What if the greatest danger facing the Church is not the strength of the world, but the passivity of Christians who have forgotten their calling? This sermon for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity takes up the raising of the widow’s son at Nain.
- Preacher: Fr. Steve Macias
- Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Scripture: Luke 7:11–17
- Occasion: Trinity XVI (the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity), 1928 Lectionary
About This Sermon
In Luke 7:11–17, Jesus encounters a funeral procession outside the city of Nain. A widow has lost her only son, and the crowd is carrying him to the grave. But Christ interrupts the procession with a command: “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.”
The widow is also an image of Mother Church, grieving over her children who have fallen into spiritual death. Yet the Church is not abandoned. Her Lord has come, and the same Christ who raised the widow’s son is able to raise up his people today.
The normal Christian life is not one of passive attendance or minimal effort. Christians are called to learn the faith, confess the faith, defend the faith, teach the faith, give, serve, and build. We are called to take responsibility for our households, our churches, and the education of the next generation.
Do not accept decline as destiny. Do not follow the funeral procession. Arise and build.
Worship with Us
Saint Paul’s Anglican Church celebrates Holy Communion according to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer every Sunday at 10:30 AM at 101 N El Monte Ave., Los Altos, California, followed by a fellowship meal. All are welcome. Plan your visit.
