Spiritual Journeys: Weekly Messages from St. Peter's Episcopal Church

In this sermon, guest speaker David M. Bailey from Richmond, Virginia, discusses the importance of unity within the Christian community amid contemporary divisions and conflicts. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Corinthians, Bailey emphasizes the need for Christians to look beyond human wisdom and cultural differences. He stresses the significance of the cross of Christ as a symbol of ultimat...

Rev. Madeline Polhill discusses the significance of epiphanies during the season after Epiphany, focusing on John the Baptist recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. The sermon delves into Jesus being identified as the 'Lamb of God,' exploring the implications of this metaphor and how it contrasts with worldly notions of power. Rev. Polhill emphasizes Jesus' role in transforming the world th...

In this sermon, Mother Paige reflects on the significance of the Baptism of Jesus and its implications for us. On the feast of the Baptism of our Lord, she discusses Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist and why, despite being sinless, Jesus submitted to a baptism of repentance. This act is presented as a model for vulnerability, surrender, and alignment with God. Mother Paige encourages us to se...

In this sermon, Madeline Polhill reflects on the biblical story of the magi, who followed a star to find and pay homage to the Christ Child. The tale involves themes of wonder, anxiety, and joy, highlighting the magi's journey from the East and their unexpected arrival in Bethlehem. By understanding the signs from God and allowing themselves to be guided by divine light, the magi exemplify fai...

Mother Paige delivers a sermon reflecting on the prologue to John's Gospel, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's love through the incarnation. She recaps previous sermons on the origins of Jesus as depicted by different gospel writers and delves into the profound understanding that God's intention is to be in relationship with humanity. Highlighting the enduring light of Jesus that...

In this Christmas sermon, Mother Paige discusses the significance of Christmas morning, emphasizing the sense of relief and joy symbolized by the birds' songs after a storm. She reflects on the different Gospel writers' perspectives on Jesus' origin story, with a focus on John’s profound prologue that links Jesus to the very beginning of creation. Mother Paige underscores the message o...

In her Christmas Eve sermon, Mother Paige reflects on the eternal nature of God's love, framed by the story of Jesus as told by different gospel writers. She emphasizes the theme of 'in the beginning' from both Genesis and John's Gospel, highlighting humanity's separation from God and God's unwavering love through the Word made flesh in Jesus. Mother Paige encourages the co...

In this Christmas Eve sermon, Madeline Polhill reflects on the significance of God coming to us as a human and being present in our lives. Through the story of Jesus' birth in a humble and messy environment, she emphasizes the offer of peace and joy that God brings into the chaos of our world. Madeline highlights the continuous presence of God offering hope and peace amidst the pain and suffer...

Mother Susan delivers a sermon on the fourth Sunday of Advent, emphasizing the importance of preparation and contemplation during the Advent season. She reflects on the significance of living in a time of dissonance and the need to practice restraint as Christmas approaches. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she highlights the story of Joseph and Mary, exploring their roles in th...

This episode explores the profound difference between happiness and joy within a Christian context. It begins with a reference to 'Wicked For Good Part Two,' using it as a springboard to discuss how happiness is situational while joy is rooted in the transformative journey with God. The sermon delves into Biblical passages, particularly from Isaiah, Psalms, and James, to illustrate the tra...

In this sermon delivered by Madeline Polhill at St. Peter's, the message delves into the transformative power of Advent and the call to 'bear fruit worthy of repentance.' Drawing insights from John the Baptist's bold proclamations and the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, Madeline emphasizes the importance of personal transformation and aligning our lives with God’s love...

In this inspiring sermon, Mother Paige of St. Peter's Church in Del Mar, California, welcomes us to the season of Advent and emphasizes the importance of 'waking up' in the Christian faith. Drawing from Apostle Paul's message and readings from Isaiah and Matthew, she delves into the true meaning of apocalyptic literature and challenges common misinterpretations. With a focus on per...

In this sermon, Deacon Pete reflects on the gospel reading of Jesus's crucifixion alongside the two thieves. He explores how these two thieves holds up a mirror to different aspects of human nature—selfishness and selflessness. He emphasizes understanding Jesus's final interaction with the second thief, who recognizes Jesus's innocence and asks to be remembered in His kingdom. The mess...

This week, we explore themes of endurance, hope, and action within the context of pre-Advent readings from the Bible. Mother Paige provides insights into apocalyptic literature, explaining its purpose and relevance, emphasizing that such literature is not about predicting the future but offering hope and calling for action. She highlights passages from Isaiah and Luke, reminding us how their teach...

In this sermon, Mother Susan delves into the concept of resurrection through a critical analysis of a gospel reading, focusing on a confrontation between Jesus and the Sadducees as depicted in Luke. She asks the question, 'are we a resurrection people,' exploring the theological viewpoints of the Sadducees and Pharisees, and discusses Jesus' responses to their queries. She encourages b...

This sermon, delivered on All Saints' Day, addresses the cognitive dissonance we experience when reciting challenging biblical texts like Psalm 145. With her customary wit and humor, Mother Paige discusses the duality of human existence, acknowledging that individuals are both blessed and broken. She draws on the gospel of Luke, particularly the Sermon on the Plain, highlighting Jesus’ call fo...

In this sermon, you're invited to place yourself amid a parable exploring humility and self-righteousness. Our Lay Associate, Madeline Polhill contrasts the Pharisee, who trusts in his own piety, with the humble tax collector, illustrating that true righteousness comes from recognizing our dependence on God. Drawing on biblical passages and theologians like Carl Bart and Rowan Williams, she em...

In this insightful sermon, we delve into messages of persistence and hope from the Bible, focusing on passages from Jeremiah and the Gospel of Luke. Explore Jeremiah's radical words of hope amidst the impending exile and hear Jesus' parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing the importance of unceasing prayer and striving for justice. Learn how these messages resonate in our current time...

What does it really mean when Jesus says, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well”? In this powerful sermon from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rick Ochocki reflects on the story of the ten lepers and how gratitude, faith, and action come together to bring true healing. Through his own journey of recovery from cancer, Rick reminds us that faith isn’t just something we feel—it’s som...

In this sermon celebrating the Feast of St. Francis, Mother Paige challenges believers to reflect on whether their lives are truly recognizable as those of Jesus' disciples. Emphasizing the radical and transformative nature of the gospel, the sermon contrasts the domesticated version of Jesus as a mascot with Jesus as the Messiah who calls for profound change. Using stories from St. Francis&#3...

In this sermon, the focus is on the biblical perspective on money as explored through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The preacher delves into Jesus' teachings on wealth, emphasizing the clear message that the love of money can lead to spiritual ruin. The sermon highlights Jesus’ critique of the social structures that prioritize wealth over compassion and urges listeners to reorient t...

This week we explore one of Jesus’ most challenging parables in this inspiring sermon. While the story may seem puzzling at first, it carries a profound message about forgiveness, grace, and spiritual freedom. In this message, you’ll discover:* Why Jesus’ parables often turn our expectations upside down.* How forgiveness can transform your heart and relationships.* Practical ways to extend grace i...

What does it mean to be lost—and how does God’s mercy bring us home? In this inspiring sermon from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Del Mar, we hear how Scripture calls us to care for every person, especially those society too often overlooks. Drawing from the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, this message reminds us that no one is forgotten, and God’s love can transform even the most b...

In this Kickoff Sunday sermon, we dive into one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings: what it means to truly follow Him and keep our loves in the right order. Drawing on Jeremiah’s parable of the potter, insights from Augustine of Hippo, and even lessons from Harry Potter, we explore how God reshapes us through transformation and the transcendent power of love. This message will help you understan...

Ever wondered where God shows up in everyday life? In this sermon, we explore how Jesus calls us to radical hospitality — the messy, risky, and beautiful work of welcoming strangers, outsiders, and the overlooked. Drawing on the Gospel of Luke, Hebrews, and the wisdom of Thomas Merton, you’ll discover how encounters with strangers can reveal the face of Christ and transform ordinary moments into e...