Rev. Therese Starr’s sermon centered on the challenging lectionary texts from Jeremiah, Hebrews, and Luke, passages that spoke not of comfort but of fire, division, suffering, and endurance. She acknowledged the tension between these readings and the more familiar promises of peace and rest that many people long for.
Rev. Starr explained that Jesus was not actively causing conflict but was describing the reality of how people respond when confronted with his Way—a life rooted in compassion, justice, mercy, and love of neighbor. In his time, this Way disrupted the social order by confronting privilege, hypocrisy, and indifference to the poor. Families and communities were often divided over the decision to follow him. Today, she observed, people still experience this clash between the values of Jesus and the values of culture— consumerism, self-promotion, materialism, and power.
For people of faith, this clash inevitably brings choices. Rev. Starr emphasized that following Jesus changes the way people live: – Attitudes toward possessions must shift toward perspective and stewardship.
– Moral responsibilities must be taken seriously.
– Every person must be treated with dignity and respect.
– Values and goals must be shaped by faith, not convenience.
– Old, unhealthy patterns sometimes must be abandoned.
She noted that these commitments often affect relationships, even close ones, and sometimes create painful divisions. At the same time, she reminded listeners that personal pride, fear, or judgment can deepen division unnecessarily. People of faith are therefore called to humility, repentance, reconciliation, and openness to difficult conversations. As communities, churches must ensure they are not excluding or condemning but listening and standing up for those Jesus himself would defend.
Rev. Starr highlighted Jesus’ image of fire. While some hear it as judgment, she suggested it was more likely the fire of the Holy Spirit—like the flames of Pentecost—that empowers, refines, and strengthens people for discipleship. This fire purifies, burns away what is fruitless, and fills hearts with courage to persevere. Far from punishment, it is God’s blessing that helps people endure conflict and division with hope.
She quoted an author who said, “The absence of conflict is not a present possibility. One can only choose the cause for which to fight.” For Rev. Starr, this meant that people must “choose their battles wisely” by aligning themselves with the Kingdom of God. Jesus urged his followers to read the signs of the present time and respond with urgency. Faith was not to be delayed or postponed; the time to live it was now.
Her message concluded with encouragement: people do not face trials alone. Jesus endured them first and walks with believers still. The community is called to support one another with strength, courage, and peace. With perseverance, humility, and love, people can carry the cross, endure division, and move together toward God’s Kingdom.
