Homily for Proper 10 B, July 15, 2012

Let us seek, more and more to be transformed by God’s grace.

In the first reading we heard today, Amos the prophet delivers his message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel.  He is a simple man, not a priest or scribe but a herd’s man and tree trimmer.  God calls whom he chooses not necessarily the one most likely in our eyes.  The message of Amos is not be to the liking of King Jeroboam, so the priest Amaziah tries to chase him off.

In the second reading we heard today, Paul rhapsodizes about the glorious blessing we have received from God through Christ.  He speaks primarily of the invisible, internal, spiritual blessings we receive. 

In the gospel story, the beheading of John the Baptist, we see a horrific and decadent abuse of power.  But, there is an undercurrent of wonder about Jesus.  Some people think he is John the Baptist (back from the dead) working miracles.  But others see Jesus’ actions as signs of the end of the era: that he is “Elijah” who was expected to return at Judgment Day, or some other prophetic figure.  None are ready to believe the Messiah has come. 

Paul provides us with a contrast to the corruption of Jeroboam and Herod.  Paul helps us understand how we are connected to God while the two kings are running from God.  Paul reminds us of the amazing gifts we are given because God loves us.  Paul says, “Blessed be God … who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens!”  No fear here, just deep and joyful gratitude that we are empowered by God’s blessings.  Paul goes on to tell us what some of those blessings are: adoption as God’s children, redemption through the death of Jesus, forgiveness for our sins and grace lavished on us.  Truly a wonderful thought: God’s grace being lavished on us!  None of these things is a worldly gift.  They are all of a heavenly nature that we can, however, use here in our earthly lives.  These gifts give us a spiritual power that we must use to do good and to spread the Good News among our brothers and sisters. 

We live in a world that is all too full of authorities who abuse their power; much as did King Herod.  In this context we must ask ourselves: Is being gathered up into God’s love enough for us?

We have to ask that question seriously and truthfully.  What does it mean to be gathered up into God here on earth?  We too often forget that Jesus constantly talked about the kingdom of God being right here, right now.  Which means, in the midst of present day corruption and violence, we ought to be living in this abiding love right now, with everyone who will accept it. 

We might ask what the consequence would be if we could really do this.  It would certainly change our lives.  We might see the beauty in all God’s people and be willing to take their hands when solidarity for goodness and justice is needed.  We might see our churches begin to fill again because others would see our witness and want to share what we have.  We’d learn to speak about our faith in convincing and inviting ways.  If we really took God up on his grace, it would transform our lives.