This is NOT my Sermon for August 10, 2025

Perhaps because this Gospel passage was on my mind, I wasn’t so surprised when Jesus “broke in” the other day as I was driving along westbound Route 50. While traveling at about 60 miles an hour, I approach an eighteen-wheeler. I generally keep a safe distance between me and big trucks on the highway, so I don’t immediately notice that it is an Anderson Windows truck. Then their slogan catches my eye. On the back of the truck, and in even bigger, bolder letters on the side as I pass on the left, are the words: LOVE THE LIFE YOU SEE. 

Despite our many worries and disappointments, perhaps the secret to contentment in this life is loving precisely what is right in front of us. Thank you, Anderson Windows.

Then, over in the center lane, as I ponder this wisdom, another, smaller truck pulls up next to me and begins to pass me on the left. Catching a quick glimpse of the back of this utility van, I see “Follow me” …to some plumbing company, I think. 

Jesus? That you?

Two songs are on my playlist for this week’s sermon based on this week’s lectionary readings. The first is Three Little Birds by Bob Marley. You know the one…” Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cause every little thing’s gonna be alright.” I’m pretty sure Jesus and Bob Marley are buds up there in heaven. 

“Do not be afraid, little flock,” Jesus says to his students in our Gospel this week, after teaching them to contemplate lilies and sparrows and such. Detach from all the silly worries of the world and don’t worry…bout a thing. 

They (whomever they are) always say we should avoid conversations about religion, but I met a guy the other evening at dinner with Rob, and we did talk about religion, and the world did not end. He was Jewish and a literature and drama teacher at a local private school. Needless to say, we had a lot to talk about. He offered me a couple of sermon ideas, including a fascinating article about the Vatican observatory and a beautiful novel by Samantha Harvey.

Enjoying a relaxing dinner out is awesome. After all Jesus instructs his disciples to relax. But then he tells them to be ready for action. Lamps lit. Full-dress right dress.

Not prepared for battle, though. Prepare to be served. Like a welcoming maître d' who says, "Your table is ready. Come right this way," our server is none other than the God of the cosmos, greeting us at our own door to share an abundance of good things.

The second song I’ve been listening to is from One Republic. Counting Stars is practically the story of Abraham, who is given a vision of his legacy as he looks up at the vast, diverse varieties of lights in the heavens. The reading from Genesis coincides with the Perseid Meteor shower, which is visible in the early morning skies from July to mid-August. I am obsessed with this kind of spectacle and plan to spend at least some time under the stars, marveling at God’s celestial wonders.
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Lately, I been, I been losin' sleep 
Dreamin' about the things that we could be 
Baby, I been, I been prayin' hard 
Said, "No more countin' dollars, we'll be countin' stars" (ooh, ooh) 
Lately, I been, I been losin' sleep (ooh, ooh) 
Dreamin' about the things that we could be (ooh, ooh) 
But, baby, I been, I been prayin' hard (ooh, ooh) 
Said, "No more countin' dollars, we'll be, we'll be countin' stars" (ooh, ooh)

Still not entirely sure where this sermon is heading, but I will always welcome your suggestions.