Going DeeperWith Christ Episcopal Church

Restored to Self Luke 8:26-39 In today’s Gospel, Father Mark reflects on Jesus’ healing of the man possessed by demons in the country of the Gerasenes. This man, isolated and tormented, becomes a mirror of the community’s unspoken fears and brokenness. His possession is not just a personal affliction, but a symbolic burden that the townspeople project upon him—he becomes their scapegoat. Jesus’ he...

Eye of the Heart John 14:8-17 (25-27) Father Mark reflects on the underappreciated significance of Pentecost, contrasting it with culturally embraced holidays like Christmas and Easter. He suggests that Pentecost’s focus on the Holy Spirit—something unseen and internal—makes it difficult for many, particularly modern Americans, to fully grasp or celebrate. He points out how people often seek God e...

United in Love John 17:20-26 Father Mark begins with a story of a tow truck driver who refused to help a disabled woman because of her political affiliation. Claiming divine justification, the driver prioritized his ideological identity over compassion. Father Mark highlights this incident as a troubling example of how devotion to partisan beliefs can dangerously overshadow the central Christian c...

Little Christs John 14:23-29 Father Mark begins his sermon by drawing a parallel between the bittersweet experience of high school graduation and the disciples’ experience during Jesus’ farewell in the Gospel of John. Just as graduates feel a mixture of pride and uncertainty about their future, the disciples face anxiety at the thought of Jesus leaving them. Yet, Jesus comforts them by promising t...

Love Like Christ John 13:31-35 At the Last Supper, with betrayal looming and his crucifixion near, Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: to love one another just as he has loved them. This command is not about feelings or beliefs but about a way of living—a radical, self-giving, boundary-crossing love. Jesus loved by showing mercy to the outcast, healing on the Sabbath, forgiving enemies, a...

Resurrection in Action John 10:22-30 Father Mark opens by highlighting the powerful shepherd imagery found throughout the day’s readings, especially in the Gospel of John where Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd. He draws a parallel between the failed shepherds—leaders of ancient Israel who neglected their people—and both religious and political leaders in Jesus’ day who ignored society’s mo...

Feed My Sheep John 21:1-19 In this sermon, Father Mark reflects on the rich symbolism and spiritual metaphors of John’s Gospel, particularly the story of the risen Christ appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The sermon begins by highlighting the contrast between Peter’s ego-driven decision to return to fishing and the disciples’ inability to catch anything on their own. Father Mark c...

From Doubt to Faith John 20:19-31 The sermon reflects on the Gospel story of Jesus’ resurrection appearance to the disciples, especially the encounter with Thomas, often remembered as “Doubting Thomas.” The preacher shares how Thomas’ desire for concrete proof resonates with human nature: a need for clarity and certainty when faced with mystery. Yet Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt, offering tangib...

This podcast was produced by an AI overview of 48 sermons by Fr. Mark Meyer of Christ Episcopal Church in Canon City, CO.

We Are Risen John 20:1-18 Father Mark began by reflecting on the Gospel account of Mary Magdalene encountering the risen Jesus at the tomb. Despite being one of Jesus’ closest followers, she did not recognize him until he called her by name. Father Mark emphasized that this recognition wasn’t about physical sight but spiritual perception—a recognition of the divine love that radiated from Christ....

El Hogar John 12:1-8 Christi James from Christ Church in Denver shares the inspiring story of Elo Gardee, now known as El Hogar, in Honduras, a long-supported ministry that began in 1979 by the Episcopal Church to help homeless boys. Moved by an early presentation, Christi visited Honduras and witnessed firsthand the program's growth into one providing crucial education and community support....

Stories We Tell Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Father Mark began by recounting the familiar parable of the prodigal son, highlighting the boldness of the younger son’s request and the immense grace of the father who grants it. After squandering his inheritance, the son returns in shame, expecting rejection, but instead finds unconditional love and forgiveness. The father’s joyful embrace and celebration sign...

Nourish a Broken World Luke 13:1-9 Father Mark reflects on a moment in the Gospel of Luke when Jesus is told about recent tragedies—the slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of a tower in Siloam. Rather than affirming that the victims suffered because they were worse sinners, Jesus emphatically rejects that assumption. Instead, he calls his listeners to repentance—not as a threat of li...

Embrace Vulnerability Luke 13:31-35 Father Mark’s sermon focuses on the contrasting images of a fox and a hen in the Gospel of Luke. He interprets Jesus’ response to the Pharisees warning about Herod as a metaphor for two different approaches to life: Herod, the fox representing cunning and predatory behavior while Jesus, the mother hen symbolizing vulnerability and protection. Father Mark explore...

Whom Do You Worship? Luke 4:1-13 Father Mark’s sermon centers on the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness and their relevance to modern life. He emphasizes that temptations often involve choosing between our primary relationship with God and worldly distractions or desires. Jesus, despite his hunger, refuses to turn stones into bread, highlighting the importance of spiritual nourishment over phy...

Shine Like the Sun Luke 9:28-36 Father Mark's sermon focuses on the transfiguration of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, goes up a mountain to pray.  While praying, Jesus' appearance changes, his clothes become dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah appear with him. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Eli...

Love Your Enemies Luke 6:27-38 Father Mark’s sermon focuses on Jesus’ teachings from the Gospel of Luke, particularly on loving and doing good to one’s enemies. He emphasizes that these teachings are not about passivity but about embodying the love and mercy of God. Jesus’ instructions to turn the other cheek, give to those who beg, and not retaliate are seen as invitations to live within the King...

Steeped in God Luke 6:17-26 Jesus’ time spent in prayer is transformative. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ deep prayer life, showing that being steeped in God’s presence shapes one’s vision of the world. Just as dye saturates an Easter egg, prayer changes a person’s heart, aligning it with God’s values. Jesus, after spending a night in prayer, descends to the people, full of divine power, ready to...

Called By Grace Luke 5:1-11 The sermon highlights a common theme across the stories of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter: an overwhelming encounter with God’s presence, a deep sense of personal inadequacy, and ultimately, transformation through God’s grace. Isaiah, struck by awe in the temple, first felt unworthy but was then called to be God’s prophet. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, was blinded by...

Inclusive Love Luke 4:21-30 Father Mark's sermon focuses on Jesus' visit to the synagogue in Nazareth. Initially, the townspeople are amazed by Jesus' words but quickly turn against him when he reminds them that prophets are not accepted in their hometowns. Jesus cites examples from the Old Testament where God's prophets helped foreigners, enraging the Nazarenes who feel entitled t...

Kingdom of Love John 18:33-37 On this Feast of Christ the King, Father Mark reflects on the unique nature of Christ’s kingship, contrasting it with earthly kingdoms. In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not from this world,” emphasizing that his reign is not about dominance but about love, service, and truth. Unlike earthly rulers, who use power for control, Jesus models leadership...

Faith in Midair Mark 13:1-8 In today’s sermon, Father Mark reflects on the transience of worldly things and the importance of a firm spiritual foundation, especially in uncertain times. He draws from Jesus’ prediction of the Temple’s destruction and the tumultuous historical context of Mark’s gospel, written during a period of chaos for early Christians. Just as the Temple’s destruction left a phy...

Center in God Mark 12:38-44 Father Mark’s sermon reflects on the recent presidential election and the role of Christians in times of political upheaval. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus, particularly the story of the widow’s offering, he emphasizes the importance of centering one’s heart in God rather than in worldly leaders or institutions. Jesus called his followers to resist hypocrisy and eg...

Fully Human Love Mark 12:28-34 Father Mark’s sermon on the story of Lazarus emphasizes the compassionate, incarnational nature of Jesus, who does not remain distant from human suffering but fully embraces it. In his encounter with Mary and Martha, Jesus is deeply moved, disturbed, and even weeps for Lazarus—showing that God does not stay on the sidelines but enters fully into human grief and loss....

To See Mark 10:46-52 In today’s Gospel, Father Mark reflects on the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who calls out to Jesus, asking for mercy and the ability to see. Bartimaeus's plea is met initially with scorn by the crowd, who view him only as a sinner and an unworthy presence. However, Jesus, who looks beyond labels and sees Bartimaeus as a person of value, calls him forward. The Gospel in...