Rev. James M. Steuterman, Pastor
Worship Style - Traditional Roman Catholic
We attended a very early Mass this Sunday, and we were quite surprised by the large attendance. Father Steuterman warned us that this was going to be a challenging sermon. His sermon was about anger, bitterness and conflict - a tough subject, for sure. He based his sermon on the following scriptures: Ezekiel 33:7-9, Romans 13:8-10 and Matthew 18:15-20. These scriptures are extremely challenging in that they do not let us off the hook if we see someone sinning. Ezekiel tells us that we have been made "a watchman for the people of Israel" and that we are to warn the wicked of their wicked ways. If we do not speak to dissuade them from their ways, they will die and we will be held accountable. Romans tells us that we are to love one another, and when we do, we are fulfilling the law. Matthew tells us how we are to confront a brother or sister who sins with love. Father Steuterman strongly suggested that when we have anger or bitterness "it is a cancer that is eating us from the inside out." He explained that the Scriptures are very clear that we must be willing to confront our "brothers and sisters" with love. Father Steuterman clearly articulated the importance of a faithful community. He said, "Jesus calls us to community to keep each other on the straight and narrow."
Since we were in Sterling in September, we then headed to a local orchard for apple cider donuts and cider. God is so good!!
Worship Style - Traditional Roman Catholic
We attended a very early Mass this Sunday, and we were quite surprised by the large attendance. Father Steuterman warned us that this was going to be a challenging sermon. His sermon was about anger, bitterness and conflict - a tough subject, for sure. He based his sermon on the following scriptures: Ezekiel 33:7-9, Romans 13:8-10 and Matthew 18:15-20. These scriptures are extremely challenging in that they do not let us off the hook if we see someone sinning. Ezekiel tells us that we have been made "a watchman for the people of Israel" and that we are to warn the wicked of their wicked ways. If we do not speak to dissuade them from their ways, they will die and we will be held accountable. Romans tells us that we are to love one another, and when we do, we are fulfilling the law. Matthew tells us how we are to confront a brother or sister who sins with love. Father Steuterman strongly suggested that when we have anger or bitterness "it is a cancer that is eating us from the inside out." He explained that the Scriptures are very clear that we must be willing to confront our "brothers and sisters" with love. Father Steuterman clearly articulated the importance of a faithful community. He said, "Jesus calls us to community to keep each other on the straight and narrow."
Since we were in Sterling in September, we then headed to a local orchard for apple cider donuts and cider. God is so good!!