This was the single most moving sermon I've ever heard, and the many people I have shared it with since have said as much. Very glad to see you taking it as a touchstone!
Your words and your persona is so greatly missed in our community.........whomever the cause or whatever the reason for your not being among us, brings much sadness. But thank you for Leaf-less (I now get the title) keep writing, keep preaching and absolutely keep expressing the void that now encompasses us.
Having only discovered the richness of your preaching since the advent of online streaming during the pandemic, moving to Philadelphia to experience the real thing has been live changing for me. I rejoice that you will not be hiding your lamp under the bucket you have been given. PTL!
Even when we were attending the family service and not hearing your high mass sermons, I would read them on the website, or more recently since pandemic and our move, listen to them on the web stream. And I remember this one. It is so good to read it again, and I’m so happy you will have this space to share more of your thoughts. I eagerly await the next newsletter!
I think this is an incredibly complex issue. It’s an important question and a brave piece of writing from a man of God given the obvious push back you could receive from organized religion. Very brave and I applaud it.
Shame is a tremendous burden. Most of us deal with it relating to choosing the wrong path in the many crossroads in our lives. I know I do. I’m so sorry you have had to deal with it questioning how God made you. Be well my friend.
I still remember what it felt like to hear that sermon, and I think of it from time to time. It's an especially timely reminder for me, reading it again now along with your expanded reflection. Thank you for sharing!
Beautifully expressed, Sean! 👏 Your courage and openness is inspiring.
This IS such an important and critical topic in our society. My own timing of reading this is quite divinely ordained. In the past few weeks related topics have come up in conversations with multiple friends. The other night I remarked that I am so grateful to have attended an art academy (PAFA) where the beauty of the naked form was celebrated daily- in the tradition of Thomas Eakins, who, ironically, was fired by the same academy’s social morality police for his bold celebration of this same organically perfect beauty you reference.
But, my soul brother, you have so beautifully pierced this veil of shame with truth, light, love, and yes - forgiveness. That’s a quality too many forget. As Stevie Wonder penned: “Love’s in need of love today.” It’s still all we need. 🙏
This was the single most moving sermon I've ever heard, and the many people I have shared it with since have said as much. Very glad to see you taking it as a touchstone!
Your words and your persona is so greatly missed in our community.........whomever the cause or whatever the reason for your not being among us, brings much sadness. But thank you for Leaf-less (I now get the title) keep writing, keep preaching and absolutely keep expressing the void that now encompasses us.
One of the most memorable and best sermons I ever heard. It has continued to a message in my life ever since.
Having only discovered the richness of your preaching since the advent of online streaming during the pandemic, moving to Philadelphia to experience the real thing has been live changing for me. I rejoice that you will not be hiding your lamp under the bucket you have been given. PTL!
Beautiful sermon - thanks for sharing, Sean ❤️
Even when we were attending the family service and not hearing your high mass sermons, I would read them on the website, or more recently since pandemic and our move, listen to them on the web stream. And I remember this one. It is so good to read it again, and I’m so happy you will have this space to share more of your thoughts. I eagerly await the next newsletter!
I think this is an incredibly complex issue. It’s an important question and a brave piece of writing from a man of God given the obvious push back you could receive from organized religion. Very brave and I applaud it.
Shame is a tremendous burden. Most of us deal with it relating to choosing the wrong path in the many crossroads in our lives. I know I do. I’m so sorry you have had to deal with it questioning how God made you. Be well my friend.
I still remember what it felt like to hear that sermon, and I think of it from time to time. It's an especially timely reminder for me, reading it again now along with your expanded reflection. Thank you for sharing!
I remember hearing that sermon in the pew and being moved by it.
As always, I love your sermons and preaching!!
This is excellent and well said, and needed to be said.
Thank you Sean❣️
Beautifully expressed, Sean! 👏 Your courage and openness is inspiring.
This IS such an important and critical topic in our society. My own timing of reading this is quite divinely ordained. In the past few weeks related topics have come up in conversations with multiple friends. The other night I remarked that I am so grateful to have attended an art academy (PAFA) where the beauty of the naked form was celebrated daily- in the tradition of Thomas Eakins, who, ironically, was fired by the same academy’s social morality police for his bold celebration of this same organically perfect beauty you reference.
But, my soul brother, you have so beautifully pierced this veil of shame with truth, light, love, and yes - forgiveness. That’s a quality too many forget. As Stevie Wonder penned: “Love’s in need of love today.” It’s still all we need. 🙏
Thank you, Sean. Keep holding the torch high.