Homily for Proper 28 A, November 13, 2011

My sisters and brothers, it is vital that we embrace and fulfill the mission God gives us.

In our first lesson today we saw God working through the prophetess Deborah to answer his people’s cry and free them from oppression. Following the death of Joshua, Israel lead by 12 successive judges, charismatic leaders raised up at times of national crisis by the spirit of God. Judges honestly admits that Israel does not control all of the Canaan; because they “did what was evil in the sight of the LORD,” they were subjugated by other peoples from time to time.

“Deborah” is the fourth of the judges but is different from others. She acts as God’s spokeswoman in matters of national importance and societal disputes but leaves military leadership to Barak. She orders him, in God’s name, to assemble troops drawn from northern tribes on Mount Tabor. There, God will draw the enemy, and will give Israel victory. The following verses describe the battle. Due to a heavy rainstorm or to the “Kishon” River overflowing its banks (or to both), Sisera’s chariots become mired in the mud, and his troops panic. Sisera and all his troops are killed. Israel is once again free.

In the second lesson we heard Paul reminding us: you cannot know when the Day of the Lord will come! So, keep awake and sober, be ready, for God has planned salvation for you through Christ.

In the gospel lesson, we heard the Parable of the talents! Notice that the one who is punished does not receive condemnation for his poverty or any lack of ability. He was given responsibility according to his ability just as the others. He is punished for his lazy, cowardly, do nothing attitude. That is, for not using the abilities he has. The one who made a small prophet was given the same blessing (entering his master’s joy) as the one who made the greater prophet. And, given greater responsibilities according to his ability.

Yes, God both rewards generously and is a stern judge. God expects us to be good stewards of his gifts and to use them for the mission of growing his Kingdom. God does not want to see us let our gifts go unused and the Kingdom go stagnate.

It reminds me of a funny story:
Three nurses appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates. St. Peter said to the first, "Tell me what you did on earth."

Said she, "I was a birthing room nurse. I helped bring hundreds of precious babies into the world."

"Enter!" said St. Peter. Then he turned to the second. "And how about you?" he asked.

She replied, "I was a trauma unit nurse. I helped save hundreds of lives of people involved in terrible accidents."

"Enter!" cried St. Peter, and turned to the third.

"I worked for an HMO," she admitted. "Over the years I saved my company hundreds of thousands of dollars by refusing extended care to people who were trying to bilk the system."

"You may enter!" said St. Peter.

"You really mean it?" asked the nurse incredulously.

"Yes," replied St. Peter. "You've been pre-approved for three days."

My brothers and sisters. Fulling our mission for Christ is not about doing greater things than any one els. Its not about achieving some personal best. Its about doing the good that presents itself to be done. Using our skills, knowledge and energy to spread the Kingdom of God as the opportunity arises.