Our world is not structured for forgiveness. It is structured for rivalry, self-interest, revenge. Offering forgiveness is costly; it can, and it will cost us. Yet, Christ compels us to forgive: not seven times, but seventy times. For if we were not forgiven, over and over and over again for each time we fell short, we would be one of the lost sheep. Continue reading Forgiveness
Note: A version of this sermon was written and given for both St. John’s Episcopal Church in Murray, KY and St. James Pewee Valley, KY. Readings: Exodus 1:8-2:10 Psalm 124 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20 In the name of one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen The gospel passage from Matthew this morning is rich with imagery and significant: it a highlight of Peter’s life, … Continue reading Who do you say that I am?
Note: This sermon was written and given for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage, KY during their live streamed worship service. 1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119:129-136 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 In worship this morning, we must confront two truths. First off, we must confront the truth of our own situation here at St. Luke’s. Second, we must confront the truth of the Kingdom of God, presented … Continue reading Sermon for Proper 12, Year A
Note: This sermon was written and recorded for St. John’s Episcopal Church in Murray, Kentucky. You can see my sermon at the end of the post. Genesis 21:8-21Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17Romans 6:1b-11Matthew 10:24-39 Good Morning. My name is Ben Cowgill, and I am Mtr. Allison’s Caudill’s fiancée. I just completed my second year of seminary at Sewanee. If you missed it, I was with you all … Continue reading Sermon for Proper 7, Year A
I believe God is calling each of us to a re-examination of our faith, of Holy Scripture, and of ourselves. Where do we fall short of God’s glory? What gifts are we not making use of? How are we called to live, in a time such as this? What does it mean to love our neighbor? If God knows each of us by name, does he not know each of them? Continue reading An Extraordinary Time
Note: This week, I was fortunate to preach this sermon at two parishes: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage, KY, and St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Signal Mountain, TN. The recording below was a backup in case of technical issues with Sunday morning broadcasts. You can see me preach at St. Luke’s here in a full service of Holy Communion; there is also wonderful solo … Continue reading Our Upper Room: Sermon for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year A
I have recently realized in my spiritual life one of the great truths of the faith; we are as God made us— beloved. Nothing I can do will change that. I do not need to read more, write more, perform better, or succeed; I will always be a beloved child of God. Continue reading Sermon for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Continue reading Readings for Holy Week
Holy Week in a “normal” year is a week of grief. It is the church’s collective grief over the death of our savior, intermingled with the anticipation of his resurrection. We relive the story, year after year, playing our parts.
But this year is different. This year we grieve in a new way. Continue reading Grief and Holy Week
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Continue reading Week 5 In Lent
Ben Cowgill 