Chickmonks
Exploring the wisdom path of Jesus from a feminine perspective
Thu, April 17, 2025
The scandalous anointing of Jesus as Christ
Our relationships of all kinds can be the training ground for awakening to God’s presence with us. Click here to learn more about working 1:1 with Heather, ask a question, or leave feedback This episode is a sermon based on the following scripture: John 12:1-8 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
Tue, April 15, 2025
Blame and suffering
When we blame people for their suffering, we are using blame to shield ourselves from the possibility that we could suffer in the exact same way. Learn more or contact Heather A homily based on the following scripture: Luke 13:1-9 At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
Tue, April 15, 2025
Blame and suffering
When we blame people for their suffering, we are trying to use blame to shield ourselves from the possibility that we could suffer in the exact same way. Learn more or contact Heather A homily based on the following scripture: Luke 13:1-9 At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
Tue, March 18, 2025
Mother God
God longs to be our Mother. Click here to get in touch with Heather A sermon based on the following lectionary reading: Luke 13:31-35 Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Mon, March 03, 2025
Transfiguration and Keertimukha
A homily based on Luke 9: 28-36
Tue, February 04, 2025
Now is not the time to be silent
For more information about 1:1 spiritual direction with Heather, click here . This homily is based on the following text from Luke chapter 2 (The Inclusive Bible translation): 22 When the day came for them to be purified, as laid down by the Law of Moses, the couple took Jesus up to Jerusalem and presented him to God. 23 For it’s written in the Law of our God, “Every firstborn heir is to be consecrated to God.” 24 They likewise came to offer in sacrifice “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accord with the dictate of the Law of our God. 25 Now there lived in Jerusalem a man named Simeon. He was devout and just, anticipating the consolation of Israel, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. 26 She had revealed to Simeon that he wouldn’t see death until he had seen the Messiah of God. 27 Prompted by her, Simeon came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child to perform the customary rituals of the Law, 28 he took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Now, O God, you can dismiss your servant in peace, just as you promised; 30 because my eyes have seen the salvation 31 which you have prepared for all the peoples to see— 32 a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 As the child’s mother and father stood there marveling at the things that were being said, 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, the mother, “This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that is rejected, 35 so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare. And a sword will pierce your heart as well.” 36 There was a woman named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was also a prophet. She had lived a long life, seven years with her husband, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple, worshiping day and night, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up at that moment, she gave thanks to God and talked about the child to all who anticipated the deliverance of Jerusalem. 39 When the couple had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the Law of God, they returned to Galilee and their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew in size and strength. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him. Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible (pp. 2223-2224). Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.
Fri, December 01, 2023
The king to end all empires
Christendom is directly opposed to the reign of ChristToday's homily is based on the following lectionary readings selected for Christ the King Sunday:Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out...
Tue, September 19, 2023
Why church? with Mother Mary Lynn
Welcome, Chickmonks! If you’ve ever wondered “why religion? or why church?” I think this conversation will resonate with you. If you’ve ever wondered what the heck the Episcopal church is, you will learn so much in this conversation, and, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s (really) like to be a priest or clergy person,or if you’re feeling like the only person in your field who sees the potential and you’re up against the momentum of “the way we’ve always done things”Contact HeatherContact...
Thu, August 24, 2023
Wisdom from St. Mary
A homily based on the following lectionary reading for the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin:Luke 1:46-55 Mary said: “My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you, my Savior. For you have looked with favorupon your lowly servant,and from this day forwardall generations will call me blessed. For you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,and holy is your Name.Your mercy reaches from age to agefor those who fear you. You have shown strength wi...
Sun, May 28, 2023
The Spirit the world cannot receive
A homily based on the following reading:If you love meand obey the command I give you, 16 I will ask the One who sent meto give you another Paraclete, another Helperto be with you always— 17 the Spirit of truth,whom the world cannot acceptsince the world neither sees her nor recognizes her;but you can recognize the Spiritbecause she remains with youand will be within you. 18 I won’t leave you orphaned;I will come back to you. 19 A little while now and the world will see me...
Thu, April 06, 2023
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
A homily based on Matthew 27:11-54, read from The Inclusive BibleLooking for spiritual support? Have questions? Comments? Feedback? Contact Heather
Thu, March 16, 2023
Living Water
A homily based on John 4:5-42 (read from The Inclusive Bible by Priests for Equality)Questions? Responses? Comments? Looking for spiritual counseling or mentorship? I love hearing from you!Reach out to Heather here.
Mon, December 26, 2022
A level place
A homily based on the following reading from the Revised Common Lectionary:Luke 6:20-31Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:“Blessed are you who are poor,for yours is the kingdom of God.“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely yo...
Sat, December 24, 2022
Winds of change
A homily based on the following reading from the revised common lectionary: Matthew 1:18-25Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream a...
Mon, December 12, 2022
Longing as spiritual practice
My approach to understanding Advent, Christmas, and the second coming of Christ.A homily based on the following reading from the revised common lectionary: Matthew 24:36-44Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day No...
Mon, October 24, 2022
Loving the Other (homily + meditation)
A homily based on the following reading from the Revised Common Lectionary, followed by a guided practice of meta bhavana (lovingkindness meditation): Luke 17:11-19On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were ...
Tue, September 27, 2022
Choose life
A homily based on the following reading from the Revised Common Lectionary:Deuteronomy 30:15-20Moses said to all Israel the words which the Lord commanded him, "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lordyour God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless...
Mon, September 05, 2022
Solidarity without burnout with Rev. Dr. Sarah Kye Price
Sarah Kye Price is a blended priest, professor, and social worker in Richmond, VA. She speaks with me about vocation, justice, service, and avoiding burnout.Feedback? Questions? Comments? Contact Heather on the Chickmonks website.Like this podcast? Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple and Spotify--your review helps!
Tue, August 09, 2022
How to pray
If you love Chickmonks, please rate, review, and subscribe, and help others find us!A homily based on the following lectionary readings from the Revised Common Lectionary:Luke 11:1-13Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:Father, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.Give us each day our daily bread.And forgive us our sins,for we ourselves ...
Mon, June 27, 2022
Anticolonialism
We can't be the church in the world if we don't first acknowledge where we came from.This is an essay I wrote in response to the prompt: "Describe your commitment to anti-colonial leadership," that turned out to be not just an essay, but a pretty solid sermon, too.Contact Heather:https://www.chickmonkspodcast.com/about
Mon, April 25, 2022
Eat my flesh
A homily based on the following scripture from the revised common lectionary: John 6:56-69Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.On hearing it, many...
Fri, February 11, 2022
The Wilderness + what is liturgy?
This episode begins with a fly-by definition of some recurring church words: liturgy, lectionary, liturgical calendarto give context to when this sermon was preached (versus when it’s being released into the wild, wild internet). Send your questions to Heather here!The gospel reading and homily begin at 8:30Luke 3:1-6, NRSVIn the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the regio...
Mon, January 31, 2022
Humaning with the earth with Rev. Dr. Natalie Vail
I am so excited to introduce you to The Rev. Dr. Natalie Vail. Natalie is an ordained spiritualist minister, celtic shaman, acupuncturist, reiki master, among SO many other credentials and specialties. Needless to say, This episode is loaded with information, I seriously catch something new from Natalie every time I listen through this conversation. We talk about a WHOLE lot of rituals and spiritual practices that may be new to you, we talk embodiment and holistic well-being, and dig dee...
Thu, November 25, 2021
The dance of abundance
A homily based on the following Gospel reading in the Revised Common Lectionary, originally preached at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ordina, CAMark 10:17-31:17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 18Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall...
Tue, August 10, 2021
A story of power
A homily based on the following Gospel reading from the Revised Common Lectionary:Meanwhile Herod, the ruler of Judea, had heard about Jesus, whose reputation had become widespread. Some people were saying, “John the Baptizer has been raised from the dead, and that is why such miraculous powers are at work in him.” Others said, “He is Elijah;” still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” When Herod heard of Jesus, he exclaimed, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the d...
Sun, July 25, 2021
Empowering stories with Katherine Spearing
Katherine Spearing is the founder of Tears of Eden, a nonprofit community of support and recovery resources for the many of us who are healing from spiritual abuse. She also the hosts Uncertain podcast, where she highlights stories of survivors, and imagines a better future for spiritual community.We talk about spiritual abuse in this episode. A lot. So take care of yourself if that touches something tender from your own experience. Pay attention to your responses, because all those emotions ...
Fri, June 04, 2021
Branches in Love's vine
A reading and homily based on the following gospel from the Revised Common Lectionary:John 15:5-17Jesus said to his disciples, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for ...
Mon, May 24, 2021
Healing from spiritual trauma with Ginny Barker
Ginny Barker is one of those people you can count on to keep it real, and because of that I have loved her from the moment I met her. She was a part of the church plant I helped start in Asheville, North Carolina. We went through a lot of church trauma together, and this conversation is about all of that. Spiritual trauma, dark night of the soul, narcissism in spiritual leadership, and so much more. If this topic touches you personally, I think you can brace yourself for some lightbulb moment...
Sun, May 02, 2021
Shedding false identities
A homily based on the following reading from the Book of Common Prayer daily office lectionary:Luke 4:16-30When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the p...
Thu, April 15, 2021
Getting angry and cussing with The Rev. Hannah Wilder
The Rev. Hannah Wilder joined me several weeks ago and I know you’re going to love her. Hannah is ordained in the Episcopal Church and among her many roles in the Diocese of San Diego, she is a curate at St. Mark’s City Heights. Hannah is a passionate leader in the work of reconciliation and inclusion, and man, you should hear her preach about justice. We are so lucky to have her as a priest in the Episcopal Church. Hannah and I talk about death, dying, racism, patriarchy, and what the h...
Mon, March 15, 2021
Practice dying for eternal life
A homily based on the following lectionary readings for the second Sunday of Lent, year B:Mark 8:31-38[Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind ...
Mon, February 01, 2021
What's a child of God?
A homily based on the following reading from the daily office readings in the Book of Common Prayer:Galatians 4:1-7 (NIV, audio is read from New English Bible)"What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.So also, when we were underage, we were in slaveryunder the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully ...
Fri, January 08, 2021
Owning Who We Are with Nicole Gheorghe
Register for classes with Dope Yogi!Nicole Gheorghe is one of the best yoga teachers I know, and an all-around gift of a human. She and her husband Jeremy have started an incredible online yoga studio called Dope Yogi that is all about authenticity over perfection.Nicole’s classes at Dope Yogi are approachable, flexible, and transformative, and are perfect for all levels of experience. Your membership will include over 90 on-demand classes, as well as weekly live zoom yoga.Follow the new Chic...
Thu, November 12, 2020
More Love, less fear
Based on the following passage from today's daily office lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer:James 1:1-15 NIVJames, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:Greetings.Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lac...
Fri, October 02, 2020
Changing Perception with Julia Brown
Today’s guest is Julia Brown, an artist, entrepreneur, recovering fundamentalist Christian, and a living example of the mystical wisdom of the artist. Julia drops wisdom left and right in this conversation as she shares how she’s learned to navigate capitalism as an artist, and how her faith directs and influences her creative work. We talk about the limits of language, embracing mystery, and choosing compassion instead of judgement for ourselves and others. Julia has her own pottery business...
Sat, September 26, 2020
Rejection and the Kingdom of God
A homily based on the following reading from the daily office lectionary in the Book of Common Prayer:Luke 4: 14-30 (NIV)Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrol...
Fri, September 18, 2020
Heather and Betsy Talk About Sex: How did we get here?
Professor Betsy Coughlin is back for the first episode of "Heather and Betsy talk about sex," where Heather and Betsy talk about talking about sex.In this conversation we talk about the history of the Church, how we understand the Bible, and, spoiler alert: the patriarchal values that shaped both.Please, please reach out to Heather via Instagram or the Chickmonks website, or connect with Betsy if you'd like to respond directly to her.
Thu, September 10, 2020
Lazarus
Did you hear? I'm offering Individual spiritual guidance/coaching sessions. If you're craving a more meaningful path and a more fulfilling spiritual journey, consider working with me to discern next steps to clear the path for your bright future. It is truly the most life-giving part of my life to work with you as you discover your direction. Contact me to find out more.A homily based on the following Daily Office reading from the Book of Common Prayer:John 11:1-16Now a man named Lazarus was ...
Fri, August 21, 2020
Reclaiming our bodies with Valerie Hernandez-Sigamani
This episode is a beautiful and vulnerable interview with my friend Valerie Hernandez-Sigamani. We cover big, important injustices in our experiences of Christianity and our hopes for what the future could be like for communities of people following Jesus, but doing it differently--especially making the church better for women and people of color.Connect with ValerieValerie's work: Wild Faith Co.Connect with Heather{NEW} Chickmonks website!Did you hear? I'm offering Individual spiritual guida...
Thu, July 30, 2020
The Crucifixion and the Divine Feminine
There is a love that is so strong, it is present even in the most isolating and agonizing darkness. This love has been represented in the feminine form for millennia across spiritual traditions, so it’s no surprise that the love that accompanied Jesus into his agony is represented by these three women.Referenced:Christena Cleveland, author, theologian, activistA homily preached from the following daily office reading of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer:Matthew 27:55-66 (NRSV)Many women wer...
Wed, July 22, 2020
Living in imperfection with Rev. Emily Hook
Rev. Emily Hook and I grew up in Richmond, VA, both in Southern Baptist churches, and both had our own adult journeys into a contemplative, liturgical tradition. Emily tells her story on that path, and spoiler alert: she is now ordained to ministry in the Presbyterian Church. We scratched the surface on perfectionism, the community aspect of liturgy in worship, and the path of personal, contemplative faith through it all.And I especially hope you enjoy hearing Emily reflect on the unique...
Mon, July 06, 2020
Growing through Presence with Shannon Hillenmeyer
Shannon Hillenmeyer, LCSW is a counselor at Rooted Counseling Center in Nashville, TN, a powerful and gentle spiritual leader, and is one of the most formative yoga teachers I’ve ever experienced, so I can’t wait for you all to hear from her todayOur conversation was thwarted by internet connection issues, which means we sometimes talk over each other and the flow is a bit unnatural—but honestly if that isn’t your new normal right now, I don’t know if we’re living in the same reality. I...
Fri, June 19, 2020
Transforming the world with Rachel Zolensky
This conversation with Rachel Zolensky, and this will stir up all the things in you. Rachel is a social justice activist by trade and by conviction, but she’s also one of the most thoughtful, introspective people I’ve crossed paths with, and she has a gift for seeing and understanding the way things work and then explaining it to the rest of us.Rachel and I talk about change and transformation. Societal Transformation is only a hopeful ideal until it takes root at an individual level. One wor...
Sat, June 06, 2020
This is how we know what Love is
A homily based on the daily office lectionary reading from the Book of Common Prayer:1 John 3:9-18The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters.For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deed...
Fri, May 22, 2020
Coping and healing with Allie Utley
This conversation with Allie Utley (PhD candidate in homiletics and liturgy at Vanderbilt University, professor at Presbyterian Theological Seminary) is very much about the Church as a whole—you’ll probably even learn some new vocabulary. But this conversation is also about what we do as members of the Church—or any worshipping community, for that matter—when we can’t gather.Spoiler alert: it hurts. It calls for grief. And it calls for something new and creative from Christian circles.Allie a...
Fri, May 15, 2020
Try faith instead of judgment
A homily based on the following daily office reading from the Book of Common Prayer:Matthew 7:1-12“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of you...
Fri, May 08, 2020
Finding Balance with Delaney McBride
Delaney McBride is a massage therapist, registered yoga teacher, and personal cook, and has combined her skills and passions in an instagram account called Hand to Heart Wellness, where she promotes a balanced approach to health and wellness through connecting your mind, body, and gut. Definitely give her a follow—@handtoheartwellness.We talk about creative work, our relationships with food and exercise, and really, all of life as a way of knowing ourselves and being freed from our egos into ...
Sun, April 26, 2020
We belong to Life, and Life belongs to us
A homily based on the following reading from the daily office lectionary in the Book of Common Prayer:John 15:1-12 (HCSB)“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine...
Tue, April 07, 2020
Taking a break with Betsy Coughlin
Betsy Coughlin is an adjunct faculty member in the department of theology and religion at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where she also earned her Bachelors in English and Religion, and received her M.Div from Boston University. In this conversation Betsy and I talk about her evolving faith and religious practice, pain and healing associated with growing up in the conservative church of the South, and the role emotions play in our faith and understanding of God. There are so many g...
Tue, March 31, 2020
The comparison crash
A homily based on the following daily office reading from the Book of Common Prayer:Mark 9:30-41 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.Then they came to Cap...
Wed, March 04, 2020
Accepting belovedness
A homily preached from the following reading from the daily office lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer:Mark 1:1-13 (NRSV)The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way;the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaim...
Sun, February 16, 2020
Grace and Opposition
Grace or judgment, you get to choose.A homily preached from the following reading from the daily office lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer:John 7:53-8:20, NRSVThen each of them went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, “Teache...
Sun, January 19, 2020
In the end, all is Light
A homily preached from the following Daily Office lectionary reading from the Book of Common Prayer:John 3:16-21 (NRSV)“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not ...
Thu, December 05, 2019
Christmas is hard
At Christmas we encounter a lot of "shoulds" and disappointments. This is one of the reasons the idea of Advent is so powerful to me. The church calendar includes a 4-week period of longing. While the world around us hosts Christmas parties and celebrates the season, the church steps into a season where all we have is our desire that things were different.Advent speaks to our longing. It gives room to be in the darkness. It gives us a season to grieve that things don’t seem to be as they shou...
Thu, November 21, 2019
Nothing will be impossible for you
A homily on the following Scriptures from the daily office lectionary In the Book of Common Prayer:Matthew 17:14-20 (NRSV)When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? Ho...
Wed, November 13, 2019
It isn't supposed to be this way
A homily based on the following Scripture from the daily office lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer:John 9:18-41 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is th...
Wed, November 06, 2019
The risk of the kingdom
A homily based on the following Book of Common Prayer daily office lectionary reading:Matthew 13:44-52 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a ne...
Thu, October 31, 2019
Your life is good soil
A homily based on the following Book of Common Prayer daily office reading:Matthew 13:1-9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on r...
Wed, October 23, 2019
The burden of certainty
A homily based on the Book of Common Prayer daily office reading:Matthew 11:25-30 (NRSV)At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to ...
Thu, October 17, 2019
A Love that lets us leave
One of my old favorite homilies from the (pre-podcast) Lenten season, based on BCP daily office readings:Jeremiah 2:1-13 (NRSV)The word of the Lord came to me, saying: Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord:I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride,how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.Israel was holy to the Lord, the first fruits of his harvest.All who ate of it were held guilty; ...
Wed, October 09, 2019
Healing begins in the spirit
A homily based on the following daily office reading from the Book of Common Prayer:Matthew 9:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town.And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why ...
Wed, October 02, 2019
The vulnerability of desire
Homily preached from the following Book of Common Prayer daily office reading:Matthew 7:1-12“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own ...
Thu, September 26, 2019
Being like Jesus
Homily preached from the following Book of Common Prayer daily office readings:Matthew 5:27-48[Jesus said,] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin...
Wed, September 18, 2019
More than human, Less than human
Homily preached from the following Book of Common Prayer daily office readings:1 Corinthians 1:20-31Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block t...
Wed, September 04, 2019
Chickmonks Trailer Episode
Western Christianity has settled for a narrow perspective on faith and knowing God--a perspective in which being right was the ultimate source of security and truth. When my spiritual path led me away from these constrictions and limiting beliefs, I discovered voices who had been knowing God through expansiveness rather than limitations--I found these voices in monks and contemplatives of modern orders all the way back to the ancient teachings of desert mothers and fathers. I encountered...
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