glimpses of things yet to come. But, the focus of the passage is one our preparedness. What are we to do to get ready for not only the "End Times", but also when things are rough in our daily life? Father Blackburn gives some keys to living into a life so we are alert and on guard.
This sermon was delivered on Thanksgiving Day, 2021 during a service of Holy Communion. Father Blackburn preaches on the theme that someone who is truly thankful shows it not only by saying "thank you", but by living into thankfulness. The phrase "Thanks-living" comes from one of his former professors, the Rev'd Dr. Terry York, who has been a guest in the pulpit at Saint Christopher's earlier this year. On behalf of the Clergy and Vestry of Saint Christopher's, we wish everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day.
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. It is a day for us to reflect about Christ's sovereign rule of heaven, the world, the cosmos and even other our very lives. Fr. Blackburn describes what the Kingship of Jesus looks like in this world and in this present age. The Scripture passage for today is John 18:33-37.
Jesus and his disciples have come into Jerusalem for the Passover Festival, and the disciples are in awe of the Temple Structure and Complex. As they are looking around, Jesus gives a prediction and prophecy concerning the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. In the life of Saint Christopher's Parish, we are living on the other side of a traumatic event that occurred 35 years ago. How can we take hope, and how can we be stewards, and how can we express gratitude to God and the Lamb as we live on this side of our own Temple Destruction. Father Blackburn is the preacher and the text is Mark 13:1-8.
One of the Spiritual Disciplines that Christians practice is Stewardship. Stewardship is not as much about raising money for the Parish or the Church, but instead is one of the ways in which we offer thanks to God for all the blessings of this life. Many times, what we regard stewardship as the dreaded season of the church when we talk--perhaps guilt people--about giving back to God. The story of the Scribes and the Widow is a perfect example of what we should be looking at, and also what we should be looking for. Father Blackburn is the preacher, and the passage is Mark 12:38-44.
All Souls' Day is when the Church gathers to remember those who have died in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, but in a more personal way. This is when we remember our parents, our spouses, our children and our friends. It is also when we remember the people of our local churches who have impacted us. This is the sermon from All Souls' Day on November 2nd, 2021. Fr. Blackburn is the preacher.
Who or what are the Saints of the Church? Are they super heroes with super power? Are they the devoutly religious? Are the special people or just common ordinary Christians. In this sermon preached on All Saints' Day in 2021, Fr. Blackburn answers some of these questions that have been asked for hundreds of years about. Who is a saint? Can I be a saint? And, what makes a saint a Saint (notice the Capital "S" verses the lower case "s")?
In our passage from the Gospel according to Saint Mark, Jesus is asked what the most important of the commandments in the Jewish Law is. He responds with the "Sh'ma", a traditional part of the Jewish prayer life as well as one other commandment, in essence taking two points of Law and transforming them into one. In today's Sermon, Fr. Blackburn explores what it means to love God, to love our neighbors, but also how we should love ourselves. This passage is found in the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 12, beginning in verse 28.
Blind Bartimaeus is sitting by the roadside while Jesus is traveling from Jericho to Jerusalem. He calls out to Jesus, who restores his sight. How can the Church implore our Blessed Lord to help us see again, see with renewed sight. Father Blackburn's sermon speaks about being Spiritually Blind, and what we are to do once our vision is given to us. The Scripture Passage is found in Mark 10:46-52.
Father Blackburn examines Mark 10:35-45 and the request of the Sons of Zebedee, who ask that they sit on the right hand and the left hand of Jesus in glory. How often do we ask God for things that are in reality really not good for us?
One of the painful things to talk about in Church is divorce. Divorce is always tragic and destroys relationships and families. Jesus teaches about divorce and how wrong it is, but he does this through his view of what Marriage is meant to be. Listen as Father Blackburn discusses what our Gospel passage means and how the view of the Jesus and his Church points ultimately to God's loving purposes for Creation.
Saint Christopher's Church gathered on Saturday, 2 October 2021, for their annual Blessing of the Animals, which is always a fun and lively event. We celebrate it in commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his love of all of God's Creation. However, we sometimes forget a few things about Francis, and how he ministered to the poor, began an order of monks, and also his preaching. Fr. Blackburn's homily looks at the life of Saint Francis and teaches us how we can all be a little more like him.
Prayer, spending time with God, is essential for us to grow and develop as Christians. It is how we grow in relationship with God, and how we also learn more about God and our place within God's kingdom. Prayer should become for us a way of life, and state of being. Father Blackburn explores many aspects of prayer in today's sermon, which is taken from James 5:13-20.
N.B.: In editing the recording, the very last word of the sermon was clipped off; if you find this to be the case and are curious, please know that the final word is "practice".
What does it take to be the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Jesus answers this question in our Gospel passage of the day. Join us as Fr. John explores what servanthood looks like in this world. The Scripture references are Mark 9:30-37 and James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Something we see time after time in the Gospels is someone, or a group of people, bringing the sick to Jesus. And they ask, or intercede on their behalf, Jesus to heal or restore them. What does intercession look like? And why do we intercede for others?
When does a ritual outlive its usefulness? One possible answer is when the reason for the ritual no longer holds any meaning. In Mark 7, Jesus addresses this question, and the questions that surrounds Jewish purity laws our obligations to our Lord.
Today's Gospel reading come from the end of our John 6 readings that we have been working through for the last month. Jesus has been teaching about the Bread of Life, and how he himself is the Life of the World. At the end of this, several disciples say that this teaching is "Too difficult", and leave Jesus' company. Yes, Christianity, and following the teaching of Jesus is difficult. Listen as Fr. Blackburn explores what it means to be living into this difficult teaching.
We conclude our reading of John 6 in our Liturgy. Fr. Blackburn explores some of the particulars about why Jesus statement is so troubling to his hearers, and even to us. But, we also learn that Jesus giving of him is the source of true life in this world.
We continue our "sermon series" through the John 6, and the discussion about the Bread of Life. Jesus says that he is the bread of life, yet how often do we take him at his word. Fr. Blackburn discusses that we eat this bread to bring life to us, and that by eating the Bread of Life, we learn to recognize Jesus in the world.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, Saint Christopher’s Church joined Saint Andrew’s Church, Corpus Christi. Fr. Blackburn was the preacher.
John 6 is a chapter full of imagery of bread, feeding and Jesus speaking about himself being the Bread of Life. Over the next few weeks, we will be diving into John 6 and exploring what the Bread of Life is, does, and how we feed on Jesus in our Eucharistic Feast.
This address is from our Patronal Feast Day Banquet, which was held on 24 July 2021. This address was given during the banquet, and the initial recording included many distraction, like plates and forks rattling, and glass of water and wine being tinked. This is a re-recording of the address which was recorded about a week later and in Fr. John's office. We hope that you enjoy it.
At Choral Evensong on Sunday, 25 July 2021, The Rev'd John Blackburn, the Priest-in-Charge of Saint Christopher's Church, preached a sermon to help the Parish learn the significance of Icons in Christian Worship. Following this sermon, the Icon of Saint Christopher was dedicated and hung in the Sanctuary. Choral Evensong was the closing event of our Patronal Feast Day Weekend. We hope you will join us soon, and come see our Icon as well.
Many Churches are named for a Saint, and they become that Patron, the person whom the identity of Parish takes on a special meaning. On Sunday, 25th July, The Rev'd John L. Blackburn preached a sermon at our morning Mass on Saint Christopher.
As Christians our call, as we follow the examples of Jesus, is to do the works that he did; preach the Gospel, heal the sick, feed the hungry. But something that Jesus did, which we are also called to do, but we sometimes neglect, is our need for Sabbath and rest, a time for restoration. As you listen to this podcast, ponder ways in which you can honor God in your rest and restoration, so you can be refreshed for the work ahead. This is sermon is based on Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
Saint John the Baptist is known in the New Testament for two primary event: The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan and his execution by King Herod Antipas. But, the question is, what led to his execution? He had been a popular prophet, had attracted crowds, and it is said that Herod even enjoyed listening to him. Father John looks at all of these questions and asks the question, "What happens if we are like Saint John the Baptist today?" This scriptural reference is Mark 6:14-29
This week, we were honored to welcome The Rev'd Dr. Terry York into our Pulpit. Dr. York is the Professor of Christian Worship at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Dr. York preached to Saint Christopher's on Saint Paul's passage from 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. Please enjoy this sermon from our dear friend.
In the Gospel according to Saint Mark, we have a story of Jesus being called by Jairus to come and heal his daughter. On his way there, a women who has been sick for 12 years comes and touches Jesus' clothes, and she is healed. As they are talking, so people come to Jairus and tell him that his daughter has died. In today's sermon, Fr. John invites us to engage with the story as if we were directing a television show, looking at some of the small details in the story that we might miss if we are not careful. The passage this sermon is based on is Mark 5:21-43
Today's Gospel reading is Mark's account of Jesus calming the storm while he and his disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee. The question the Disciples as Jesus is why he doesn't care that they are being swamped with water from the storm. We have all sorts of storms that swamp us, be it financial concerns, illnesses, and other that batter us each day. Fr. John's sermon focuses on the question of, "Does God even care, or is God even powerful enough to save us from these storms?
The Scripture reference is Mark 4.35-41.
When we are become Christians, and are baptized, one of the fundamental teachings of the Church is that we are made into a New Creation. In this sermon drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:6-17, Fr. Blackburn discusses what that New Creation begins to look like for us today.
In the Gospel of Mark, there is a passage in Chapter 3 were Jesus' Mother and Brothers have come looking for him because they are concerned about him. Jesus begins to discuss who is true family is, but also issues a few warnings about our perception of his work that he is doing. Fr. John takes the passage and breaks it down until, ultimately describing the work of the church that is needed today, even if it comes to great risk to our selves.
One of our great doctrines and also theological mysteries is that of the One, Holy and Undivided Trinity; the essence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a heady subject that has sparked debates and clashes over the centuries. But, how are we to know and understand something as seemly simple but also complex as the Trinity. Fr. John gives a brief outline of the Trinity's history as we understand it and also shows what the prime lesson we can learn from it is.
Today is the Feast of Pentecost, when we recount the Coming of the Holy Spirit on the Disciples. Some refer to this as the birthday of the Church. But, what does the coming of the Holy Spirit look like today, in 2021? As many churches begin to fully emerge from our isolation and lock-down, what can we learn about how to be the Church now, today? Father John explores these questions with answers taken from the account in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles as to what the disciples did.
Also, we apologize for the quality of the recording: Father John has a rather scratchy and deep voice--different from his usual tenor. It is allergy season in South Texas, and the pollen had "attacked" him during the weekend.
Just prior to his betrayal, arrest, and subsequent crucifixion, Jesus prays for his disciples in their coming hour as he prepares to depart from them. But, what we sometimes forget is that Jesus is also praying for us, and for all Christians and believers in every age. Jesus, as we celebrated on Thursday, has ascended into heaven, is now seated on the right hand of God in power and glory, and is our Intercessor.
The Feast of the Ascension sermon by The Rev’d Gerald Phelps. This was from a joint service held at Saint Christopher’s Church, with St. Andrew’s Church, Corpus Christi visiting us.
Our sermon today is based on the final portion of Acts 10, and the astonishment of the Jews who were with Simon Peter that Gentiles had received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Fr. John's sermon today expresses our need to not be astonished, but rather to work actively where we are to proclaim the Gospel.
In the First Epistle of Saint John, we have this passage that explains that God is love, that the very nature of God is love, and it is our nature as well. But, what does this love look like, and what does it mean to love like God loves. Fr. John breaks down what agape love (the word used in this passage repeatedly) look like in our common life as Christians today. If you wish to read the passage, it is 1 John 4:7-21
In the Gospel of John, Jesus calls himself the "Good Shepherd". Today, not many of us know what all a shepherd does, and what sheep require. As we consider what makes a shepherd good, we also much think about what makes good sheep. Fr. John explores these thoughts in today's sermon, given on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, sometimes known as "Good Shepherd Sunday".
Each of us use two primary sources of knowledge or knowing in our everyday life. There is the rational and reasoned knowing; the knowing that comes when we figure things out. Then there is also knowledge that we have from gaining experience, memorizing tables for math, and reading. How do these two interact when it comes to our faith and our knowledge of who Jesus is. Fr. John preaches on the Gospel of Luke's account of the Disciples first interaction with Jesus following the resurrection. The passages used in today's sermon are Luke 24:36-48 and 1 John 3:1-7.
What do we need to come to faith? That is at the heart of the Gospel when we read about Thomas and others who need something, some message from Jesus to become believing. Today, we look and exam Saint Thomas and what was so convincing to him that Jesus truly was his Lord and God.
We are an Easter People, and our joy cannot be contained on Easter Day. Join us as Father John talks about what Easter is, and what Resurrection means for us. The Gospel reading for this morning is John 20:1-18. Let Easter Music Swell!!! May all of you who listen have a joyful, holy and blessed Eastertide.
This evening’s sermon was written quite a long time ago, around the year 400 AD to be only semi-exact. Yet, by the year 400, this very act of keeping Vigil as we have been and are doing now was already an old custom, and in many ways seemed ancient to those believers as well. But yet, on this most Holy of all Nights, we watch, and we remember just as Saint John Chrysostom did all those many years ago.
It has become a tradition in the Orthodox Church and in many Anglican and Episcopal Churches to read this sermon of Saint John Chrysostom on this night. It is a welcoming sermon, a sermon inviting all to come and enjoy the heavenly feast.
Saint John was given the title “Chrysostom”, which means “Golden-mouthed”, because of his eloquent speaking and highly charged sermons. When he preached this sermon, John Chrysostom was the Archbishop of Constantinople, present day Istanbul in Turkey. Much could be said about him and his life, but that will have to wait for another time. Instead, travel back to the year 400 on a dark night just like now, and you have seen and heard everything we have just said and done, and now, you hear these word of Saint John Chrysostom:
Good Friday calls us to remember the Love of Christ in a profound way. If you wish to read the passages of Scripture related to this sermon, please read the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John, which with Chapter 18 and is read through the end of Chapter 19
We have finally ended our Lenten Journey and arrived at Palm Sunday, the beginning of Passion Week. We have shouted Hosanna and proclaimed Jesus as our King. And we have then turned on him, and crucified him in our Gospel reading. What has happened? Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians exhorts us to "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus". Join us as we explore what having the same mind looks like for a Christian, and how we can live more fully into our Christian calling.
In John's Gospel, Jesus is sought out by some Greeks, people who more than likely were Non-Jews, who are in Jerusalem for the Festival of Passover. While they are there, they find Philip and say to him, "We wish to see Jesus". Today's sermon explores this phrase and what seeing Jesus means for us today. The passage is John 12:20-33.
One of the ways that we show our love and affections for people is be gathering and remembering. We celebrate birthdays, but we also remember events, like Independence Day. As the Church, we gather and remember as well. But our remembering takes on a different flavour and a different purpose. As we explore the depths of God's love for us, Fr. John leads us in thinking more about how we are to show the Love of God in our lives, as why gathering is crucial for our Christian Way of Life. The Gospel lesson is John 3:14-21.
Today's Gospel passage is John's recording of Jesus Cleansing the Temple. Jesus drives out the money changers and says, "Stop making my Father's house into a market place." But, what is Jesus saying to his church today? What can we learn from the cleansing of the Temple about our Church's own needs today. Fr. Blackburn explores how the Temple of the past and the Church of the present are suppose to be and what work we should be doing. The Scripture reference for this sermon is John 2:13-22.
Today, we hear some rather hard words from Jesus; words about taking up our crosses, forsaking our lives, and of dying to self. What does that mean for us. Fr. John gives us some words of guidance and also of commission in what living a Cross-Shaped Life looks like. The Text for this morning is St. Mark 8:31-38.
Today's Gospel Reading is one of the accounts of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, when Jesus appears, with Moses and Elijah, arrayed in dazzling white, while several of his disciples look on. It is one in a series of changes that we have been seeing throughout our season of Epiphany. Why is it necessary for this "change" to occur? What does it mean for us? And, perhaps most importantly, what does it mean for us? Father John explores these questions as we ponder this account from the beginning of Chapter 9 of Mark's Gospel.
When Jesus comes to us, and restores us, one of our first responses is to serve him. We learn from Simon's Mother-in-law that serving our Lord is done through gratitude, and is part of how we give our thanks to God. One of our modern day example is Captain Sir Tom Moore, who died earlier this week, and what we can learn from his example as well. This sermon is based on the passage from Mark 1:29-39.
Today's Gospel lesson is from Mark 1:21-28. Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue, and Jesus heals that man. In today's sermon, Father Blackburn helps us learn what unclean spirits look like, and where they hide in our lives. But, we should always be aware of the need of healing from them, both as individuals and as a community. And, our healing is found in the power and authority that Jesus has in our lives.
Today's Gospel passage is from Mark 1:14-20. In it, Jesus is calling his first disciples. One word that stands out in this passage is the word, "Immediately". Do we answer God's call in our own lives immediately? Or are we slow to respond because of fear? Father John asks those questions and a few others in this podcast.
Father John tells the story of a boy who is sent on a great adventure, who is promised treasures and riches, but also to see great and wondrous things. Using the medium of a Short Story, Father John conveys the idea of evangelism as something we do with others, and not to others. Based on John 1:43-51, this story gives the illusion of the Christian life as a journey.
Baptism is our entrance into the Household of God. But when we are baptized, we (or our parents and godparents) make vows as to how we will live our life. And these vows are among the most important we make. In this sermon, Father John answers questions about beginning our new life, and in our dark and troubling world, how we living into the promises we have made.
Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the day we celebrate the coming of the Magi, who offered gifts to the Christ Child. Why do we celebrate this day? Father Blackburn explores what Epiphany and Manifestation looks like in our daily lives.
Today's Gospel passage includes the Slaughter of the Innocents that Herod order in Bethlehem. The fear of losing power is a motivating factor for Herod. In the sermon, Father John explores what power looks like when it is corrupted over and against what power looks like in the hands of God.
On the Feast of the Holy Name, Father Blackburn explores what it means to hold power in the Name of Jesus. What does a name mean, and why is it important that God has given us his name, and the Name of Jesus?
What does it mean to be adopted into a family? Or, more importantly, what does it look like to be adopted into the Family of God. Father John explores the meaning of adoption, tradition, grace and inheritance and how we live into the fullness of God's love.
The Gospel of Saint John beginnings with some of the most memorable, yet puzzling words about The Word. Who is this Word, and what does he bring. As Saint John unfolds the mystery of the incarnation in terms of Word, Light and Life, we all gain a greater understand of just who Jesus is. Father Blackburn's sermon on Christmas Day helps us see how Word and Life and Light all intersect in the person of Jesus.
We all know the Christmas story, but this year, perhaps we need to listen to it with fresh ears. Father Blackburn describes how the coming of the Son of God breaks into the ordinariness of our life, and brings Love with him as he does. This sermon is from our Christmas Eve Service in 2020.
One of the great delights from the Ordination service held at Saint Christopher's was the sermon by Father Blackburn's good friend, The Rev'd Brian Tarver. The two had worked together at Saint Philip's Church in Beeville, and Father Tarver is now the Rector of Saint David's Church in San Antonio.
There is a question that arises every year about what do we do with Mary. Do we venerate her? Is she important in our faith? What is her role in our History of Salvation? This Sunday, the Gospel is the Annunciation, found in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. We explore and ask the question, "What does Mary's 'Yes' mean for us?" The Rev'd John Blackburn is the preacher.
Preaching a sermon on the Collect of the Day, Deacon John asks what it would really look like if God were to come right now with Great Power and Might.
Sometimes there are situations that we must wait through, or we must endure with no true end in sight. We all go through some of these. Israel also went through a period like this; we call it the Babylonian Exile. But over time, God speaks words of comfort, words of assurance to us. In this Sermon, Deacon John describes what waiting sometimes looks like, and the words of comfort that are spoken to us.
Happy First Sunday of Advent. The Church often looks both forward and backwards on Advent Sunday; backward as we remember what waiting looked like in ages past, but also forward to the coming judgement of Christ. As you listen to today's sermon, consider how you might make your own heart ready for him, and what the coming of Christ means in your own life.
Today is the Feast of Christ the King, the end of the Liturgical Year. But, when we celebrate Christ the King Day, are we actively working in the Kingdom, or simply gazing towards it in the distance? Learn about a tiny sermon that Mother Teresa would preach, known as "The Gospel of the Five Fingers", and how to be more sheep-like, rather than goat-like. The text for this morning is the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, beginning at the 31st verse. The Rev'd John Blackburn is the preacher.
In today's Sermon, The Rev'd John Blackburn speaks about his recent trip to the Diocese of Navajoland, and some of the experiences that he was able to take part in. As he recollects about the experiences that he had, Deacon John relates how the people who he encountered gave of their "talents", which produced more good.
What is a Saint? Why are Saints considered special in the life of our Church? Are they superheros on a divine scale? Or, just ordinary folk who love God. On this All Saints' Day, Deacon John discusses the active role that the Saints play in our lives today, and why we should all "strive to be one too".
Stewardship is one of the hardest concepts to address in our modern Christian Life. Between what some people see as the Church trying to "get rich", or for ministers to try to extort money out of their flock, it becomes difficult to discuss stewardship. In this sermon, Deacon John explains his own discipline of stewardship. This is the last of our fall stewardship sermons for 2020.
What belongs to us? What about to God? What role does our money play? Why do we tithe? These are all questions we ask daily in our life she dealing with finances, possessions, and meeting our basic needs.
Not long after the Crossing at the Red Sea, the Children of Israel fell away from trusting in God, and constructed a calf made of gold, and gave willingly the materials needed to fabricate a false god. How do we prevent ourselves from making the same mistakes? What are the idols that we have in our lives that prevent us for seeing God clearly? Deacon John argues that one way we can begin to put things in right order is to practice Stewardship of the resources that we have been given. Today's text comes from Exodus 32:1-14.
First, please forgive the Audio Quality of this recording; we had some major difficulties with technology today. What bearing do the Ten Commandments have today? What about Love? What about our current Political climate?
One of the most moving passages in the New Testament is Saint Paul's writing in Philippians 2, where he exhorts the Church to, "Let the same mind be in you as in Christ". What does it mean to be of the same mind? What would it look like? Join Deacon Blackburn and the Saint Christopher's Church as we ask what being of the same mind of Christ means.
The Parable of the Laborers from the Gospel of Matthew begs us to consider what is fair. Why did people who came to work in a field receive the same wages as those who have been working all day? What was the Master of the Vineyard doing? Deacon John works through two definitions of what fairness is in the Kingdom of God. The text for this sermon is Matthew 20:1-16.
Matthew 18 has a few verses that have been used by the Church to form factions and divide the unity of the Church. But, is this what Jesus is really saying? Perhaps, not. Deacon John discusses how Matthew 18 might be a tool for growing and unifying the church, rather than dividing it.
Jesus calls us to take up our crosses, to die to self and to this world. Deacon John explores themes involving works of art, 20th Century Martyrs, and our call to life into a crucified life today. The Scripture reference is Matthew 16:21-28. For links to some of the artwork that was shown during the sermon, here are some links.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agony_in_the_Garden: Painting on display by Heinrich Hofmann, 1886.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agony_in_the_Garden_(Blake): Painting by William Blake, 1799-1800.
For more information regarding Oscar Romero and the troubles of El Salvador, please read, "Voice of the Voiceless", which contains a biography of Archbishop Romero, as well as some of his letters. You can purchase it from Amazon at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Voiceless-Pastoral-Letters-Statements/dp/0883445255/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G2T3EUH16XC2&dchild=1&keywords=voice+of+the+voiceless&qid=1598796158&sprefix=voice+of+the+vo%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1
Jesus asks a question of his disciples, and it is a question that all of us need to ask from time to time. Who do people say that we are? This sermon is based on the passage from the Gospel of Matthew. Deacon Blackburn explores the meaning of identity and call.
Jesus comes to us in the midst of the storms of life. He will walk on water if he needs to. But, as Christ-followers, we too must be ready to walk on water, and to recognize the needs in our communities. This sermon is based on Matthew 14:23-36.
How do we react when we think we don't have enough? Or what we have isn't good enough for God. In this Sermon, Deacon John examines what happens when we bring what we consider to be meager resource, and how they become more than abundant. The passage this lesson is taken from is Matthew 14:13-21.
We experienced a number of technical difficulties with our Facebook Live Streaming of the Burial Service of Albert Richard (Dick) Moser yesterday. For those who were attempting to view the service via that media, we have recorded the Homily so you can hear and participate in that way. Mr. Moser had chosen John 14:1-6 and various portions of Romans 8, which Deacon Blackburn used as the scripture references. The cover art for this episode is a photograph of the window referenced in the Homily.
Rest in peace, our friend.
This episode is recorded during Hurricane Hanna's landfall near Saint Christopher's Church. Services have been cancelled, but the Gospel Reading and the Sermon have been recorded. Please forgive any background noise, as this was recorded away from the Church. The Scripture References for this Sermon are Matthew 13:31-33, and then moving to verses 44-52.
Today's sermon explores ways in which we encounter the Holy in ordinary and common places and experiences. Scripture reference is Genesis 28:10-19a.
This is the Sermon for The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Deacon Blackburn uses the Parable of the Sower to look at what the soil of our lives look like. The Scripture Reference is from The Gospel of Matthew 13:1-9, 28-34.
The Rev'd John L. Blackburn delivers his first sermon as Deacon-in-Charge of Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Portland, Texas. This sermon centers around the story of St. Christopher, the Patron Saint of the Parish. Deacon Blackburn asks the parish to consider using our Patron as a model for the ministries we do around the City.