October 1, 2023

A45: The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A (2023)

Amy Starr Redwine

“Today is World Communion Sunday, when Christians all over the world celebrate the Lord’s Supper — this great, big party to which God has invited all of us. Communion is being celebrated in every language and with all manner of bread and cup and with all kinds of people,” says Rev. Amy Starr Redwine, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Virginia. In today’s sermon based on Luke 15:25-32, the story of the Prodigal Son, Redwine says, “Like the older brother, we have to decide: will we show up? Even if the sibling we cannot stand is guaranteed to be there — as the guest of honor?” We don’t know what decision the older brother made, but we can decide whether to be like him or whether to take our seat at the table and allow God to feed us, regardless of who else shows up with us. All are invited.

Manuscript available: click HERE