Sermons from St. John's Cathedral

Palm Sunday Sermon: System Two

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:43:01 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Welcome to the sermon podcast of St. John’s Cathedral, an affirming and inclusive community rooted in the vibrant Urban Core of Jacksonville, FL. Each week, we share thoughtful, inspiring messages that speak to the challenges and hopes of everyday life — grounded in scripture, guided by love, and focused on the transformative power of faith.

At St. John’s, we believe that God’s grace is for everyone. No matter who you are or where you come from, you’ll find a home here — a place to grow spiritually, connect deeply, and serve the world with compassion.

Learn more about St. John’s Cathedral: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/ Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and events: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxcathedral/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxcathedral YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsCathedralJax

Sermon: Fertile Waiting

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:32:34 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Second Sight

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:30:31 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The Gravity of Love

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:22:01 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The Conversation

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:13:37 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The Source of Chaos

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:50:33 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Plug into the Source

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:53:30 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Stop Pretending You're Always Fine

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:01:44 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Glimpses of the Kingdom

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:09:50 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Blessed Contemplative Action

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:51:52 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Stand with the Lamb

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:54:44 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Our Baptismal Core

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:15:26 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Keys to Wisdom

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:51:47 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: A New Name

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:26:47 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The body remembers

St. John's Cathedral — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:49:42 +0000

Christmas Day The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The stars align

St. John's Cathedral — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:45:54 +0000

Christmas Eve The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll Dean, St. John's Cathedral

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: When God comes close

St. John's Cathedral — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:33:55 +0000

Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. December 24, 2025

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Joseph's Short Story

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:51:38 +0000

The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2025

In this sermon, you are invited to reflect on Joseph’s brief but influential role in the Christmas story—a story marked by trust, courage, and quiet faithfulness. Though Joseph speaks no recorded words in scripture, his actions reveal a deep attentiveness to God and a willingness to step into uncertainty for the sake of love. His story invites us to consider how God works through humility, obedience, and grace.

Transcript: Joseph’s short story Mark’s gospel doesn’t have a nativity story; John’s gospel is cosmological; Luke’s narrative focuses on Mary; today Matthew wants us to know about Joseph - that he, too, was the recipient of an annunciation, a heavenly message about the birth of Jesus. There are not a lot of paintings about this encounter - Tissot, Rembrandt and Goya have one; all show Joseph asleep attended by an angel speaking in his ear. One painting shows the angel holding the scroll from Isaiah we heard today. The annunciation to Joseph came after Joseph knew of Mary’s pregnancy and had resolved to reject her as his spouse. It is likely that his sleep was troubled; one ancient painting titled the Anxiety of St. Joseph has him leaning across his workbench, hands clasped and a stressed face. Scripture carries Joseph’s story only so far. He disappears from the biblical narrative when Jesus was about 12 and so it is assumed that he was an old man when he took Mary as his wife and that he died before Jesus was an adult and began his ministry. What we do know about his ‘short story’ is given in these first chapters of Matthew; Joseph listened to this message from God and must have pondered over it the way Mary did. Joseph showed up for this journey of faith; it will not be the only time he steps up. Joseph did as the angel mandated - he took Mary legally as his wife and Jesus became his legitimate child. He named the child born of Mary - Jesus - becoming his father, adopting, carrying, saving, teaching, loving, supporting them both. We could say Jesus had two daddies - calling them both Abba. There are more paintings of Joseph holding the infant Jesus, presenting him with Mary for circumcision, walking them to Egypt to escape Herod’s murderous intent to eliminate rivals for his kingship, and fetching Jesus from his place among a council of elders at the temple. But today, we have Joseph’s dream, God’s message to him to fashion this family for God’s purpose. We do not have a verbal response - no magnificat; he is silent and he acts much like an earlier Joseph as protector, as someone whose actions saved his family. Several years ago a child newborn, perhaps stillborn, was found on Christmas Day in a cemetery in Massachusetts. No mother was discovered although the police tried. These first responders named the child, held a funeral, buried him and erected a headstone. They named him Joseph. Every year they searched; every year there was a memorial service. One year they had to hold me up an icy hillside to the grave because I had worn my big girl shoes. These men and women lived into the witness of Joseph, adopting a child not their own, protecting him from anonymity, doing what they could despite a desire to punish his mother. They too were mostly silent but stepped into a circumstance beyond their control and they were faithful and loving; their actions spoke of faith; they became Joseph’s parents; they remembered him.They resembled him. Earlier in Matthew’s gospel there is an unusual genealogy which includes some women and a nod to Joseph’s descent biologically from King David. Jesus’ descent in Luke highlights the priestly heritage of Mary so Jesus will be king and priest and it all began with dreams and visits from heavenly messengers. One year as we were assembling the manger scene we couldn’t find Joseph. It turned out he was in a box in the basement with some rejected kings, no doubt in discussion about Jesus. In a play by Dorothy Sayers, He That Should Come, Joseph is in dialogue with other religious men. He would be waiting outside the birthing as no man was permitted at the birth itself. The year we had to search for Joseph we had constructed a frame around the pulpit for all the figures so that they could be seen more clearly and to serve as prompts for the sermons. On Christmas Eve as families came forward for communion someone bumped the scaffolding and Joseph fell. He was caught in the arms of a child we had never seen at church before - and we never saw again. The Joseph Matthew wants us to see today was caught in the arms of the child Jesus. And we should not forget his short story. There are many Josephs in our midst - those who are silent and strong, those who are faithful and steadfast. They show up to face hard times and circumstances for the sake of Love, because it is the right thing to do. They know that God is underneath it all, and they pay attention to what is required. We are always given an opportunity to be a part of the life stories of others; who knows what will be birthed because of that. And we are listening in the dark for what we never expected to hear; God speaks a word., maybe even a short story. Amen. The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, Fl.

Sermon: Conquering Despair

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:11:57 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The Wolf and the Lamb at 20,000 Feet

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:39:56 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The Awakening

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:22:31 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Trusting the King

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:31:46 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Uncovering the Kingdom

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:22:21 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Cell Phone Spirituality

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:22:29 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Inheritance

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:19:24 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Speaking of Sin

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:54:28 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

During this pledge season (Sept. 14 - Oct. 26), we invite you to consider supporting the ministries of St. John's Cathedral with a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more here.

Sermon: Struggling with God

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:57:29 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

During this pledge season (Sept. 14 - Oct. 26), we invite you to consider supporting the ministries of St. John's Cathedral with a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more here.

Sermon: Neutron Moments

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:46:48 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

During this pledge season (Sept. 14 - Oct. 26), we invite you to consider supporting the ministries of St. John's Cathedral with a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more here.

Sermon: More than a Mulberry Tree

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:52:02 +0000

The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

During this pledge season (Sept. 14 - Oct. 26), we invite you to consider supporting the ministries of St. John's Cathedral with a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more here.

Sermon: Checkmate

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:48:50 +0000

The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

During this pledge season (Sept. 14 - Oct. 26), we invite you to consider supporting the ministries of St. John's Cathedral with a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more here.

Sermon: The True Gifts

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:05:37 +0000

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 21, 2025 The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

During this pledge season (Sept. 14 - Oct. 26), we invite you to consider supporting the ministries of St. John's Cathedral with a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more here.

Sermon: Passport of Grace

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:48:47 +0000

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 14, 2025 The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

During this pledge season (Sept. 14 - Oct. 26), we invite you to consider supporting the ministries of St. John's Cathedral with a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more here.

Sermon: Your New Life

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:59:54 +0000

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 7, 2025 The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: What to do with your pain

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:54:41 +0000

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 24, 2025 The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon:Taming Jesus

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:49:33 +0000

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 17, 2025 The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: A Heavenly Suitcase

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:15:12 +0000

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 10, 2025 The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: The Melody of Amazement

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:35:19 +0000

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 27, 2025 The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera Lectionary Readings

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Consumed by the Immediate??

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:00:23 +0000

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 20, 2025 The Rev. Thomas O'Dell https://lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL/Pentecost/CProp11_RCL.html

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Remembering Why

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:10:45 +0000

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 13, 2025 The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson https://lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL/Pentecost/CProp10_RCL.html

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: It's On You

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:46:04 +0000

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 6, 2025 The Rev. Thomas O'Dell

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Shake It Off

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:12:52 +0000

Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 29, 2025 The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Does God Speak to You?

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:09:35 +0000

Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 22, 2025 The Rev. Thomas O'Dell

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville Welcome to the sermon podcast of St. John’s Cathedral, an affirming and inclusive community rooted in the vibrant Urban Core of Jacksonville, FL. Each week, we share thoughtful, inspiring messages that speak to the challenges and hopes of everyday life — grounded in scripture, guided by love, and focused on the transformative power of faith. At St. John’s, we believe that God’s grace is for everyone. No matter who you are or where you come from, you’ll find a home here — a place to grow spiritually, connect deeply, and serve the world with compassion.

Sermon: Pentecost Sunday

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:26:22 +0000

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: What I learned in prison

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:31:16 +0000

We invite you to join us in worship at St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday mornings, whether in person or online. Our worship is based on the traditions of the Episcopal Church and features beloved hymns, Gospel, and choral music. Inspirational sermons are a mainstay at St. John's Cathedral. All who seek a deeper relationship with God in Christ are welcome to receive Communion. We are grateful for your presence and pray this service inspires and uplifts your faith journey.

The Rev. Thomas O'Dell The Seventh Sunday of Easter, June 1, 2025

Download Service Bulletin: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/worship-service-bulletins/ Give Online: https://bit.ly/3KJeeCC Learn more about St. John's Cathedral: https://www.jaxcathedral.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxcathedral/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxcathedral/

Sermon: Stuck at the Water's Edge

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:25:11 +0000

The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson The Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 25, 2025

Three Assurances at Easter

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:54:47 +0000

The Rev. Dr. Bob Dannals, guest preacher The Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 18, 2025

Sermon: The Not-so-Little Little Moments

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 11 May 2025 23:54:19 +0000

The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson The Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 11, 2025

Sermon: Conversion Unpacked

St. John's Cathedral — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:43:13 +0000

The Third Sunday in Easter, May 4, 2025 Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Faith Between Sundays

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:26:00 +0000

The resurrection isn't just a Sunday thing - it's an EVERYDAY thing! It should transform how we live, love, and treat others. Are you letting your faith impact your daily life? #FaithInAction #Christianity #ResurrectionPower

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Six Word Memoirs

St. John's Cathedral — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:57:18 +0000

In this special Maundy Thursday sermon, The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera explores the profound impact of six-word memoirs—a storytelling approach that distills profound truths into just six words.

As you listen, ponder: How many six-word memoirs resonate with you? Which one speaks to your heart?

Sermon: Drawing Close

St. John's Cathedral — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:55:14 +0000

The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Unreasonable Love

St. John's Cathedral — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:54:24 +0000

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Welcome to the sermon podcast of St. John’s Cathedral, an affirming and inclusive community rooted in the vibrant Urban Core of Jacksonville, FL. Each week, we share thoughtful, inspiring messages that speak to the challenges and hopes of everyday life, grounded in scripture, guided by love, and focused on the transformative power of faith.

Sermon: Is Justice the same as Fairness?

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:55:54 +0000

Fourth Sunday in Lent. Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Sermon: Wrestling with Your Greatest Idols

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:29:02 +0000

Fourth Sunday in Lent with Guest Preacher, The Rev. Christopher Martin, Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, San Rafael, CA

Sermon: Standing in the Gap

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:52:06 +0000

Sermon: A Dangerous Word

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:06:23 +0000

The First Sunday in Lent. Question: Is there a time when you made a sacrifice? How did it impact you?

Messages of Hope from the Heart of Jacksonville

Ash Wednesday Sermon: The Lion King

St. John's Cathedral — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:40:23 +0000

The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll, Dean of St. John's Episcopal Cathedral

Download PDF: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/worship-service-bulletins/

Give Online: https://bit.ly/3KJeeCC

Learn more about St. John's Cathedral: https://www.jaxcathedral.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxcathedral/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxcathedral

Sermon: Doxa

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:52:54 +0000

Experience the Word. Find Inspiration. Grow in Faith. Welcome to the sermon podcast of St. John’s Cathedral, an affirming and inclusive community rooted in the vibrant Urban Core of Jacksonville, FL. Each week, we share thoughtful, inspiring messages that speak to the challenges and hopes of everyday life — grounded in scripture, guided by love, and focused on the transformative power of faith.

Learn more about St. John’s Cathedral: https://www.jaxcathedral.org/ Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and events: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxcathedral Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxcathedral YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsCathedralJax

Sermon: Radical Jesus

St. John's Cathedral — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:56:08 +0000

The Seventh Sunday after Epiphany I love kids. One of the things I love most about kids is they always say the neatest things, the craziest things. They speak what is in their mind. It just kind of comes out of their mouth. A number of years ago, I was with some kids, and I asked one of them to say the grace at our meal. We held hands and. And the kid said, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Toys R Us, Amen. Sounded great to me.

Joseph was just a kid. He was a kid who blurted out everything he thought and saw. And he was also a kid that had been gifted with dreams, dreams that were powerful and visionary. Joseph's father, Jacob, played favorites, which is not a good thing to do as a parent. Jacob chose Joseph as his favorite, and he adored Joseph, and he gave him a robe. It's funny, we talk about it as Joseph's coat of many colors, but actually the Hebrew is that it was a robe with long sleeves. So Joseph, being an unaware child who blurts, wears his robe in the presence of all of his older brothers, that's not going to make him very popular. And then he blurts out, I had a dream. And in my dream, you all were bowing down to me. Not so smart. Joseph's brothers were probably adolescent boys. Moody, jealous, angry, slightly irrational young men. So they decide to throw Joseph into a pit in the desert climate of Israel, a pit without water. They strip him of his robe, cover it with the blood of a lamb, and plan to tell their father that Joseph was killed. Luckily, some slave traders come by, and the brothers decide, no, they'd make a better profit if they sold their brother into slavery. So they do that. Joseph is taken to Egypt as a slave. The narrative story of his life in Egypt is quite something. And he goes through so much. But basically, in the end, because of his dreams, Joseph is able to help Pharaoh.

He dreams that there are seven fat calves and seven thin calves. And the seven thin calves eat the seven fat calves. And then again there are seven big fat ears of grain and seven thin ears, and the seven thin ears eat the fat ones. And he goes to the Pharaoh. I'm sorry, the Pharaoh has had this dream. And Joseph goes to the Pharaoh, and because he knows dreams, he interprets Pharaoh's dreams. And he tells Pharaoh, there are going to be seven fat years of great fertility in the land, and you're going to have so much grain and so much abundance, but you've got to save that grain because you'll be followed by seven years of famine. But if you Store up during the good years. You'll be okay during the years of famine. So the Pharaoh believes this and trusts Joseph and basically puts Joseph in charge of his whole country. He becomes like the vicar of Egypt or the sub dean or something. But inside, Joseph is still torn up because of the trauma he endured, because he's never to see his family again, because he was treated so cruelly, because he was so hurt. But he becomes this great figure in Egypt. And there are seven years of abundance. And then the years of famine begin. And in the second year of the famine, Joseph's brothers come before him, begging for food. And at first, Joseph, like all of us, is so angry. He's so angry, he reacts. He puts some silver in their grain bag and then accuses them of stealing. Terrifies them. But then something happens to Joseph. A miracle of God, because forgiveness is a miracle from God. All of a sudden, Joseph is somehow able to forgive. And he says in that beautiful reading that Owen read so, so beautifully, I am Joseph. I am your brother. And he starts to cry.

Have you ever been able to forgive someone totally and utterly and kind of cried about it and been able to restore a relationship that was broken? If you ever have. It does feel like a miracle, like a whole new chapter has started again. But in forgiving them, Joseph says some really important things. He says, I realize now that it was God that took everything that you did to me. And because of everything that happened to me, I was able to be here to save you. That I can use everything that has happened to me to do God's work in this world. I am able to save you because you hurt me. In today's gospel, we hear this text that we know is Jesus. It's absolutely Jesus' words we know, because who the heck would have ever said anything like this?

Jesus says that if someone hits you, hits you in the face, you're supposed to turn the other cheek and offer them your other side. That if someone takes your cloak, you should offer them your shirt. That if someone steals from you, you should give to them. And he says that we're supposed to love our enemies and pray for them. It is the hardest, most difficult, most mind numbingly hard piece of scripture there is. And it is absolutely at the heart of our faith. We are supposed to take the hardest parts of our life, the parts where you hurt the worst, and use them in service to God and give them away just. Just like Jesus did on the cross.

I have a good friend who's in my discipleship group. Her name is Sue Carmichael. Many of you know her. She retired from being the vicar of St. Mary's Mission as a lay woman. She ran that church in Springfield for over 30 years. And at that time, Springfield was a lot worse off than it is today. Most of her congregation was semi homeless, mentally ill, dealing with drug addiction. And sue walked with these people and loved them. There was one young man in particular. I'll call him Joshua. She had known him since a little boy. His mom had been addicted to drugs. He had paranoid schizophrenia, trouble staying in school. She had helped him, and he thought of her as like his mom. Joshua was now a young man, 19, 18, big, strong. He comes into her office one morning carrying a can of beer. And sue says, joshua, you are not supposed to be drinking beer. That is illegal. It's a school day. Why aren't you going to school? She takes his beer can from him and throws it away. And Joshua, who is normally gentle, goes into a rage. He punches her in the face. Her face would swell up and get black and blue. He gets out a knife, forces her to her knees, and puts the knife to her neck. And what does sue do? Sue said, I felt this incredible peace. And all I kept saying over and over again was, joshua, I love you. Joshua, I love you. You don't want to do this, Joshua, I love you. Put the knife away, Joshua, I love you. She kept repeating that, joshua, I love you. Finally, he started to cry, and he put the knife down. She explained she had to call the cops, but that she was going to walk with him through this process. Sure enough, they came. They arrested him. And then sue testified in court about his mental illness to make sure he was put in a hospital setting, which he was. She still visits him. He's okay. What Jesus has called us to do is really hard, and we have to do it moment by moment and day by day.

What's happening today in this country, no matter what your politics, is that there are people who are losing their jobs, and there are people who have come to this country who are getting lost in the shuffle. And I think that we can do something about it. We can make something good out of what is happening. We can turn the other cheek. So I want to introduce you to someone this morning. I'm coming down the stairs. I know it's a little weird. As part of my sermon. Mama Betty, would you come forward with your children? Mama Betty is from South Sudan. I'm bringing her here. So, you know, this isn't a media thing. And just you and your children, please. You can sit. Thank you, sir. We have a friend and translator. Would you stand with your children? Let's turn around this way. Okay. Turn. Yeah. Face this way. Come out this way. Yeah. Okay, good. So this is Mama Betty, and she's a single mom, and these are her three children, and they arrived here in Tampa, and they were put in a hotel in Tampa, and they were part of the refugee resettlement program. So they filled out a lot of papers. The government vetted them, and they're good people. And they're leaving South Sudan because she's Christian, and it was dangerous there, as a lot of you have read about Sudan, what's going on over there? So she came here and was in the hotel in Tampa, and then all of a sudden, no one came. The government just stopped helping her. Luckily, she knew her pastor and friend, and they knew about Lutheran Social Services, so they came and got her. And Lutheran Social Services has put families just like her in apartments, and they've signed leases, but their rent has been stopped all of a sudden. So we've just got on the computer, and I called the Dupont Foundation. We need to raise $88,000 in a couple weeks. So we have two months of re. So she can find work. We believe she can find work in two months. Very workable. Yep. Very able bodied. Yes. So we've already. Dupont is giving 44,000, and I think we almost have it all raised. But if you can give, please do. We're going to get these people housed. Right. And would you join me in welcoming them to this country? Thank you. Well, let us pray together. The Lord be with you. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the opportunity to serve these beautiful souls who love you and who you love so much. We give you thanks for this day and all of the challenges that lay before us. Help us to rise to the occasion just as your son rose. Help us to become better followers of Jesus because of the challenges ahead. We thank you for the gift of this life and the chance to serve you in Jesus name, Amen. Thank you.

Sermon: True Blessing

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 22:30:21 +0000

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Sermon: The Edge

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:12:29 +0000

The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Sermon: Called Out

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:19:44 +0000

The Feast of the Presentation

Sermon: The Book Miracle

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:36:58 +0000

Third Sunday after Epiphany

Sermon: When the Wine Runs Out

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:33:05 +0000

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Sermon: The Spirit's Fire

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:42:01 +0000

The Baptism of Our Lord The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Sermon: How to Behold

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:10:50 +0000

The Feast of the Epiphany

Sermon: Ripples on the Water

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 18:02:42 +0000

The First Sunday after Christmas

Christmas Courage

St. John's Cathedral — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:56:17 +0000

Christmas Day 2024

Making Room

St. John's Cathedral — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:51:41 +0000

Christmas Eve 2024

Instructions from John the Baptist

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:55:47 +0000

The Third Sunday of Advent

Sermon: When life doesn't go to plan

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:07:41 +0000

The Second Sunday of Advent, Year C

Sermon: Time and the Lemon Tree

St. John's Cathedral — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 20:27:52 +0000

The First Sunday of Advent

Sermon: Thanksgiving Perspectives

St. John's Cathedral — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:59:35 +0000

Thanksgiving Day Holy Eucharist

Sermon: The Question that Changes Everything

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:18:45 +0000

Christ the King Sunday, November 24, 2024

Sermon: Daniel's Recipe for Resilience

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:31:01 +0000

Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon: Surprises in Struggles

St. John's Cathedral — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:46:34 +0000

We invite you to join us in worship at St. John’s Cathedral, whether in person or online, on Sunday mornings. To learn more about our services and community, please visit us at jaxcathedral.org. We are grateful for your presence and pray these words inspire and uplift your journey of faith.

Sermon: The speed of love

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:36:34 +0000

Sermon: The shaggy dog

St. John's Cathedral — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:10:28 +0000

The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, October 20, 2024

Sermon: When you're suffering

St. John's Cathedral — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:49:49 +0000

The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, October 27, 2024

Sermon: I dare you to do it again!

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:55:58 +0000

Sermon: Power Washing Francis

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:44:54 +0000

The Feast of Francis of Assisi

Angel Alignment

St. John's Cathedral — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:47:18 +0000

The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels

Humility: The Foundation of All Virtues - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 15:00:03 +0000

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Real Conversation - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 15:03:53 +0000

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Year b We invite you to join us in worship at St. John’s Cathedral, whether in person or online, on Sunday mornings. To learn more about our services and community, please visit us at jaxcathedral.org. We are grateful for your presence and pray these words inspire and uplift your journey of faith.

What comes after faith? - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 18:18:11 +0000

The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon: Your hand is your heart - The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 18:17:14 +0000

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Hunchback of Baghdad - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 18:16:00 +0000

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B

Sermon: Solomon's Heart - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 18:15:00 +0000

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon: The Cost of Pride - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 18:14:00 +0000

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B

Sermon: Food for the Soul - The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 18:12:00 +0000

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon: The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - The Rev. Joe Gibbes

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 18:11:00 +0000

Guest Preacher, The Rev. Joe Gibbes, rector of Church of Our Saviour

Stepping Toward the Impossible - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:10:00 +0000

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, July 21, 2024

Three Lessons - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 18:09:00 +0000

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Miracles and Ladybugs - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 18:08:00 +0000

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Interruptions - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:07:00 +0000

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Jonathan's Story - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 18:06:00 +0000

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Finding Family - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 18:01:00 +0000

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon: The Dividing Line - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 15:50:00 +0000

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

The Struggle of Nicodemus - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 26 May 2024 16:46:00 +0000

Trinity Sunday, May 26, 2024

Your Superpower - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 19 May 2024 16:48:00 +0000

The Day of Pentecost, Year B

The power of vulnerability - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 12 May 2024 16:50:00 +0000

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Loving the Other - The Rev. Canon Susanna Gunner

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 05 May 2024 17:58:00 +0000

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sermon: Green Spirit Jesus - The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 17:56:00 +0000

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Protecting the sheep - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 17:55:00 +0000

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

You are Witnesses - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 17:52:00 +0000

Third Sunday of Easter

The Eclipse and the Resurrection - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 17:48:00 +0000

The Second Sunday of Easter

Sermon: Don's Story - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 17:45:00 +0000

The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Sunday

Sermon: The Sunday of the Passion - The Rt. Rev. Chip Stokes

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 17:41:00 +0000

The Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday Year B

Sermon: Breaking open - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:40:00 +0000

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Dean Carroll refers to her conversation with American Friends of the Parents Circle - Families Forum in her sermon. The conversation can be heard on her podcast: Find it!. The conversation was recorded Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville, Florida.

The Parents Circle – Families Forum is a unique organization comprising over 700 bereaved families from both sides of the conflict. United by the profound loss of a loved one, these families have chosen a remarkable path of reconciliation over revenge. More information here: https://parentscirclefriends.org/

Lifting up your serpents - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 17:39:00 +0000

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sermon: Breaking news! - The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 17:37:00 +0000

Third Sunday in Lent

Sermon: Taking up your cross - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:32:00 +0000

The Second Sunday in Lent, Year B, February 25, 2024

Sermon: Opening up - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 17:30:00 +0000

The First Sunday in Lent

Sermon: I will not leave you - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 17:29:00 +0000

Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Sermon: The rotation of vocation - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 17:25:00 +0000

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Defeating our demons - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 17:23:00 +0000

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Sermon: The trouble with fishing - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 17:22:00 +0000

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Sermon: The good news of our baptism - Bishop Scott Benhase

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 17:20:00 +0000

The Baptism of our Lord

Wisdom Unlocked - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 17:16:00 +0000

The Epiphany

A child of the King - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 13:54:00 +0000

God dove in! - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 13:58:00 +0000

Why the baby? - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 13:57:00 +0000

Simplify: The Light - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Simplify: The Wilderness - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:01:00 +0000

Simplify: Behold - The Rev. Mark Anderson

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:03:00 +0000

Simplify: The Choice - The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

St. John's Cathedral — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 14:04:00 +0000