George Hermanson

Parades and Crosses

March 28, 2010
St. Paul's - Richmond United Church
Last Sunday in Lent
Palm / Passion Sunday

Luke 19:28-40
Read the Bible passage: Luke 19:28-40, The Message;   or   Luke 19:28-40, The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Click here: George Hermanson's sermon, for an easy to print or email Adobe PDF version of this post.

The Rev. Dr. George Hermanson

Palm Sunday is one of those ironic and iconic festive events. We enjoy the children coming in waving their palms, singing joyful music. As we watch and participate we often rush from the parade to Easter Sunday. We need to see the parade and its outcome - the cross. Why the cross? 

Feeding Our Spiritual Life

March 7, 2010
St. Paul's - Richmond United Church
Third Sunday in Lent

Luke 13:1-9
Read the passage: The Message   or    The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 

Click here for an easy to print or email Adobe PDF version of this post.

The Rev. Dr. George Hermanson

Many commentators have said the Olympics created a new sense of ourselves as Canadians. Some have said it worked as religious function, giving us an identity. Those who study the chemistry of the brain suggest that religion gives us sense of calm and awe. Purpose comes out of that inner sense of wellbeing. It is this sense of creating a shared experience that made the Olympics what it was, a form of civil religion.

This suggests a question. What should we give ourselves over to? Is it life affirming and life transforming? In the religious world of Lent, we are asked to examine our lifestyles and values. In the examination of what we commit ourselves to, as a society and as individuals, we are asked to let go of those things that inhibit our collective wellbeing.