Homily for July 28, 2013, Proper 12 C

God made each of us with a unique set of gifts, becoming fully who we were born to be is the spiritual quest of all of us Christians. 

In today’s reading from Genesis we see Abraham arguing with God in defense of Sodom and Gomorrah.  He is so comfortable in his relationship with God that he objects to God’s plan with polite boldness.  God takes no offense with Abraham and agrees to avoid punishing the righteous with the wicked. 

The Colossians lived in a world view where “elemental spirits” (spirits thought to infuse the earth, air, fire and water) and cosmic (angelic) powers controlled the universe for God.  Paul discourages them from placating (worshiping) these spirits.  He reminds them that in Christ they have direct access to God without such intermediaries!  God is close to them. 

In the gospel story we just heard Jesus first teaches a simple prayer which we all know well.  The version we normally pray is the longer one found in Matthew’s gospel.  Next Jesus moves into an illustration of God’s readiness to give good things to his people.  Concluding with the implication that we should be asking the Holy Spirit to fill our lives!  Again, God wishes to be close to us and in direct conversation with us. 

This reminds me of two different quotes from Christian spiritual authors of past generations.  The first from Saint Teresa of Avila who was a 16th c. mystic: “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”  And, my brothers and sisters, friends can and do disagree with one another; hopefully in a respectful manner.  Abraham is our example of this today; Moses and Jeremiah are also good examples of this kind of closeness with God. 

But, of course, there is more to the story.  My second quote is from Soren Kierkegaard the 19^th c. spiritual writer and philosopher: “The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”  To have the friendship with God that is alluded to in our readings (or to be filled with the Holy Spirit) means letting our selves get close enough to God that we will be changed by the experience. 

Our vocations, ministries and other contributions to God’s kingdom are as varied as our unique personalities and giftedness.  But, under it all, our primary work as Christians is the same.  Welcome God’s friendship and allow the Spirit to guide (and transform) you into becoming fully the person you were born to be!