Sermons by Washington National Cathedral

April 30, 2023 Sunday Sermon: The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope

“Sometimes people just need a little help and maybe a little hope along the way, as well. In this Easter season, my prayer for you and for me is that God will resurrect the child in us that’s crazy enough to believe that one person can make a difference. Let it be so for you and for me.”  

The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope preaches about hands-on ministry and the four grounding principles of the early church, sharing how the holy spirit can help one person make a difference. She reminds us that the holy spirit is alive and well, and encourages us to help others and become difference-makers.  

April 23, 2023 Sunday Sermon: The Very Rev. Randy Marshall Hollerith

“But, as our Gospel for this morning shows us, seeing and recognizing are not the same thing. Day in and day out I saw Charlotte, she was literally at my doorstep, but it was only in hindsight that I recognized the Christ emanating from her.” 

The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith shares a personal experience; the loss of a regular and local visitor to his church in Richmond. Through reflecting on this story, he and others affected by her loss realized that they saw God appearing through her in so many ways. We are then encouraged to try and recognize God in all things we see, for he is there.  

April 16, 2023 Sunday Sermon: The Rev. Canon Patrick Keyser

“What does it mean to have faith? To believe?   These are foundational questions for the Christian. But the answers to these seemingly elementary questions might not be as straightforward as we initially imagine.” 

The Rev. Canon Patrick Keyser invites us to reflect on what believing really means through the story of Jesus’s resurrection. Through the telling of this story, we begin to recognize ourselves and our faith through the deeper explanation of rituals and experiences.  

April 9, 2023 Easter Sunday Sermon: The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde

“The Franciscan priest Richard Rohr makes the case that Christ is universal.3 It’s not that everyone is Christian, but the truth of Christ, the life force we find in Christ, isn’t only available for those who follow Jesus. If that life force finds expression in other traditions, praise the God who loves diversity and show no partiality. For all our differences, we are one human race. This fragile earth is the island home for us all.” 

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde tells us the significance of the resurrection, and how it is the bringing of one to a new life, not a return to life as before. Resurrection implies change, a turning point. Jesus’s new life gives us a new life as well, one filled with faith, love, and learning.  

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.