Homily for September 8, 2013

Proper 18 C

My brothers and sisters, the most difficult piece of our being Disciples of Christ is often the simplest; allowing Jesus to change us! 

In our reading from Jeremiah we hear that God forgives those who repent!  This comes through the imagery of God’s people being like vessels shaped on a potter’s wheel.   A potter’s wheel is a round flat stone (like a table) that spins as the potter works.  The potter controls the speed of the wheel and places a lump of clay on the top.  Then the potter begins forming the vessel with his hands as the wheel is turned.  If the vessel becomes distorted during turning, the potter can collapse the clay back into a lump and simply begin again.  Jeremiah explains the symbolism as God being the potter and humanity the clay.

Some of us may be more cooperative with God's efforts to shape us than others but we are all being shaped.  The idea being that we should strive to cooperate with God’s shaping of our lives. 

Our second reading is from a personal letter from Paul to Philemon but it is also addressed to “the church in your house.”  In the first century, the Christian community gathered at a member’s home. It is likely that the letter was read during worship. 

“Onesimus,” is a slave who has run away from Philemon’s house.  While visiting Paul, he has been converted to Christianity, making him Paul’s spiritual child.  A common penalty for a salve running away for a master was death, so Paul is in a delicate position, pleading for the man’s life.  Paul urges Philemon to take him “back forever” as a “beloved brother” in Christ.  He is asking Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul himself. 

In our selection from Luke’s Gospel we see Jesus talking about the cost or demands of being a disciple.  In the early days, being a Christian could very well cost you all you had (confiscated by civil authorities) and even your life (you could be executed for being a Christian). 

Jesus describes what is required of his followers. The word “hate” is used as an exaggeration; a method of speaking and writing that we still use today.  It was a common linguistic trait in Hebrew.  Jesus uses it here to make the dramatic point that one must be less attached to their possessions, even their life, than to Jesus himself.  The disciple must find his prime security and meaning in Jesus.  Not in family, property or in one’s own life.  One must be prepared to suffer, as Jesus did on the “cross.” 

Today, we don’t run the risk of capital criminal charges for being a Christian as did our predecessors.  Nor do we experience the prejudice here in the U. S. that others must live with in far flung parts of the globe.  We could lose friends, business opportunities and the like but generally we don’t have to pay much of a price for being Disciples of Jesus.  However, there is one “cost of discipleship” that we do have in common with all Christians.  And it can be intimidating. 

It is the demand of Jesus that each of his followers allow themselves to genuinely be changed by his Gospel and grace.  Sadly, the willingness to personally be changed is one of the hardest things we can be confronted with. Yet, that is the call.  To be transformed or remolded by the Gospel into the people God calls us to be.  Although giving up some of our self determination and be transformed into a better person by God’s grace is intimidating, it is actually one of Jesus’ most precious, beautiful and joyful gifts. 

In his book simply titled “Prayer” Richard Foster gives us a wonderful and simple prayer that is the perfect thing for us to take home with us today.  I’ll put this on my blog for anyone who wants to look it up form home and there are a few paper copies in the back of church for those who don’t care for using the Internet. 

Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be like you.  But there are other moments. . . Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is.  In my seeking for you may I be found by you.  Amen.  

Homily for the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ: August 2013

Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus.  Today is not simply about celebrating a moment of revelation in which Jesus’ divinity was made clear to his disciples.  This event also includes the experience and example of Peter, James and John who become an archetype for us.  They symbolically express how the presence of God in our lives can be both awe inspiring and transformative. 

Beginning with our story from the book of Exodus we see that Moses is transformed by the time he spends close to God.  The author expresses this transformation by describing the glowing or shining nature of Moses’ face.  Old Testament scholars will talk about this as expressing Moses’ privileged status as God's servant.  But I believe there is a deeper message for us Christians, Moses as another example for the rest of us. 

In the second reading we heard today, the author writes in the voice of Peter who most likely was author’s teacher.  He recounts testimony of hearing the voice of God declare Jesus as His Son!  In a sense reminiscing about the experience we hear of in today's gospel story.  He assures us of the reliability of the apostolic message by appeal to the transfiguration of Jesus in glory.  Here, as elsewhere, the New Testament insists on necessity of preserving these stories of Jesus and the truths of the faith; particularly that Jesus is the son of God. 

In the gospel story we heard today of Jesus’ transfiguration, Moses and Elijah play a pivotal role.  They represent the Old Testament traditions of the law and the prophets; which acted as a counterbalance for each other.  At the end of this episode, the heavenly voice will identify Jesus as the one to be listened to now.  He fulfills both the law (given through Moses) and the prophetic tradition (started by Elijah) and begins a completely new era of God's relationship with the human race.

Jesus transfiguration was a profound experience for the three disciples who were present.  Hearing from the tradition of Peter, we can see that it was held as a reality check or validation of Jesus' message and example.  It is also an illustration of how our lives will be transformed if we allow Christ to enter deeply into our spirit.  Just as it was a transformative experience for Peter, James and John.  We will certainly not glow like Moses or like Jesus himself.  But, like Peter, James and John we will be changed in gradual and yet noticeable ways.  We will become more tolerant of the irritating habits of others.  We will become more peaceful during times of stress, more thoughtful before taking action, i.e., we will become more Christ like.  We will even find that emotional and spiritual healing comes quicker after the many painful moments life in this world brings our way. 

My brothers and sisters let us take the example of Peter, James and John deeply into our hearts and each day ask Christ to send us his transforming grace.

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!

Homily for July 21, 2013: Proper 11 C

My sisters and brothers let us be people of prayer as well as people of learning and of compassion. 

In the reading from Amos we heard a poetic expression of God’s displeasure with the rampant corruption of the day.  The Lord knows that merchants, royalty, and other well-off members of Israelite society have been cheating at business and exploiting the less fortunate.  He will hold them accountable for their abuse of power and wealth.  In sort, God expects his people to act with justice. 

In the beginning of this reading there is a play on words: in Hebrew.  “Summer fruit” and the “end” sound alike.  God will not “pass them by,” i.e. he will no longer ignore the Israelites’ corruption: “the end has come.”  To Israelites of this day, sin was understood as literally polluting the land.  In this way earthquakes (rising and falling of the land) was the result of human sin. 

From Colossians we heard an early Christian hymn which speaks of how they understood Jesus the Christ.  Analogy used in this hymn was popular at the time.  Thrones and powers were orders of angelic beings and each had its origin in Christ, and exists for Christ.  Any power they have is subordinate to his’.  The whole of creation – both heavenly and earthly – were created with his participation.  He is also the “firstborn,” the inheritor from the Father, of created-ness; he governs it, and is the cohesive power of the universe. 

From Luke’s gospel we heard the story of Martha and Mary.  Mary assumes the role of a disciple; I’ve explained before that “sitting at the feet” of Jesus is a metaphor of discipleship and it was a role normally reserved for males in the day.  Martha assumes the role of a hostess but is bothered by Mary attention to Jesus rather than the work of hospitality.  Both are good and fitting and neither should look down upon the other but there is obviously tension. 

Today’s gospel was often used to exalt intellectual life (theological studies, etc.) above the practical tasks.  In this biased view, the role of cooking, maintenance and the like was judged as beneath the role of student, teacher and ordained ministry.  The text is not that simple.  Among the disciples of Jesus, in every generation, there are many responsibilities, ministries, etc., but one is central, attentiveness to Jesus himself.  Martha is “distracted” by the work of hospitality (vs 40) when she needs to be paying attention to Jesus. 

Attentiveness to Christ in prayer and worship (as we do today) is the primary option for us today.  Reading and taking classes in our Christian heritage is also important; so we may learn as Jesus’ disciples.  It is also important that we be about the work of justice, charity and compassion. But none of these important things can take the place of our relationship with Jesus the Christ and the attention we should be investing in that relationship. 

My sisters and brothers, let us be people of prayer as well as people of learning and of compassion and of justice. 

Homily for July 7, 2013

I'm back from vacation, visited NYC and had a great time.  Here is Sunday's Sermon. . .

Homily for Proper 9 C

God passionately loves each one of us.  The question is will you live your life in that love. 

In our reading from Galatians, Paul calls them back to the gospel he taught them.  Moreover, he speaks against those who want the Galatians to embrace Jewish ways, e.g., circumcision.  Paul reminds us that we are called to freedom, but not licentiousness or any other kind of self-indulgence.  He calls on the Galatians and us to live in the Holy Spirit.  In particular, he gives the example that Christians who have received the Spirit should gently help those who stray into sin.  The “law of Christ” is the norm of mutual love. 

In our Gospel reading, we see Jesus sending of the 70 disciples out to preach the Kingdom.  They are to go out as classical poor and humble prophets.  The response to their preaching is very positive.  There amazed that even the demons respond to their authority.  We have to remind ourselves, when we hear stories like these, that in Jesus day people believe most illness was caused by some minor demon messing with the person.  In essence, we are hearing stories about how people's lives were transformed by Jesus’ disciples.

Our first reading today, is a poem of celebration.  God is restoring his people to their homeland.  They will be joyful and carefree as a child in its mother’s lap.  The poem shifts its symbolism in a very quick but profound way: first, the imagery is of Jerusalem being a loving mother nursing her children and playing with them on her lap.  However, in the middle, it shifts and God becomes the comforting mother!  “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” 

We do not often get to see or talk about this imagery even though it is relatively common in the Old Testament.  This imagery is important because it reminds us that God is bigger than anything we can imagine.  It is also important for our spiritual lives because God as an ideal father is not an image that works for every person universally.  The author of Isaiah tells us that God loves us as an ideal mother loves her children.  Nursing them and holding them in her lap. 

Can we believe that we are so loved by God?  Alternatively, can you believe that you are precious to God?  So precious that God will respect the freedom you were created with even when you abuse it.  So precious, in God’s eyes, that God will take you back every time you repent of your sins and foolishness. 

God indeed, passionately loves each one of us.  Our response to that love is the question and challenge.  Will you embrace that gift and love God in return?  Will you keep returning to God every time you screw up and embarrass yourself in that spiritual relationship?  Will you invite and welcome others to share this immense love of God?