Sermons by Washington National Cathedral

April 8, 2023 Easter Vigil Sermon: The Very Rev. Randy Marshall Hollerith

“Remember, when you forgive your enemy, when you feed the hungry, when you defend the weak – you proclaim the resurrection. When you work to repair broken relationships, when you sacrifice for the sake of others, when you take time to support a friend – you proclaim the resurrection. When you stand up for the truth, when you refuse to compromise your integrity, when you love the unlovable – you proclaim the resurrection.”  

The Very Rev. Randy Marshall Hollerith proclaims that Christ has risen, and teaches the importance of having something to hold on to and believe in. When we believe in Christ’s resurrection, we move forward with a new sense of hope. 

April 7, 2023 Good Friday Sermon: The Very Rev. Randy Marshall Hollerith

“I take comfort in the possibility that Jesus gave himself up to death on the cross, not because he knew the victory God would bring about on Easter Sunday, but because he was faithful to whatever his Father might ask of him. I take comfort in that possibility because it is so human. Don’t all of us, at one time or another, face suffering without knowing why we suffer or what that suffering means for our future?” 

The Very Rev. Randy Marshall Hollerith retells the story of Jesus’s crucifixion and offers two perspectives: one where Jesus went to the cross knowing how his story would end, and one where he trusted his father’s command without knowing how things would end. Both interpretations still result in the ultimate sacrifice, redemption and salvation from sin, and a reminder of what it means to be human.  

April 6, 2023 Maundy Thursday Sermon: The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin Sr.

“There was something special about Jesus and now on this night, they are not just listening to Jesus. They are seeing the authenticity of Jesus, not through the wonders performed by Jesus, but through the humble serving of Jesus.” 

The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin Sr retells the story of the last supper, where Jesus served the disciples by washing their feet and sharing together in holy communion. We are reminded that faith is not only demonstrated through words and beliefs, but also through actions. We are asked about where Jesus lives, and the answer is within each of us.  

April 4, 2023 Chrism Blessing Sermon: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

“In the living of our vows, whatever they are, then there is this necessary rhythm of rededication. Not because we didn’t mean what we said the first time we said it, but that in the living of our vows we gain a clearer understanding of what the vows entail, and we need to be reminded of what we said and why, and pray once again for the grace and power we need to fulfill them.”  

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde reflects on the significance of vows, and how those who are ordained have lived their vows. She tells of how one’s vows guide them down the path to becoming beloved, to living a fulfilling life.  

March 26, 2023: The Rev. Canon Dana Corsello

“Everyone deserves to be defined by love. Nothing more, nothing less. We may dwell among the dry bones now, but we serve a God who calls us to life. Our journey is not to the grave, but through it. “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord GOD, you know.” 

The Rev. Canon Dana Corsello preaches about the transformation that occurs when one gives their life to Christ, and about what the terms, “death,” and “life,” can mean. Living a life through Christ can be fulfilling, rewarding, and full of love when we change our perspective to align with God's.

March 19, 2023 Sunday Sermon: The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope

“Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, said this: ‘God will take your experiences, mistakes, and false starts and transform you, so Christ transfiguring love can show through.’ We are not all called to be David, but make no mistake, we are called.” 

The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope encourages us to learn from past experiences, to listen to our callings, and to allow ourselves to be transformed by love. We are encouraged to see and take various opportunities knowing that they even if they fail, they will lead us where we need to go.  

March 12, 2023 Sunday Sermon: The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin Sr.

“‘Come see a man.’ There’s something good about that in my soul. ‘Come see a man.’ Most of us can talk about look at what I’ve got, look at what I’ve achieved, look at what is going on in the world. But I came by to tell you on today and in the midst of lent; we ought to have a witness that says, ‘Come see a man.’”  

 

The Rev. Canon Leonard Hamlin Sr. Preaches in gratitude for being known and seen by God, and by those who bear witness. Drawing inspiration from the phrase, “Come see a man,” we are urged to see things for ourselves and to know that God is at work, and to know that he knows us, as well.  

March 5, 2023 Sunday Sermon: The Very Rev. Randy Marshall Hollerith

"Jesus wants [Nicodemus] to know that salvation isn't about following the rules, it's about letting God be in charge of your life, giving your life to God, letting go of that illusion that you're in control. What Nicodemus doesn’t understand is that salvation is a gift from God given to us through faith, and all one needs to do when receiving a gift is say thank you. What he doesn’t understand is that being born from above means dying to self and finding a new life in God.” 

 

The Very Rev. Randy Marshall Hollerith uses the stories of Abraham and Nicodemus to illustrate the ways in which we grapple with faith. After wrestling with the ideas of need, longing, and mystery, he teaches us a few “tricks” to coming to terms with and strengthening one’s faith.  

February 26, 2023 Sunday Sermon: The Rev. Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan

“No, it’s not our will power, but God’s power. It’s not our resolve, but God’s spirit....The key to dealing with temptation is not found within is. The key to overcoming temptation is found within God.” 

The Rev. Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan retells the story of Jesus’ time in the wilderness, and how he resisted temptation. She parallels the wilderness of temptation with modern problems and injustices, but reminds us of the good news: God went into the wilderness then, and he goes with us now. The wilderness is not devoid of Jesus, and entering it becomes bearable knowing that God is on the other side of our temptations and trials.  

February 22, 2023 Ash Wednesday Sermon: The Rev. Canon Dana Corsello

“If the cross teaches us anything, it teaches us the God’s precious children still bleed, still ache, still die...But our faith tells us we are children of a God who accompanies us in our suffering, not a God who guarantees a lifetime of immunity. Why is this good news? It is good news because we are also children of a God who resurrects. There is no suffering we will ever endure that God will not redeem. The season of lent reminds us that we are East of Eden but short of Zion.” 

The Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello preaches on the season of lent and the unique relationships between sin and forgiveness, between life and death. The season of lent is not about penance, but about rebirth and starting again.