Preaching the Scriptures

  The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Isaiah 51:1-6   Quarry Who are you?   When the Zoom meetings end, when the screen goes black, when the lights go out and the night wraps you in silence, when everything else fades and your eyes close for the night: who are you? It is a question for all times, but one that feels especially pressing during these times.   During these pandemic days so much has been stripped away, put away – so much has passed away.   So many things upon which we have established our identity are gone; so many things in which we have grounded our sense of self have proved impermanent; so many foundations have cracked and crumbled.   I have found myself wondering: what is a priest without an altar?   Or a pastor without the ability to visit?   Or a member of the Body of Christ without the opportunity to be nourished by the Body of Christ?   The existential questions of this time are relentless – and far too often uneasi...

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Mark 10:46-52 Blind Beggar It was Jesus Day in Jericho.   Finally.   The day had been long circled on the old moon chart, or whatever people in first century Palestine used as calendars.   It was finally here. I imagine the sun breaking over the rocky hills that special morning; it probably looked a little bit brighter.   Somewhere at the edge of the village a young man is roused from sleep by his alarm.   And after feeding his alarm clock, a rooster, he races into town to join the throng of groupies gathered to get a look at Jesus, to catch a glimpse.   The air in the little village is electric.   Jesus’ reputation preceded him.   Everyone in town was talking, telling stories: about the healings, about the miracles.   And also about the drama.   People just love drama – and Jesus had some pretty dramatic encounters with the religious leaders, with some important people.   It was going to...