Sermons by Washington National Cathedral

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. 

July 3, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Patrick Keyser

“The politics surrounding immigration in this country are deeply contested and complex, but the response required of us as Christians in the face of such a scenario is decidedly clear and simple. We are called to show hospitality, to offer food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothing to the naked.”

The Rev. Patrick Keyser invites us to consider our call to mission and ministry as followers of Jesus. 

June 26, 2022: Sermon by the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith

Dean Randy Hollerith preached on June 26, 2022.

June 19, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr.

“There are many throughout history, even when claiming to be followers of Jesus, that have tried to separate Jesus from liberty. They've used his name to put folk down instead of lifting folk up.”

Preaching on Juneteenth, the Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr. reminded us that although freedom has taken the scenic route in this nation, liberty cannot be separated from Jesus.

June 12, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Winnie Varghese

“If this kind of change frightens you, don't worry. Our fear is younger than wisdom in the timeline of creation.”

As we celebrated Trinity and Pride Sunday, the Rev. Winnie Varghese preached, telling us not to be afraid of the work we must do in our society. We have wisdom and God on our side.

June 5, 2022: Sermon by the Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas

“It is time to lead the way to a nation, a society where the violence of injustice and inequity, bigotry and hate, of guns and more guns, are no more.”

On Pentecost Sunday, the Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas encouraged us to, “be the Church that was blown in by the spirit of Pentecost” as we do the messy work needed bring God’s kingdom to earth.

May 29, 2022: Sermon by the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith

"Jesus wants us to know that we are all connected. We are all one in Christ. These deaths are our deaths. This grief is our grief. Like it or not, we are all in this together."

After a devastating week, Dean Randy Hollerith reminded us of our essential connection to our neighbors.

May 22, 2022: Sermon by Dr. Catherine Meeks

“Do you want to be well?”

It was a question asked to a sick man in the gospel, and it’s asked to us today in a larger context. Do we want to be healed? Do we want to see things in a new light? Dr. Catherine Meeks tells us that each time we make the decision to be healed, we in turn help the collective to become stronger.