Sermons by Washington National Cathedral

October 9, 2022: Sermon by the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde

“Imagine what would happen if every Christian committed ourselves to show up in those places where there is injustice, where people are being treated unfairly, to add our voices and our resources to make this world a better place. And to do so in a spirit and posture of kindness, respect, and humility, especially when dealing with issues around which there is no consensus.”

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the diocesan bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, reflects on the power of doing justice, practicing kindness, and walking humbly with God.

October 2, 2022: Sermon by the Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson

“Christians must do justice work. Pick one of those rivers of injustice, one that matters to you, maybe one that you know something about already, and walk back upstream.”

The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson encourages us to embrace our identity as Christians by loving and doing justice.

September 25, 2022: Cathedral Day Sermon by the Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry

“I believe there's hope because I believe in God and I believe in the way of Jesus. This great Cathedral is a lighthouse, a signpost, a GPS marker that can help to orient us all the children of God, to God's dream.”

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, preaches about faith and the role of the National Cathedral as a house of prayer for all people.

September 18, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello

“In God's economy, there is always enough to go round.”

The Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello, Vicar of the Cathedral’s Congregation, preaches on the parable of the prodigal son.

September 4, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope

“On this day, what do you choose? As Jesus showed us, choose life. What does dangerous unselfishness look like in your life?”

The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope reflects on what it means to choose life, as Jesus taught us, and to be life-giving as opposed to life-depleting, in a dangerously unselfish way.  

August 28, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Canon Leonard L.Hamlin, Sr.

“How many of us are more concerned about how we impress others rather than being good to others? We’re invited to the table not so that we can be impressive to each other, but we've been invited because we are the ones who are needy.”

The Rev. Canon Leonard L.Hamlin, Sr. reminds us that God is looking down and watching us, something for us to meet with gratitude and to serve as encouragement to be good to others and to love our neighbors.

August 21, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Patrick L. Keyser

“As we gather, as God's people, to hear the sacred story and share in the Eucharistic meal, where Christ offers himself to us, we pray to experience that liberating power of God, not just as something from the past, but as a reality here and now for all of us."

The Rev. Patrick L. Keyser preaches about Jesus healing the ailing woman on the Sabbath day. He reminds us that God shows up for us, too, and sets us free.  

August 14, 2022: Sermon by the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith

“As Christians, we are supposed to shine the light of Christ in our sometimes very dark world. We're supposed to be the purveyor of values that are essential to our nation and to our society."

The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, Dean of the Cathedral, reflects on our role as Christians, reminding us to stand up for the values of equality and freedom, justice and forgiveness, and love and humility.

July 24, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Canon Leonard L.Hamlin, Sr.

" Prayer brings us into the presence of God. It helps us to deal with the pain of the past, the problems of the present, while embracing the Lord’s promises for the future."

The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr. reminds us about the power of prayer.

July 10, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope

"It is great to feel mercy and compassion, but we are called to act when someone’s in need."

On Sunday, the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope preached on the story of the Good Samaritan. Just like the anonymous stranger, we are called to live into an active faith.