Sermons by Washington National Cathedral

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. 

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.