Homily for Pentecost 2012

My sisters & brothers, we continue the mission of the Church as we celebrate our spiritual roots. 

The famous AValley of Dry Bones@ story we started out with is a dramatic and powerful promise of resurrection for God=s people.  It comes to us from the prophet Ezekiel who was both a prophet and a priest.  His ministry began before the conquest of Judah in 587 BC, and continued during the exile in Babylon.  This book is the foundation for both Jewish and Christian visionary or apocalyptic literature, e.g. Revelation.  The prophet's message to the exiles is clear: he assures his hearers of God's abiding presence among them, and he emphasizes God's involvement in the events of the day, so that Israel and all nations will know who really is God.  He brings a dispersed and discouraged people, a message of hope.  Hope that God will restore them to their homeland and the temple. 

Our second reading today is the Pentecost story from Acts.  The way Luke puts it (the time Acame") shows that Pentecost is a milestone in the story of salvation, using similar language to his introduction of Jesus birth and ascension.

Look at the manner in which the Holy Spirit comes: the sound is Alike the rush of a violent wind@ and then, Adivided tongues, as of fire.@  Luke attempts to describe the event in human terms, but it is never possible to explain a divine mystery.  All we can do is say what it is like.  The coming of the Holy Spirit is the gift inaugurating the final stage of salvation history; this era leads up to the end of time.  The Spirit=s arrival is in fulfillment of Christ's promise.  The Spirit is the launching pad for the church=s mission.  

Today=s gospel picks up the story after the Last Supper, Jesus continues to tell the disciples about the mission they are to undertake and promises The AAdvocate.@  This advocate is the Holy Spirit; who is described as the Aspirit of truth.@  The Church too is to witness, to work with the Holy Spirit, by living the life that Christ made possible.  Thus, continuing Christ=s work in the world. 

Today we celebrate both the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.  It is also the beginning of the mission to make disciples of all nations.  We see this in the example of Peter preaching on the spur of the moment.  This celebration is referred to as the birth of the church because Jesus has finally left his disciples, by ascending to the Father.  The waiting time for the Spirit has come to fruition and they have been filled with all the spiritual gifts needed to begin there work of establishing Jesus= church in the world. 

Historically, the early Christians did not start out seeing themselves as a new church.  They saw themselves as Jews who knew the Messiah had come, and set about proclaiming that message.  It was not until the year 70 that they fully broke away from Judaism as an independent religion. 

The lead up to this began with the Jewish establishment persecuting the Christians as heretics.  During this time, the Zealots in Israel mounted a full scale rebellion against Roman occupation.  The Roman response was for an army to make a complete sweep of Israel.  Subduing the country again and utterly destroying the city of Jerusalem and the Temple within it.  This destruction was the final blow to the Christians.  It forced them to realize that they were about something completely new. 

Pentecost is the spiritual root of this realization which simply took time (and traumatic events) for people to figure out.  So, we today celebrate Pentecost as the birth of the church; because Christianity=s spiritual roots started with this event! 

So, what about our own day and age?  To continue the mission started by our ancestors in faith (to live in the Holy Spirit as they did) we must continue our discernment and development process.  Through prayer and conversation, we will be able to more clearly see God=s call to us in 2012 and put that call into action! 

6th Sunday of Easter B, May 13, 2012

At the height of a political corruption trial, the prosecuting attorney attacked a witness.  "Isn't it true," he bellowed, "that you accepted five thousand dollars to compromise this case?”  The witness stared out the window, as though he hadn't heard the question.

"Isn't it true that you accepted five thousand dollars to compromise this case?" the lawyer repeated.  The witness still did not respond.

Finally, the judge leaned over and said, "Sir, please answer the question."

"Oh," the startled witness said, "I thought he was talking to you."

Loyalty and trust worthiness is important in our Christian lives. 

In our first reading from Acts, the issue of welcoming the uncircumcised (non Jews) into the Christian Church is addressed as having been predetermined by the Holy Spirit.  Peter has been bidden to visit Cornelius, an officer of the Roman army of occupation stationed in Caesarea.  Both have had visions; in Peter=s case, he has been advised not to worry about what meat a Jew can eat per Mosaic Law (and whether he can visit a Gentile home.)  Peter visits Cornelius and his household: Amany had assembled.@ Peter tells them that God has shown him not to distinguish between Jews and non Jews.  Cornelius, a devout man who reveres and prays to God, tells Peter about his vision of God=s agent who told him to send for Peter.  Cornelius says: ASo now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say.@ 

Peter preaches and the Holy Spirit comes, as a Agift,@ on all present, Aeven on the Gentiles:@ to the surprise of the Jewish Christians Awho had come with Peter.@ The pouring out of the Spirit and baptism are closely associated in Acts; here baptism follows the coming of the Spirit.  Peter=s rhetorical question moves the important conversation: we Jewish Christians received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost; now these Gentiles have received it, so surely they can be baptized.  So they are baptized B not by Peter, but under his authority. 

In our reading from 1 John, we hear that believing in Jesus, loving God through doing his will is to conquer the evil in this world.  That is to say, we are filled with God=s grace through our love of Christ and our following of his example and teachings.  This, empowers us to overcome the evil that encroaches on our lives. 

In our gospel story, John further develops the theme of last week, abiding in Jesus as branches abide in the vine.  John makes the point that Jesus has loved his disciples as the Father has loved him.  The disciples are to continue to love him, by being obedient to his Acommandments.@ 

We remain or abide in Jesus, by remaining loyal to him, his teaching and example.  The example of Peter in the first reading illustrates this: he follows Jesus instruction to spread the message, he even discerns (through the Holy Spirit) Jesus ongoing (or new) instructions and takes the message to outcasts that he might not have gone to otherwise.  He even accepts the Holy Spirit’s example, guiding him to do away with the usual requirements of making a person become a Jew before they become Christian!  He is responsive to God on many levels. 

In other words, Peter fulfills the work and role he was given by God.  He lives in both the word he heard from Christ, what he has read in the Scriptures, and he listens to God=s ongoing promptings.  Adapting where he is called to adapt and fulfilling his role in God=s plan. 

My sisters and brothers, let us do likewise!

Homily for 5 Easter B

My sisters & brothers, our Christian mission is to produce good thing for the Kingdom of God. In our reading from the book of Acts, we heard the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian; it is the beginning of his missionary journey. Though we have little documentary evidence other than this story, we do know that Christianity was established in Ethiopia very early. Our reading is in the part of Acts where Luke (the author) tells of the spread of the Good News to non Jewish people in the Middle East. Prior to this story, he tells us about carrying the gospel to Samaria. Jews rejected Samaritans because they had a different principal place of worship and scriptural tradition. Now we hear of the conversion of another outcast, a eunuch. According to the laws in Deuteronomy, a eunuch could not be admitted to the assembly of the LORD.  For people of the 1st century Ethiopia represented the extreme limits of the known world. Our second reading from the first letter of John, gives us a lesson in humility. We are not the prime movers in our relationship with God. It doesn’t start with us seeking out God. Rather it begins with God loving us and revealing His love by sending his Son into the world (and into our individual lives). We then can respond to this outpouring, so that we might have life through Christ. John then reiterates his view of the primary commandment, if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is perfected in us. To claim to love God wile hating one's brothers or sisters, is hypocrisy. If one dose not love the brother or sister they have seen, they cannot love God, whom they have not seen. In our Gospel story today, we hear a poetic reminder that we must be productive followers. The individual Christians who are ineffective risk being cut off, were as those who are productive will be aided by God's power. The vine and branches symbol of our relationship with Jesus the Christ has many important nuances. We all know that the branches are an extension of the root stock or trunk of a vine or tree. The function of the root stock is to draw water and nutrients from the soil and distribute it to feed the entire plant. Each branch uses the nutrients to produce flowers, fruit and finally the seeds. As a symbol, this talks about Jesus as having the role of giver of nourishment and his followers the role of production. We are then responsible to carry out the work of growing and producing the good things of God's Kingdom. In our century it means that we first draw spiritual strength from God. There are many way to do this: study the Word, share in the sacraments, pray privately, etc. We then use the spiritual strength we gain to extend the church's positive influence in the world. This also has several dimensions. The many things we can do to invite new people into our church: advertising, personal invitations, etc. It also involves the things we can do to extend the hand of compassion to those experiencing hardships: giving to charitable drives like St. Andrew's children's clinic, and the chaplain's foot locker - and most especially, giving of our time and skills. In this dynamic way, we keep our selves alive as productive branches of Christ our vine!

Homily for 5 Epiphany B

My sisters and brothers, do we have strong enough Christian credentials?

In our reading from Isaiah, God reminds the evil doers that they cannot hide from Divine justice. He sees & knows all. This is dramatized by God speaking through the prophet in a direct address to the people. Can anyone measure God’s domain in human terms? So how can you think you can tell God what to do? Surely he decides what is just; surely he is the source of all “knowledge” and “understanding.”

In our Corinthians reading, Paul further illustrates his view that we should accommodate others for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. He also defends himself against challenges to his apostleship. He has written that, whatever others may think, he is an apostle for he has seen the risen Christ and he has brought many to him, especially at Corinth. However, rather than risk that asserting his “rights” as an apostle might become an “obstacle” to faith for new converts, he will not insist on his rights. Nothing must get in the way of telling, the good news. He has brought people to Christ by becoming as one religiously with them: he has behaved in a way not to give offense to prospects for conversion, to establish communications with them, respecting their customs. He has voluntarily restricted the freedom he has in Christ, making himself “a slave to all.”

In the reading from Mark’s gospel we see Jesus furthering his mission by healing Peter’s mother-in-law and “many others.” That she serves them as a show of hospitality, illustrates that she is completely and immediately cured. Many gather around the doorway of the house to see his miracles. The evil forces recognize his power over them but he intends to show himself as God’s agent later, so he does not “permit the demons to speak” Finally He withdraws to be alone to commune with God. This is another theme that will repeat itself in Mark’s telling of Jesus’ story.

In essence, Mark is going about establishing Jesus’ credentials as prophet and healer. We have various ways of establishing our authenticity. We have picture ID, usually a driver’s license, sometimes a corporate ID badge or military ID. We also have various kinds of professional credentials: State licenses to practice law or medicine; a reputation gained through getting our work published, etc. We even sight long lists of accomplishments.

In Jesus’ day one might be known as a Rabi in the school of X, or of Y. Later Christian teachers credentialed their work by attributing them to a master teacher or apostle of the faith: Paul, Peter, John, etc. Part of Jesus reputation as a uniquely powerful teacher and healer came from the ease he had at doing miraculous things. Often he did not more than give a command or touch someone. Rather, than using elaborate rituals or noxious smelling concoctions.

Nevertheless, what are our credentials as Christians? The time we spend in prayer, public worship, doing good and caring things for others? Are you satisfied with your Christian Resume? A friend of mine once posed the question to a group of us sitting in a pub talking erudite theology. If Christianity were outlawed tomorrow, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Homily for 4 Epiphany B: January 29, 2012

Today’s Deuteronomy reading describes how God will replace Moses as spiritual leader of the people. Leading up to this, Moses has told them that they are not to indulge in magic as the Canaanites do; God demands complete loyalty and will not permit occult practices. Now God, through Moses, promises: to help them remain loyal by raising up a prophet (like Moses) from among the people.

In our reading from 1st Corinthians Paul is dealing with a major controversy about whether it is OK to eat meat that was offered to a pagan god. Paul's view is that since no other god exists but Jesus and his Father, how can one be upset by foods offered to idols. But, one is not to let this knowledge make them arrogant, that would be sinful. They are not to let this insight become a scandal for people of weaker hearts. You gain noting by eating such food and loose noting by abstaining from it. Paul's point is that members of a Christian community need to extend support to each other; not cause one another to fall.

Today's gospel story has many layers to it. Capernaum was a prosperous town on the Sea of Galilee. The Synagogue was the place people met to worship and study the Jewish faith. Anyone with sufficient knowledge could teach so an invitation opened to a new comer (in this case Jesus) was not uncommon. Most Rabi would quote scripture and even other teachers as a support for their teaching. Jesus impressed the people with his independent teachings. Jesus speaks directly, confident of his own "authority."

The "man with an unclean spirit" brings in one of Mark's themes, which will be repeated throughout his gospel: the secret or hidden Messiah. The devil, speaking through the man he has possessed, recognizes Jesus true identity and challenges his meddling in the domain of evil. He recognizes that Jesus' coming spells the end of the devil's power. Jesus silences him before he can reveal the secret. Wonder workers of the day healed using ritual or magic spells, but Jesus exorcises simply through verbal command.

Do we recognize his power for healing in our lives? Or is that something that only happed back in the bible days. Could God intervene in the natural order today and work mysterious things on our behalf? Dare we reach out for such miracles and still trust that God will do right by us even if our prayers are not answered the way we expected or wanted.....

Personally I believe that the power of modern medicine which removed the prostate cancer from me was one of God miraculous healing gifts to humanity. Perhaps the mysterious hand of God has been behind an amazing moment of healing in your life as well.....

Homil for 3 Epiphany: January 22, 2012

We are called to be an example and a calling to others.

In our first reading, God relents against Nineveh because they repent after Jonah's half hearted preaching. The whole story is set in motion because Jonah hated the people of Nineveh. Earlier, in the story, God has called him to "go at once to Nineveh ... and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me" but he has tried to escape by sailing to the ends of the earth. God has punished him by having a large fish swallow him and we all remember how that story worked out. Obviously this is a mythological story, but it is one that teaches an important lesson. It illuminates the waywardness of Israel and God's all encompassing power. Also, it demonstrates God's freedom to favor whomever he chooses, even hated enemies of the past.

In our 1st Corinthians reading we get an explanation that we live in the era between Christ's first and second coming. This is the era in which God calls his church to bring as many as possible to believe in him and to follow his ways. This is an enormous task, and not one to be taken lightly, it requires maximum effort from a few. Paul expected the era to end in his own lifetime, so to him every minute of each day counted in a big way: time spent on other activities was time lost. Today we know that the last day will come in an unpredictable future and that our faithful stewardship includes a respectful calling of others. But not an all out rush!

Today's gospel story the Marks version of Jesus calling the first disciples. Just prior to this seen, Mark has just told us about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Now he returns to Galilee. His message begins with Athe time is fulfilled, that is, the time appointed by God, The kingdom of God has come near. With that He begins assembling his disciples. They immediately leave their previous occupations, and follow Jesus. The simplicity of these calling stories and the immediacy of the disciples' response are typical of this gospel. It demonstrates that the story telling is not meant to be historically accurate. Rather is an expression of faith in the power of Christ. These disciples owned nets and had employees, so they were people of means and rank; making their departure all the more dramatic. They gave up security and family to devote themselves to Christ's mission. This is a mark of conviction and dedication in any culture.

In theological terms we speak of the God's kingdom as being established but not fully or completely established. As Paul mentions to the Corinthians, Christ has come and will come again. In Paul's day Jesus' return was expected to be soon, with in their life-times. We know that it was not the case; the second coming has yet to happen. The kingdom is established, it is here, but it is not complete and that completion may yet be millennia away. In this era, we Christians are called on to be coworkers with Christ in building and completing the kingdom of God.


Spiritually this means that we must be open to the possibility that God will actually choose to work through us for the spiritual enrichment and salvation of another. Is that a spooky thought? But is it also a truth that expresses how much God values each and every one of us. Calling others to Christ (or preaching Christ) is much less about persuasive argument or catchy phrases than we think. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted by his followers as saying, "preach the gospel every day, and if you have to, you can use words."  It’s really about whom we are and how we treat others.

There are several simple ways we can get out the word on what a great Christian life we share at St. Stephen's:
• We can each carry some cards to give away if and when the moment is appropriate.

• We can also use signage around our parish, we actually see a large of amount of traffic, many people know of the Golf Links - Foothills short cut.

• We can all make an ongoing effort to continue the warm and welcoming nature we have when new people come here in their search for a church.

• My sisters and brothers, in these kinds of simple ways, we answer the call of Christ.

Homily for the Epiphany of our Lord (Transfered to Sunday Jan. 8, 2012)

My sisters and brothers, let us put Christ in the first place in our lives and keep all else in balance under his grace.

Our first reading today we see Isaiah=s prophecy of the Epiphany story. As familiar as it is, there are a few details that are worth noting. Darius, King of Persia, has permitted the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem. Isaiah is basically telling the people to enjoy this event as a blessing from God. God is with them; their life in the city will reflect the presence and power (Glory) of God.

Most importantly for us today is the promise that many nations will seek the wisdom of God and come to pay homage to God in Jerusalem. We see this in the symbolic language “thus the wealth of Arabia will come to the city.”

One of the key elements of Matthew=s gospel is the demonstration that Jesus fulfills prophecies and is, undoubtedly, The One. In the Gospel story we just heard, Matthew illustrates his point about Jesus by relating how stories of his birth fulfill the prophecies of the anticipated Messiah.

You may know that we are not all that sure about just when Jesus was born; we do not know the actual day and can only make an educated guess as to the year. Our modern calendar was originally based on the birth year of Christ and time was counted forward from then. But, it’s off by several years.

When Matthew states, "In the time of King Herod," he sets a time for Jesus= birth in or before the year 4 B. C. E. We know this because The King Herod Matthew refers to (Herod the Great) died in 4 BC. So our calendar is off between 4 and 6 years.

"The Wise men" Matthew speaks of would have been members of a Persian caste of astrologers and interpreters of dreams. Astrology was widely accepted then. A star was commonly associated with each person, the way the star rose told the astrologers that a king had been born. The book of Numbers 24:17 24 prophesies that A "a star shall come out of Jacob, a scepter shall rise out of Israel," and that this ruler will conquer surrounding nations. Once again, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus is the one who truly fulfills prophecy.

As I mentioned, one of the key points of this prophecy and fulfillment is that foreigners came to recognize God=s presence in Israel and travel there seeking God out. The Gentiles are meant to receive the blessings of the messiah just as the Jewish people.

In our second lesson today, Paul is talking about how he dedicated his entire life to this mission. Paul sees the non-Jewish Christians, Gentiles, as equal in every way to the Jewish Christians. Paul calls them coheirs and co-members and co-partners in Christ.

This is a very important piece of our story today. It's not enough that we recognize that Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah and Numbers; we must also recognize that in him the prophecy about foreigners seeking God and worshiping God is fulfilled. It was this awareness that led the early Christians to share the gospel with non-Jews. Paul ran hard with this idea and gave his life to the mission.


In our day and age we need to take to heart this call and remind ourselves that any prejudice is out of place in a Christian community. We are not of higher status because of our color, language, education, citizenship or ethnic heritage. It's not about Republican or Democrat, it’s not about view points or perspectives, insider knowledge or anything else that makes us different from one another. God has made us all in God's image and holds a place at the table in heaven for each of us. Because the early Jewish Christians were not elitists, and did not hold the gospel to themselves, neither can we. It is our responsibility to lay out the welcome mat for all who seek Christ in an authentic way and wish to share in God=s Word and Sacraments with us. In this way we put Christ first and keep all else in his graced balance. It is in this way that we follow the example of our ancestors in faith.