Category Archives: preaching

In Remembrance of Amalek

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

On October 28, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech to announce the invasion of Gaza in response to an attack by Hamas with a reference to the enemy of the ancient Israelites: Amalek. He referred specifically to King … Continue reading →

Posted in Crusades, Honorius Augustodunensis, preaching, Urban II | Leave a comment

This Shameful Vice: Luther On Greed

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“We daily see what a shameful, cursed vice greed is and what harm it does, especially in high offices and estates both spiritual and secular. If the greed-devil possesses a pastor’s or a preacher’s heart, so that (like the rest … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, preaching, Reformation | Leave a comment

The Blood of Abel

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Matthew Phillips

This painting comes from late medieval Strasbourg (c. 1410) It is currently in an art museum in Colmar, Alsace (France). Source of Image This image demonstrates the summation of medieval Christian piety with the bleeding, dying Jesus and the compassionate … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, Cross, medieval, Peter of Blois, preaching, theology | Leave a comment

Medieval Passover

Posted on April 11, 2020 by Matthew Phillips

“This holy festival, Pascha, is called a Passover because just as the Hebrew people were freed through the blood of the slaughtered lamb, from the angel, passing through Egypt for striking, so the faithful people are defended  through the blood … Continue reading →

Posted in Bernard of Clairvaux, Christ, Cistercian, Cross, Honorius Augustodunensis, medieval, preaching, theology | Leave a comment

The Languor of Love

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Matthew Phillips

“Love is an affliction, and the suffering of a soul that is sick.  The authority of the poet [Ovid]–even though it seems unworthy and unsuitable–affirms the truth of this, when he says, ‘Woe is me, for no herb can cure … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, preaching, theology, vice, virtue | Leave a comment

A Medieval Palm Sunday Sermon

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“[Christ] having entered the battle, had nails affixed to his feet as shin guards, He held a reed in [his] hand for a lance, [his] hands were affixed with nails for a sword.  He had the cross for a shield, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alan of Lille, Christ, Cross, gospel, grace, preaching | Leave a comment

The Suffering of the Blessed Virgin

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“Therefore, this holy Virgin was a true martyr during these three days, and they were much harder for her than the external pain and torture was for any other saint.  She was in anxiety because of her Son that she … Continue reading →

Posted in depression, Martin Luther, martyrdom, Mary, medieval, preaching | Leave a comment

God-given Rights

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“All men are made in the image of God. All men are brothers. All men are created equal. Every man is an heir to a legacy of dignity and worth. Every man has rights that are neither conferred by, nor … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, Martin Luther King Jr, preaching, war | Tagged | Leave a comment

Who Can Marvel Enough?

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Matthew Phillips

“An angel announces, power overshadows, and the Spirit startles; the Virgin believes, by faith the Virgin conceives, the Virgin gives birth, the Virgin remains a virgin: who would not marvel? Then is the Son of the Most High born, God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bernard of Clairvaux, Christ, Christmas, Incarnation, Mary, medieval, preaching | Leave a comment

A Medieval Good Friday

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“Faithful cross, true sign of triumph, Be for all the noblest tree; None in foliage, None in blossom, None in fruit thine equal be; Symbol of the world’s redemption, For the weight that hung on thee!” 4th verse in Sing, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, Cross, gospel, medieval, Peter Lombard, preaching | Leave a comment