Homily for Proper 16 C - August 22, 2010

Being an Authentic Christian means always patterning our lives after “The Way” of Jesus!

Today we hear from the Prophet Isaiah that merely external worship does not cut it with God. Worship must be joined to internal sincerity. Those who conduct their affairs with justice are the ones who are acceptable in the eyes of God. Then our prayers will be heard, our efforts blessed and the Lord will find delight in our worship.

The author of Hebrews contrasts the assembly of the Israelites, when the old covenant was given, with the first Christians, who have entered the new covenant brought by Jesus. That old covenant was made on earth, but the new is in heaven. The author interprets God’s words spoken through the prophet Haggai as a reference to the Last Judgment. The kingdom that Christ has brought is unshakable, permanent, but those who “reject” him and his message will perish at the Last Day when God will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.

From Luke we hear of Jesus healing a woman from her suffering. He also sternly corrects the foolishness of detractors. Surly the Sabbath Day is a fitting day to relive suffering!

Jesus shows what it means to be a citizen of God’s kingdom – through his actions. That he heals a woman and refers to her as a "daughter of Abraham,” that is, a full member of Jewish society, is remarkable. The kingdom is equally open to women as to men and the sick; which is a radical departure for Jesus’ day. At that time, physical and mental ailments were seen as the work of evil forces; the very being of someone with a serious ailment was thought to be hostile to God. The woman does not ask to be cured and no one asks on her behalf. Jesus notices her and responds with compassion. Her response to his saving action is to praise God! The message, within the message, here is that the Kingdom of God is open to all; even those without status or who are shunned.

The question of authenticity rings through our readings today. It contrasts the worship of people who really don’t live the life with the worship of people who truly strive to embody God’s ways. Christianity was originally called “The Way” it is understood by the first disciples to be an entire “life style.” Not simple a Sunday thing, or a prayer and social thing. Prayer, fellowship and charity for the poor are only starting steps in the Christian way of life. Calling other’s to this life, using our abilities to make a better more just society and passing on “The Way” to another generation are equally important. Being authentic means striving to live the whole package, not just the easy parts.

We cannot each do it all at any one moment in our lives. But we can look honestly at our abilities and at the opportunities in our church (and city) and get involved in what we are able to do. You have heard me quote the saying before, “Do the good that presents itself to be done.”

Skating by on the bare minimum is not what Christianity is about. Nor is Christianity about being perfect, only Jesus accomplished that. CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT AUTHENTISITY AND INTEGRATY! It is about growing towards the maximum good with the time, talent and finances that we have available to us.