In the early part of the fourth century, the Roman Empire was in a condition of significant internal conflict. Following the abdication of the emperor Diocletian in A.D. 305, various factions over the course of the following years would struggle for control over the great state. In what was, in part, a battle over succession, […]
Sermon Topic: Christ the King
Of Tents and Carpentry, Patterns of Humity
Once in royal David’s city, in this case Jerusalem, the king, in this case David, sat in his glory, seated upon a throne, a crown of gold upon his head, his enemies as a footstool for his feet, to rest upon after all the labor, the war, the strife to subdue this promised land of […]
Thou art the King of glory, O Christ
empowering the citizens of the kingdom
The presidential election has had some unexpected consequences for us here at Saint Thomas Church and if you managed to negotiate the barriers, the crowds, NYPD and members of the Secret Service you will know exactly what I am talking about. Suddenly our church finds itself two blocks from the White House! We are also […]
Gifts Appropriate to Jesus' Calling
Three are the miracles we celebrate this day. On this day by a star the wise men were led to the manger. On this day wine out of water was brought forth for the wedding feast. On this day in Jordan’s waters by Saint John’s hand Jesus chose to be baptized. The three miracles, enumerated […]
Christ the Redeemer King
Today is the Feast of Christ the King, and it is Commitment Sunday for our Every Member Canvass – when we offer the pledges so far received towards the mission and upkeep of our parish church and choir school to God. In offering them to him on the feast of Christ to King we are […]
Christ Is King Over All Things
Christians, beginning with Christ himself, have always suffered persecution at the hands of the authorities. And while Christians have enjoyed freedom from persecution and even the favor of some earthly authorities at times, at no time since the execution of Jesus, have Christians been entirely free from persecution in some place or other in the […]
King Jesus
Do you know this beloved, old-fashioned prayer for blessing food before meals? Christ in the wilderness 5000 fed, With two small fishes and five loaves of bread. May he who multiplied that division Bless and hallow this provision. It is a good thing to pause before eating to bless the Lord from whose hand all […]
Inherit the Kingdom...or Go Away
On this, the last Sunday of the church year, we turn to what Saint Matthew gives us as the last teaching of Jesus prior to Holy Week, the culmination or apex of all Jesus’ teaching, a passage that shows forth what theologians call an exceedingly high christology. Last week we had the parable of the […]
The Once, Future and Present King
In the Name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. Amen. Today, the Last Sunday of the Christian Year, is called the Feast of Christ the King. The Epistle and Gospel present descriptions of Christ which I want to juxtapose, because they show what sort of king he is and […]
Ruling over the Unruly
I have here a cross that was given to me when I was confirmed. There is nothing special about it, it’s similar to many crosses that are purchased in church supply stores and hang in the homes of the faithful all over the world. But ever since the day that I received it, it has […]
