Sermons by Washington National Cathedral

Sermon by Martin Luther King III

“We must stand together for religious tolerance and religious freedom and be a part of a new global united front against racism and bigotry in order to affirm our desire for a world where all people are equal in dignity and rights.”

Martin Luther King III spoke from the same pulpit his father delivered his last Sunday sermon in 1968, speaking about seeking justice, confronting oppression and the love that God calls us all to embrace.

Sermon date: January 19, 2020

Sermon by the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope

“When we commit ourselves as followers of Christ, something in us should change. We should be different.”

One the First Sunday after Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord, Provost Jan Naylor Cope compares baptism to a commissioning and a sacramental initiation into a lifelong journey of faith.

Sermon date: Jan. 12, 2020

Sermon by the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith

“Do we ever think about the need we have to grow in our faith? The spiritual journey is never finished, no matter how old we are. When was the last time you read a book or took a class intended to strengthen your spiritual life?”

Dean Randy Hollerith preaches from Luke’s Gospel, reminding us that not even Jesus came into the world fully formed, and challenging us to take time for ourselves and God this new year.

Sermon date: January 5, 2020 

Sermon by the Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr.

What comes next?

That's what Canon Missioner Leonard Hamlin, Sr. is wondering in the shadow of Christmas. And it all revolves around the miraculous belief that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

"We ought to go from here, turning the world upside because we realize that what some call ridiculous God is doing inside the miraculous."

Sermon date: December 29, 2019

Sermon by the Rev. Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan

“If our lives are messy, full of tough decisions and awkward moments, we can take heart and know that God has been there before.”

On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the Rev. Canon Rose Duncan preached about Joseph’s faith, embracing new dreams and knowing that God is with us.

Sermon date: December 22, 2019

Sermon by the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry

Can we have hope?

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church preaches on faith, trust and the source of all true love.

Sermon date: December 15, 2019

Sermon by the Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello

Although we may be tempted to binge-watch Hallmark Christmas movies, the Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello challenges us to break away from our formulaic expectations about how Christmas should unfold.

Sermon date: December 8, 2019

Sermon by the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope

"Jesus is coming! Look busy!"

Provost Jan Naylor Cope says it's more than a bumpersticker slogan, but something to think about as we journey through Advent toward Christmas.

"Keep awake. Look around you! We may not know the day or the hour, but Christ is coming. And how we live our lives in the meantime matters."

Sermon date: December 1, 2019

Sermon by the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith

Did you ever want to slay dragons, rescue maidens in distress or go on a quest for the Holy Grail?

On Christ the King Sunday, Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith reminds us that although we’re not knighted with a sword, we’ve been knighted by the waters of baptism and are on a quest to love and serve others.

Sermon date: November 24, 2019

Sermon by the Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr.

What a week it has been!

Sometimes our lives are turned upside down, the Rev. Canon Leonard Hamlin Sr. reminds us at Washington National Cathedral, not so that God to do something for us, but so that God can work through us.

Sermon date: November 17, 2019