Rev'd Up for Sunday

Jesus sure doesn't sound like himself in this week's reading...or does he? Peter Walsh and John Kennedy unpack this fiery apocalyptic language, why Jesus causes division, and how some people end up as hypocrites.  Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

In a world where so many of us are plagued by fear, this week's reading finds Jesus reassuring us that we need not be afraid. Peter Walsh and John Kennedy talk about the relationship between fear and faith, Jesus' invitation to be free from worry and attachment, and how we can be more in the divine flow. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

This week, Jesus is asked to weigh in on a family inheritance...but be careful what you ask for! Peter Walsh is joined by the Rev. Dr. Justin Crisp, former "Rev'd Up" host and current Rector of St. Barnabas Church in Greenwich, CT. Together, they dissect "The Parable of the Rich Fool", explore how we find true freedom, and highlight what this passage teaches us about tangi...

This week's Gospel offers some great insights into what Jesus taught his disciples about prayer. John Kennedy is joined by the Rev. Jessie Gutgsell Dodson, Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Ohio. They explore not only what we ask God for but what God asks of us. Plus, learn how prayer can lead to an intimacy and ease for connecting with God and how we're called to respond to the b...

Recently, our lectionary readings have highlighted the importance of service. This week, however, Jesus asks us to slow down and sit at his feet. John Kennedy and Rob Schwartz discuss active vs contemplative faith, the dangers of doing too much, and even a strange medieval story about Martha fighting a dragon. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

What makes a neighbor? This week, John Kennedy and Rob Schwartz dive into one of Jesus' most famous parables: The Good Samaritan. But has this parable become so well-known that it's lost its edge? What were the hidden motives of the lawyer Jesus speaks to, what was so shocking about calling a Samaritan good, and how do we learn to not only provide help but receive it? Learn more about St...

This week, Jesus is sending loads of disciples into the world...with some quirky instructions. Peter Walsh and John Kennedy explain why this is so urgent, how Jesus is coaching these disciples, and how we can function in a world of wolves. Plus, did Jesus see Satan fall from Heaven? Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

No one said being a disciple would be easy! This week, Jesus heads toward Jerusalem and he has some harsh words for his disciples along the way. Peter Walsh and Elizabeth Garnsey share some insights into James and John, examine Jesus’ rough advice, and address the behaviors that give Christians a bad name. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

This week, Jesus encounters a man possessed by many demons...and the demons recognize him! Peter Walsh and Elizabeth Garnsey examine how this story represents a classic scapegoat story, how we react to our own demons being revealed,  and how we can understand demons in today's cultural context. Plus, what about the poor pigs in this story?! Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stma...

This week, for Trinity Sunday, we're exploring how the Trinity is more than a doctrine. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy discuss different views on how God is revealed to us, the problems with seeing the Old Testament and New Testament God as different, and various analogies for understanding how the Trinity functions. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnew...

The Right Reverend Jeffrey W. Mello, Bishop Diocesan of The Episcopal Church in Connecticut, joins the podcast this week to discuss the Gospel and other readings for Pentecost. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy talk to him about the renewed spiritual hunger in the Church, how the Spirit shows up in familiar moments, and how the liturgy prepares us for life. Plus, what are the "...

You've heard of "The Lord's Prayer" but do you know the OTHER Lord's Prayer? Peter Walsh and John Kennedy explore Jesus' call for unity and how this prayer is practical for our lives. Plus, they debate the fractured state of Christianity and how we can be in communion with others. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

We witness another of Jesus' miraculous healings in today's reading...but the recipient doesn't seem too grateful to be healed. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy reveal a removed Bible verse and discuss what it means to be made well and why our response to grace is so important. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

How do you prepare your friends to carry on when you’re gone? In this week's passage, situated between two betrayals, Jesus gives his disciples important advice for continuing his mission together after his death. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy discuss why Jesus’ command to “love one another” is different than other commands to love, how we can find freedom from other’s opin...

For Good Shepherd Sunday, the clergy look at Jesus' identities as the shepherd, the slaughtered sheep, and the new altar. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy analyze the story's muddled chronology, the oneness of God, and how Hannukah fits into it all. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

What starts out as a fishing excursion for the disciples turns into a symbolic baptism and fresh start for Peter. This week, Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy discuss the mystery of the beloved disciple, Peter's role as shepherd, and how this story reflects Peter and John's communities. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

Following the resurrection, the disciples have a startling encounter with Jesus...and Thomas has one bad case of FOMO (fear of missing out). Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy explain how these events commission the community, transform the disciples, and convert Thomas. Plus, how are some of the labels we use (like "Doubting Thomas") a negative thing? Learn more about St....

No matter how many times we dive into the story of Easter, new insights always rise to the surface. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy highlight an important female witness, a debatable foot race, and a different Easter experience than we're used to. Also, how have we normalized the strangeness of this story? Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

After two years, we're finally releasing a never-before-seen episode of "Rev'd Up for Sunday". Peter Walsh and Elizabeth Garnsey walk us through the last three days of Holy Week, exploring what they mean and how we live them out in the church.  Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

In this familiar Palm Sunday story, Jesus at last claims his role as the Messiah. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy debate if this is meant to expose the system of empire, what the Pharisees were up to, and if the Church sometimes ends up marching in a different parade than the one Jesus is in. Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

Mary and Judas sure have some scandalous ways of showing their love for Jesus! This week, Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy explore how Mary anointing Jesus' feet with perfume was an act of intense love, and how even Judas, who would betray Jesus, loved him. What else can we learn from this surprising event? Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is perhaps the crown jewel of Jesus' teaching. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy point out that, despite how well-known this story is, it's the parable that keeps on giving. What does it say about God's reckless love and why does this message need to be heard by anyone who feels unworthy? Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www....

If you needed proof that Pilate was a bad man, this story is it! Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy tackle some horrific headlines and a parable about finding mercy through manure. Plus, what does this teach us about the patience of God, and where is God during tragedy? Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!" This week's Gospel text hints at the danger that Jerusalem holds for Jesus. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy break down why Jesus and Herod are compared to a hen and fox, how the people and rulers were called to justice, and why Jerusalem was so important to Jesus' stor...

We're beginning the season of Lent with a familiar story: Jesus goes into the wilderness for 40 days and is tempted by the devil. John Kennedy is joined by Rob Schwartz, St. Mark's Digital Missioner, to take us deeper into the three tests Jesus faces. What does this reveal about Jesus' identity, his future, and our own temptations to stray from the Spirit? Learn more about St. Mark&...