Sermons from St. Francis

Getting Heaven into Us

In this sermon, Father Bob Wismer offer a theological discussion focusing on the concept of heaven and the Kingdom of God, drawing from various biblical narratives and popular cultural references. He uses quiz questions about songs referencing heaven and a joke about St. Peter at the pearly gates to introduce the topic, emphasizing that while people speculate about heaven, the Christian focus should shift from...

The Vocation of Sainthood

In her sermon, Rev. Katie Gould emphasizes St. Clare's quote that we become what we love and clarifies that imitating Christ is a transformation into the image of the beloved, making us vessels of God's love. She challenges the common perception of saints as distant historical figures, arguing that a saint is simply a person whose life has become a prayer and profound service, asserting that hol...

Confidence in God: Humility and Mercy

In this sermon by Father David Price delivered on October 26, 2025, Father David primarily discusses the nature of confidence versus arrogance in a Christian context. Father Price uses the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector to illustrate the difference between self-justifying pride and humble reliance on God's mercy. The Pharisee's confidence in his own spiritual performance i...

This sermon was delivered by Rev. Katie Gould on Episcopal School Sunday, celebrating the deep connection between the St. Francis church and school communities. The sermon emphasizes that the school's Episcopal identity is rooted in fellowship, prayer, and generosity, ensuring that no one feels alone or unseen. Drawing heavily from the Acts 2 reading about the early church, the message illustrates how the school models this anc...

Finding Goodness in ExileMother Emily Hylden uses biblical narratives and personal anecdotes to discuss the concept of "exile." She begins by teaching an adolescent audience about the historical exile of the Jewish people, drawing parallels between the ancient experience and modern-day discomforts such as unwanted jobs or health crises. The central message revolves around the idea that God can transform circumstances of s...

The Church's Mission and Ministry

In this sermon, delivered by Father Stuart Bates on October 5, 2025, in observance of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, and the 75th anniversary of the St. Francis mission in West Houston, Father Bates emphasizes that the church's foundation is Jesus Christ, who is the head of the body, and that the parishioners of St. Francis are members of this body. The core of the sermon centers on...

Do It Scared: Belief Despite Evidence

This sermon by Mother Emily Hylden, delivered on September 28, 2025, discusses the nature of faith and evidence through scriptural stories. Hylden focuses on a passage from Luke where Jesus states that some will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead, which she calls a "ruthful joke" about human stubbornness. She contrasts the rich man in the story, who seeks more evidenc...

Stewardship, Relationships, and Eternal Implications

In this sermon by Reverend Katie Gould, delivered on September 21, 2025, she primarily discusses the meaning and implications of biblical parables, particularly focusing on stewardship and eternal consequences. Reverend Gould emphasizes two key takeaways: first, that everything belongs to God, meaning individuals are managers or stewards of gifts like wealth, time, and talents...

The Relentless Pursuit of God's Love

In his sermon, Father Stuart Bates focuses on the Biblical concept of God's relentless search for the lost, drawing heavily from Luke 15 and the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. He challenges the notion that certain individuals are "unworthy" of God's attention, highlighting the Pharisees' confusion over Jesus's inclusivity and connecting it to modern-day j...

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

This sermon explores the challenging teachings of Jesus, specifically the concept of "hating" family and possessions and "carrying one's cross." Father Wismer clarifies that these are not literal commands for hatred or self-harm, but rather metaphorical calls to prioritize Christ above all else. He uses pop culture references and parables, like the "City Slickers&quo...

From Ailment to Awakening: The Healing Call of Jesus

In this episode, Mother Emily Hylden begins with a personal anecdote about the speaker's long struggle and eventual healing from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which she then uses as a metaphor for other "maladies" that shape people's lives. She draws a parallel to a biblical story from the Gospel of Luke where Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, much to the ...

Father Wismer's sermon explores the multifaceted reasons individuals attend church, likening the experience to a doctor's visit where one seeks healing and guidance. He emphasizes that unlike a human doctor, God already knows our troubles and desires, even those we wish to conceal. The sermon highlights the transformative power of God's word, comparing it to fire and a hammer that refines and reshapes us, even through p...

The provided sermon emphasizes the human tendency to worry and the struggle of living in the "in-between space"—the gap between one's current reality and desired future. It highlights Jesus's repeated instruction to "not be afraid," acknowledging that fear is a natural human experience. The message encourages listeners to place their security not in earthly possessions but in God's eternal kingdom, d...

This podcast episode, from St. Francis Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, features a sermon by Father Stuart Bates that explores the Christian perspective on wealth, greed, and generosity. Father Bates discusses how modern culture encourages constant consumption, contrasting it with Jesus's teachings on not accumulating possessions. He uses the parable of the rich fool to illustrate the dangers of covetousness and emphasizes t...

This sermon, delivered by Father Bob Wismer, explores the concept of prayer through the lens of Old and New Testament covenants or "contracts" with God. Father Wismer highlights two primary biblical narratives: Abraham's bold negotiation with God concerning Sodom and Gomorrah, and the parable of the persistent friend at midnight from the Gospel of Luke. Both examples emphasize praying for others and approaching God wi...