Tag Archives: John the Baptist

A prayer for the preacher when words fail

Posted on January 9, 2021 by Rosalind C Hughes

January 9, 2021 Beyond Jordan, the baptizer cried repentance, preaching to snakes, devouring locusts, razing the wilderness with his words, confronting kings and drowning sins. At his neck, the knowledge of his own humility, the prickling of glory about to … Continue reading →

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Good news, you brood of vipers!

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Rosalind C Hughes

“If you have two coats, give one to someone who has been left out in the cold,” offers John. It is almost literally the least we could do. Continue reading →

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Of prophets and (im)patience

Posted on December 11, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

A sermon for a snowy third Sunday of Advent in Euclid, Ohio. Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11,  Canticle 15 (the Song of Mary) Isaiah the prophet wrote the better part of three thousand years ago, maybe in the eighth century BCE, “Here is your … Continue reading →

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Year C Advent 3: Rejoice anyway

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. The rose candle is lit – if one is used – and the readings rejoice in God our saviour. Gaudete! Rejoice always, as the letter to the Philippians commands. And … Continue reading →

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Family entertainment

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

“Off with his head!” cried the Queen of Hearts. It had all begun much earlier, with a powerless princess, pawn pushed about in a dizzying dance by the Queen and her King; the Bishop turned slantwise away, his excited disapproval … Continue reading →

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Wild honey

Posted on December 6, 2014 by Rosalind C Hughes

I will not be preaching about John the Baptist tomorrow, but I have been thinking about his wild honey habit and the sweetness of such mercies found along the way. Each of my mothers, who were both called Ann(e), had … Continue reading →

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Zechariah and the newborn

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Rosalind C Hughes

Today is the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist. According to the Gospel of Luke, when Gabriel (an archangel) announced to John’s father that his wife would conceive, Zechariah was doubtful, and Gabriel, as a sign that this … Continue reading →

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Year A Epiphany 2: the Lamb

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Rosalind C Hughes

It seems oddly fitting that we are dedicating altar bells to the accompaniment of the Gospel reading of John announcing the arrival of the Lamb of God. Actually, there have been a couple of coincidences with the choosing and dedicating … Continue reading →

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Year A Advent 3

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

John sends a message from prison. Whether he is worried, depressed, or angry we don’t know; but he asks, through his disciples, “Are you the one, or are we still waiting for somebody else?” John has already told the whole … Continue reading →

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Year A Advent 2: Snakes and other stories

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

There are a lot of snakes in today’s readings. In Isaiah, a small child plays over the nests of asps and adders. In Matthew, John the Baptizer calls the Pharisees a brood of vipers. Now, a quick survey of biblical … Continue reading →

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