allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

Sinners Called by Christ

On the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sept. 21), Fr. Jerome Leckband reminded us that Matthew’s story is not one of a flawless saint but of a sinner called by Christ. Sitting at his tax booth, Matthew heard Jesus’ words, “Follow me,”—words that are spoken to every sinner, including us.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy full of sinners, showing how God works through the broken to fulfill His promises. It also proclaims Jesus as Immanuel—God with us, a promise repeated at the Gospel’s end: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Fr. Leckband reflected on Caravaggio’s painting The Calling of Saint Matthew, where the tax collector wrestles between clinging to his money and rising to follow Christ. This moment captures discipleship: leaving behind false masters to follow the true Lord. Following Jesus means daily dying to sin and rising with Him—a journey lived out in our vocations as spouses, parents, workers, citizens, and members of Christ’s Church.

Just as Matthew was called into a unique service as apostle and evangelist, we too are called to serve Christ where God has placed us. And through it all, Jesus remains God with us—in His Word, in Baptism, in the Supper, and in His Church—until He comes again. Listen to the entire sermon below.

allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

Homily of the Feast of Saint Lawrence

Saint Lawrence Distributing Alms; 1447-1449, by Fra Angelico.

This past Sunday was the Feast of Saint Lawrence, third century deacon and martyr. The Gospel lesson was from John 12:24-26.

Wherever our Lord and Master is, that is where we want to be. Jesus graciously invites His servants to be where He is—not just in moments of comfort, but even on the road to the cross. The world promises ease and success, but through his gracious presence in Word and Sacrament, Christ delivers something better and eternal: forgiveness, life, and salvation. St. Lawrence of Rome knew this well, trading worldly treasures for the treasure of Christ, even unto death. Even though we may not live under the threat of death, we are still encouraged by Lawrence in his martyrdom, for through him we see God’s faithfulness in the midst of trial. Because Christ has conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, we are glad to be where our Master is, even if it means hardship or unpopularity. So we gather where He locates Himself for us: in Word and Sacrament. For wherever our Lord is, there is truly life, both now and forever. Listen to the entire sermon from Father Suelzle below.