allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

Like Newborn Infants

A sermon for Quasimodo Geniti (the Octave of Easter), by Fr. Josh Leigeber.

This Sunday’s homily for Quasimodo Geniti centered on the Christian life as one of new birth and continual dependence on Christ. Even as we grow and mature in the faith, we never outgrow being “like newborn infants” (as the Introit reminds us), but remain wholly dependent on God’s care, nourished by the “sincere milk of the Word.”

Drawing on the Gospel lesson from John 20, the sermon highlighted how faith itself is not self-generated but given by Christ, who comes to His fearful disciples and creates faith through His Word. In the same way, the risen Lord continues to come to His Church today—through the ministry He instituted—to deliver forgiveness, life, and salvation by means of His Word and Sacraments.

Especially in light of the baptisms at the Easter Vigil, we were reminded that the Christian life is never one of self-sufficiency, but always one of receiving. As Luther said, “We are beggars. This is true.” Christ continually gathers His people in the Divine Service to feed, forgive, and sustain them.

And so the call remains: return again and again to where Christ gives His gifts, and “like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the Word.” Alleluia.

frsuelzle Sermons

For Us Men, and For Our Salvation

A homily on the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord, by Father Dan Suelzle.

A religious painting depicting the Annunciation, featuring the Angel Gabriel kneeling and speaking to the Virgin Mary, who is seated and holding a small object. A dove representing the Holy Spirit is shown above, and a scroll with text is visible on a nearby lectern.

At Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary we see a profound collision of divine majesty and radical humility that shapes our understanding of humanity. By choosing to enter the world through the Blessed Virgin’s womb, Jesus Christ sanctified every stage of human existence, from conception to adulthood, and thus is like us in every way. This condescension was the fulfillment of God’s divine plan to save mankind. By becoming fully human and remaining fully divine, Christ is the one and only God-man, able to fulfill the Law and suffer in our place, and defeating sin, death, and the devil. Ultimately, the Annunciation reminds us that in his incarnation, Christ makes himself our brother in the flesh so that we might truly become children of the Father. You can listen to the full homily below.

allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

Which of you convicts me of sin?

A sermon for Judica, the First Sunday in Passiontide, by Father Josh Leigeber.

Jesus’ question exposes a truth we would rather avoid: none of us can stand without sin. While we are often tempted either to ignore our sin or compare ourselves favorably to others, sin is never a small matter. It separates us from God and, left unchecked, leads to death.

Yet the answer is not denial or despair, but Christ Himself. Unlike Abraham or any other human being, Jesus alone is without sin. As the eternal Son of God and the promised Seed of Abraham, He is both the Priest and the Sacrifice, providing in Himself the forgiveness and redemption we need. Through His Word and His saving work, He gives the promise that those who keep His Word will never taste death.

Even so, the Christian life remains a struggle. Though forgiven, we still battle sin and cannot justify ourselves. Our life and salvation are found only in abiding in Christ—hearing His Word, repenting, and trusting in His mercy. In Him alone do we stand with a clean conscience and the sure hope of eternal life. You can listen to the full homily below.