Weekly Homilies

My name is Bryan Cones, a longtime member of this community,

          and once, along with Jill, Jerry Bleem, and others

          a part of our liturgical ministry.

I am now a presbyter in the Episcopal Church,

          and currently serve St. Augustine’s in Wilmette.

It’s a real gift to be back here again,

presiding  in this community of those who share

the priesthood of Christ.

When I left Dignity to continue my discernment

I eventually found myself at the Episcopal Divinity School

My name is Bryan Cones, a longtime member of this community,

          and once, along with Jill, Jerry Bleem, and others

          a part of our liturgical ministry.

I am now a presbyter in the Episcopal Church,

          and currently serve St. Augustine’s in Wilmette.

It’s a real gift to be back here again,

presiding  in this community of those who share

the priesthood of Christ.

When I left Dignity to continue my discernment

I eventually found myself at the Episcopal Divinity School

Why Religious Refusals Hurt—and Why Catholics Oppose Them

Congressional Briefing

November 17, 2014

Marianne Duddy-Burke

What do the song Nowhere Man and my name “Barbara” have to do with today’s readings?  Well, if you are with me as I take you on a word journey to Jerusalem AD 30 and connect it to Beachwood, Ohio AD 1970 you’ll find out.

We begin Lent in the name of God … our creator, redeemer and life giving Spirit.  As we come together I ask you to reflect on what is in a name.  Some of the many names we use to reference the Divine are Yhwh, Divine Source, Holy Spirit, The Way, the Truth, The Life, Emanuel, God with us.

Today’s readings are at the core of the message Jesus brought to the world.  They articulate the way home to God in simple … clear terms.  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

          These words have rolled over the tongues of preachers for over 2 millennia and yet they still keep coming back to haunt us.  They speak to an understanding of the divine that seems to be just out of reach of implementation.  Why?

Jesus came not to help Angels but rather humanity.  And, I can assure you, my dears, that we are not angels, but, rather flesh and blood … children of Abraham and Sarah, descendents of David and heirs to the gifts God has ready for all who seek the greater good.

Homily for 2013 CTA Conference

November 3, 2013

Marianne Duddy-Burke

Gospel:  Luke 19: 1-10

                Does anyone have a sycamore tree? Leave it to the CTA Liturgy Team to bring the Gospel to life by inviting the “Zacchaea” of homilists to speak with you from behind this massive podium!

Just do it.  I am certain that you all have heard or seen those three words plastered all over shoes for well over 25 years. JUST DO IT is a trademark of the shoe company Nike, and one of the core components of Nike's brand. The “Just Do It” campaign launched in 1988 was one of the top two taglines of the 20th century with it being both “universal and intensely personal”.  But where did this idea come from? And, what does it mean?

Good evening. And thank you for your hospitality and the opportunity to share my thoughts concerning today’s readings. My name is Rosa Manriquez and I live in East Los Angeles. But I’ll tell you more about myself later in this homily.

Within these scriptures, there are themes concerning community, family and love. They also touch on the subjects of sin and what is considered precious.