Whether you call them homilies, sermons, or talks, there’s a lot you can learn from the spiritual leaders in our community. While in a perfect world, you’d have time to listen to everyone, that simply isn’t possible for most with limited time to spare. To help, we’ve surfaced and summarized the teachings from the audio sermons of some of the most influential priests and pastors from around town and in the Christian sphere.

You can skip to a specific section by clicking the links below.

Jump to:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Buckhead Church
• Cathedral of Christ the King
• Passion City Church
• Trinity Anglican Church
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Fr. Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily centers on the profound significance of gratitude, particularly when facing difficulties, and underscores the importance of fully embracing the present moment. He reflects on the common human tendency to defer happiness until certain tasks are accomplished, arguing instead for the necessity of living and finding joy in the here and now. He frames the season of Lent not merely as a period of waiting for Easter, but as an active training ground to cultivate a deeper resemblance to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the value of the spiritual journey itself.

A central point of the homily is Jesus’ powerful act of giving thanks during the Last Supper, on the very night of his betrayal. Fr. Mike highlights this as a profound example of finding and expressing gratitude even in the midst of immense suffering and impending doom. To further illustrate this principle, he shares the moving story of Tekashi Nagai, a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing who exemplified the practice of gratitude in all circumstances. Drawing inspiration from Blessed Solanus Casey, Fr. Mike also encourages listeners to adopt the practice of giving thanks proactively, even before experiencing the resolution of their challenges.

Fr. Mike delves into the meaning of the Japanese word “Aragato,” which translates to “thank you,” revealing its deeper etymological significance: “This came into existence with difficulty.” This interpretation emphasizes the precious and often hard-won nature of each moment in our lives. He urges the congregation to emulate Jesus’ example by cultivating a habit of giving thanks in advance, during times of hardship, and throughout their daily lives, recognizing the inherent gift present in every single moment they are given.

Ultimately, Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily serves as a powerful encouragement to cultivate a consistent attitude of gratitude, acknowledging the inherent value and gift of each moment, even amidst trials and tribulations. He challenges listeners to shift their focus from a future point of happiness to the present reality, urging them to live in the present, much like Jesus did, and to appreciate and find meaning in the unfolding journey of life rather than solely focusing on the final destination.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

Death to the King

In his sermon, Andy Stanley addresses the concept of death, stating that it no longer has the final word. He emphasizes that Jesus, as God’s ultimate King, triumphed over both sin and death. This victory extends an invitation to believers, encouraging them to reign in life through their faith in Him.

Stanley explores the tension between accepting Jesus as Savior versus submitting to Him as King. He highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus’ authority and the implications of this for believers’ lives. The message underscores that true faith involves not only salvation but also submission to Jesus’ kingship.

The sermon draws from the New Testament, focusing on Luke’s portrayal of Jesus’ primary role. Stanley emphasizes that Jesus came to establish God’s kingdom on earth, and this kingdom is open to all. He invites listeners to participate in this kingdom, expanding its reach and influence in the world.

Stanley’s message ultimately encourages believers to embrace the fullness of Jesus’ identity, acknowledging Him not only as Savior but also as King. This understanding transforms how believers live, empowering them to overcome death and reign in life through their relationship with Him.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

Archbishop Hartmayer’s homily centers on the commencement of Holy Week, extending an invitation to the congregation to accompany Jesus through the concluding days of his earthly existence. He emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with God’s will, mirroring Jesus’ actions upon his arrival in Jerusalem.

The homily encourages listeners to discern and heed the gentle voice of God amidst the prevailing noise of the world. It advocates for emulating Jesus’ path of love and service, fostering a closer connection with his embrace.

Archbishop Hartmayer references the profound beauty found in Christ crucified and the necessity of remembering the suffering endured by Jesus and his disciples.

Concluding his message, the Archbishop invites the congregation to consciously dedicate the upcoming week to walking alongside Jesus through his final moments, embracing the journey with intention and reverence.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

Louie Giglio’s sermon centers on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, emphasizing the celebratory atmosphere and the high praise Jesus received. Giglio highlights the context of Passover, with Jerusalem bustling with pilgrims. Despite the adulation and miracles, Jesus was acutely aware that his ultimate purpose was to fulfill the Passover by sacrificing himself for humanity.

The sermon references John 12, where a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, and crowds gather to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The people waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna,” viewing Jesus as a potential king. However, Giglio clarifies that Jesus’ true mission transcended their expectations. He was fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant, as foretold in Isaiah.

Drawing from Isaiah 50, Giglio underscores Jesus’ unwavering determination, setting his face like flint towards Jerusalem and the cross. This resolute focus is echoed in Luke 9. Giglio contrasts Jesus’ steadfast commitment with human experiences of others failing to show up, stressing that Jesus remained faithful and present when it mattered most.

The sermon concludes with a call to contemplate and celebrate the significance of the cross, urging the audience to fully grasp the depth of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. Referencing a sermon by Charles Spurgeon, Giglio encourages a resolute heart to live and die for Jesus, mirroring his unwavering determination. The final prayer seeks the Holy Spirit’s awakening of the audience to Jesus’ faithfulness and the profound cost of following him.

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Transitioning to the scripture reading from Luke 19, McDaniel sets the scene of Palm Sunday, noting the contrast between the celebratory arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem and the underlying darkness of the impending week. He encourages the congregation to find themselves in the story, recognizing the human tendency towards fickleness. McDaniel describes the difficult journey the disciples undertook from Jericho to Jerusalem, a steep and dangerous path, which he suggests mirrored their apprehension about the trouble awaiting Jesus and themselves. He points out that people often come to faith seeking comfort and help, but following God can also lead to challenging and uncertain paths.

As the disciples reached the Mount of Olives, the environment shifted from barren to lush, and crowds emerged, hailing Jesus as a king in a manner reminiscent of King David’s entry. McDaniel notes the disciples’ potential disorientation as the anticipated hardship seemed to give way to a moment of apparent victory. However, he cautions against the Christian inclination to seek worldly triumph, reminding them of Jesus’ consistent call to follow him through both easy and difficult times. He emphasizes that life, like the events of that day, involves twists, turns, and confusion, and the disciples were invited to confront their expectations.

McDaniel stresses the importance of being present in the moment, echoing Jesus’ teachings against worry and the tendency to dwell on the past or future. He highlights that Jesus’ mission was unwavering, while human focus often zigzags with distractions. Ultimately, McDaniel asserts that Jesus doesn’t want believers to face dark places for him but rather to be willing to walk into uncertainty with him. Drawing a parallel to a challenging basketball practice where the coach ran alongside the team, McDaniel assures the congregation that Jesus is always with them, inviting them to do hard things not for Him, but with Him. He concludes by posing reflective questions about where they are being called to follow Jesus, especially into unclear or scary aspects of life, and what it means to have Jesus present in those spaces, encouraging silent reflection before communion.

Listen to the full version here.

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