Tag Archives: baptism

The dove

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Rosalind C Hughes

Back in the days of Noah, the heavens were opened and it rained for forty days and nights, and there was a flood. As you may remember, Noah and his family survived the deluge aboard an ark, onto which they … Continue reading →

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All Saints

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

The letter to the Ephesians makes a perfect sermon all by itself for All Saints and a day of baptism. I hardly feel as though I need say more. But there is more. Listen to the words that come just … Continue reading →

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Great Vigil of Easter: 2013 update

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

(For the fire and water demo that accompanies this sermon, see last year’s offering: https://rosalindhughes.com/2012/04/07/easter-vigil-sermon-new-fire-and-living-water/) New fire and living water. Extremes of existence, held together by the cross and the resurrection, like life and death. Fire. It falls from the … Continue reading →

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Year C Lent 5: a royal priesthood

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

The story of Jesus’ anointing is told in all four gospels, although there are differences in the details that each reports. Only John names the woman who performed the prophetic act: Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, of Bethany. … Continue reading →

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In bodily form

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

When our bodies betray us, let us down, we berate them, hesitate to call them holy, when, after all, they are the sacrament of God’s creative genius, each featherlight touch a reminder of the love that engendered our creation, redemption, … Continue reading →

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Year B: All Saints

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

I want to talk today about baptism, and our participation in our baptismal covenant. Baptism is and has always been an important stage in the Christian journey: it was one of the two sacraments commanded and enacted by Jesus himself, … Continue reading →

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Babies, breasts and baptism

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

When our babies were new, a friend told the story of her daughter’s baptism. Another child in the congregation was being baptized alongside her, and this baby was hungry. Very hungry. The baby would not be put off or consoled … Continue reading →

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Easter Vigil Sermon: New fire and living water

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

New fire and living water. Extremes of existence, held together by the cross and the resurrection, like life and death. Water. Soothing, refreshing, life-giving. We play in it, luxuriate in it. Our bodies are more than half made of it. … Continue reading →

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An untitled, unfinished poem for Transfiguration Sunday

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

One on the plain, with water and a dove falling from the mouth of God, feathers chalking words onto the sky, its beak a piercing kiss; one on the mountaintop between the cairns, with fiery Spirit, lightning bright and thundering love, hailing acclamation … Continue reading →

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