July 23, 2006 Sermon
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Proper 11 – B
July 23, 2006 Allan Conkling
At what seems to be the height of his ministry Jesus took his disciples and encouraged them to “come away to a deserted place and rest a while.” Life had become complicated, hurried and “they had no leisure even to eat.” But for Jesus there was no rest. Even there, the march of progress and human need met them. People from towns and villages flocked to him. If he was put out, or felt irritated, if he wanted to say, “All I want is a couple of days off” he didn’t say it. He did not say “get out of here” or “leave me alone.” Rather he got busy and called the others to do the same.
In our readings this morning we see that God often operates best, at any rate is experienced best, in these desert times. It is in desert times that God brings rest to the weary, strength to the faint hearted, healing to the broken. As problems continue to escalate at home and abroad, at a time when we are worried about the Middle East, rising energy costs, inflation, and a flat economy. At a time when we are faced with health for family issues, here we are promised that, if we will listen, God is present.
It was either by accident or divine intervention that last Sunday I found myself at an Episcopal Church on our final day in Santa Fe. Kelly and I were heading out for coffee. Since I had pretty much lost track of the days, seeing people early in the morning out in suits and dresses was a surprise to me. Even more of a surprise was seeing the familiar blue and white Episcopal Church just right around the corner from our bed and breakfast. I took it to be a sign from God, an invitation, which I could not refuse. Even dressed as I was, in Hawaiian shirt, cargo pants and tennis shoes, instead of going for coffee we went to church. And I was glad I did.
Holy Faith Church, like Emmanuel, is a traditional yet modern feeling church. There were kids, teens, adults, and good hymns played on a beautiful organ, sung liturgy and Prayer Book worship. It was when we got to the sermon time that the similarity ended. New Mexico is a very conservative diocese. I remembered that this diocese that does not allow women priests, and is one that is active in its opposition to issues, and may even end up leaving the Episcopal Church. The rector acknowledged that some people today disagree with his opinion, but that he was called to affirm and teach a “biblically grounded, traditional faith.” I really wanted to speak with the rector afterwards, to let him know how I felt, but I didn’t. But I did feel like coming back here, and affirming from this pulpit a different viewpoint. While some would disagree with my opinion, I see a different vision of the Church. In contrast to fighting and defensiveness, and walls built in some places to keep others out, I see instead Christ breaking down the walls which separate us. Paul reminds us of this in the reading today:
“For he is our peace, in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall that is the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, and might reconcile both groups to God….”
I read this and see
that no one has a corner on God! In Christ there are no grounds for any of us
to feel superior to anyone else. Jesus loved all and gave his life for all. We
are all God’s people, created equally in the image and likeness of our loving
creator. We worship a God of “extreme inclusion.” Building fences and setting
boundaries might be a human tendency but it is not from God. Simply put, it is
absolutely impossible for a Christian of any race, nationality, color, gender,
culture, status or persuasion to look down on another person of any race,
nationality, color, gender, culture, status or persuasion, and still be a
follower of Christ. It is impossible. An honest reflection on
When he saw the people, and their searching and hearing their cries, Jesus gazed upon their afflictions and infirmities. He saw the suffering and was moved with compassion. Jesus knew what they were there for, and he knew what He was there for. And Christ knows that still…with each one of us. Far from rejecting the people, Jesus gathered them together, healed them and fed them spiritually. Can we do any less?
Sitting the far back pew at Holy Faith Church, as a visitor, as a stranger I would have felt out of place had it not been for glancing over the rector’s shoulder. Like Emmanuel, like all Episcopal Churches, thanks be to God, one’s gaze is drawn beyond choir, pulpit, and ministers, to the ultimate focus of the service—the Holy Table. There, regardless of whatever differences I felt, I knew that Christ was truly present, drawing all to partake in his holy feast: Taking, Blessing, Breaking, Giving. And multitudes are fed with leftovers to spare.
Yes we have differences. Yes we have issues. No the world is not perfect, and there is plenty of work to be done before we live in glory. But in moments of need, in times of transition and change Christ is present with us. When we come to that providential awareness, it is then that real miracles will begin to take place.
Copyright © 2003 Emmanuel Episcopal Church. All rights reserved.
Revised: 08/02/06