A sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 8
June 28, 2026, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Hot Springs, AR
Readings: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4,15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42
I got myself into trouble during Sunday school. The pastor’s wife had come to teach the youth group. I do not really remember what we were talking about, but I do remember that, at some point in the conversation, I got frustrated. I was frustrated because everyone seemed to be blaming the devil for everything. They were saying, “It’s hard to follow Jesus because the devil is always on my back.” And they were saying, “I try really hard, but then the devil comes along and makes me do what I don’t want to do.” I have to confess: I’ve never liked the time-tested the-devil-made-me-do-it excuse. And I said so. “I think we give the devil too much credit,” I said. “I’m not sure he’s ever tempted me one way or another. I can get myself in trouble all by myself, and I don’t need his help.” As I remember it, the pastor’s wife and the rest of the class didn’t really know what to say about that, other than to assure me that it was, in fact, all the devil’s fault. Sunday school ended early that day.
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