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.