Category Archives: preaching

In Remembrance of Amalek

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

“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

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

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Medieval Passover

“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

“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

“[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

“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

“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?

“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

“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