The Rev. Jay Lawlor “Letting Jesus Till the Soil” sermon for 6th Sunday After Pentecost – July 16, 2017

The Rev. Jay Lawlor preached at St. David's Episcopal Church, Bean Blossom, IN on July 16, 2017.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US, February 22, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Rev. Jay Lawlor again served as visiting priest at St. David's Episcopal Church in Bean Blossom where he preached a sermon titled "Letting Jesus Till the Soil" for the 6th Sunday After Pentecost:

Spend any time at all reading the Gospels and you will notice Jesus likes to teach in parables. Simple stories used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Today, Matthew’s Gospel gives us the parable of the sower who scatters seed upon the ground. The lesson seems clear enough: if you are planting seeds you want to plant them in good soil. And Jesus equates those who understand his teachings as being like good soil. From Matthew 13:23 “[…] what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields.” (Matthew 13:23a)

As members of the Jesus Movement we are called to learn more about Christ to live deeply into our calling as Christians. It is a lifelong journey. And not just book learning. Although Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels is a great place to start. We should read, mark, and inwardly digest all he has to teach us. But it doesn’t end there.

Being a follower of Jesus is about community. It is about praying with others. It is about being in conversation with others about Jesus and his call to us as his disciples and apostles. It is about gathering together to worship God and receive the Sacrament of Jesus’ Body and Blood which nourishes us for our spiritual journey.

When dare to show up and be present, we learn about Jesus and our mission as followers of Jesus. And then we take this knowledge and put it into practice bringing the compassion and love of God to the world. Like so many things in life, it is a process of maturing. As we mature in our faith we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is for us, and how living from a place rooted in the teachings of Jesus can transform the world.

I have some important role models in my life who have helped me – and continue to help me – grow in my knowledge of what it means to be a follower of Jesus:. mentor bishops, priests, and countless laity who exemplify the deep and broad understanding of being a follower of Jesus and show forth the compassion and love of God. I’d like to share with you one particular community of faith with you.

A complete copy of the Rev. Jay Lawlor's sermon is available at https://www.therevjaylawlor.com/rev-jay-lawlor-sermon-6-sun-pentecost-year-jul-16-2017/

The Rev. Jay Lawlor
The Rev. Jay Lawlor
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