August 12, 2007 Sermon
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Proper 14 – C
August 12, 2007 Emmanuel, San Angelo
What is the heart of Christianity? Some would say:
But let me put a different spin on the question by saying that had I asked, "What is the Core of Christian belief? or "What is the Essence of our Faith?" or "What do we believe as Christians?" I would have expected those answers. On the other hand, "What is the Heart of Christianity?" is searching for something different.
Like all good metaphors, "heart" has more than one level of meaning. When we say we will "get to heart of the matter," we want to uncover what is most central to our beliefs. But "Heart" also has another meaning. As we look at our scripture readings for today, it is an organic image that comes to my mind. "Heart" suggests something that is alive, pulsating: the source of life. "Heart" is the vision of Abraham. "Heart" is "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." So by asking "What is the heart of Christianity?" I guess what I am trying to get at is what is the animating source, or the driving force of our faith? What is it that gives life to YOUR faith?
Every week we profess our belief in the words of the Nicene Creed as we say, "I believe in God the father almighty...etc." But, as long as I have been a priest, I can promise you, that I have never heard anyone say that that the Creed was the spiritual high point of the service! Why? Because the Creed is a cerebral exercise: a rational statement of belief. When it comes to our faith, that which animates us is not from the head, rather from the heart. "Heart" suggests something deeper than the intellect; deeper than any particular set of Christian ideas and beliefs. We can change our minds, and assent to truths, but deep transformation comes when we experience faith with our heart.
So, what is there about our faith that gives it power to transform people at the heart level? "What is the heart of Christianity?" Author and theologian Marcus Borg has observed that today Christians, particularly here in America are deeply divided about what is the heart of Christianity. We live in a time of major conflicts, of major paradigm shifts in the church. Women's ordination, human sexuality, science and the Bible, peace and justice issues--these are just some of the things that have come up in the last 30 years. One side sees this as a tearing of the fabric, a shaking of the foundations to the core of our faith: the Bible, God, Jesus, and the Christian life are all seen as being under attack. For this group the heart of Christianity is grounded in a divine authority that is being ignored; church law which is being revised; and unchangeable, inerrant laws of the Bible that are not being followed. This is a fearful time.
Yet over the past 100 years or so, another paradigm has emerged. This side interprets the Bible through the eyes of metaphor, history, and sacrament. Scripture is primarily "holy history" not literal history. This heart of Christianity is outward looking rather than inward looking. It beats in relational and transformational ways. This heart cares little about meeting requirements of a future reward, or even about right belief. In contrast, what makes this heart beat faster is relationship with God and relationship with others. Loving God is paying attention to what God loves- not what we think God loves. It is seeing and respecting the essential goodness in all people, even those who differ most from us.
So "What is the heart of Christianity?" The readings for today offer us an insight. First, over and over again God says, "Do not be afraid." God assures Abraham that he will be the ancestor of a great nation- his dreams will be realized. Yet over and over again we see that God's ways are not our ways. God doesn’t do things the way that we think are right. God will never be "boxed in" to the convenient or conventional. From the reading we see that nothing is impossible for God. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where it wills--so we had best get used to it!
Secondly, in Luke, Jesus assures his followers that the unfailing treasure in heaven is here and now. It is openness to truth, and desire for wholeness and holiness that pumps blood through the veins of the people of God. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Where do our energies go, as a church and as individuals? What do we think about the most? How are we living right now, as we await the Master's return? Answer these questions and our hearts really will beat in time with the rhythm of Creator.
Dear Christians, our call is to live life as an outward and visible sign of an inward, spiritual grace: a sacrament. Pay attention! Be alert...not out of fear or anxiety but in anticipation of the many blessings which come to those who serve the Lord. As St. Augustine, said each of us is created with a longing: "The restless heart will never rest until it finds it rest in thee." I have found that to be true in my own life.
"Christianity" says Marcus Borg "is participating in the passion of God." Here is the passion: Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with God. God’s kingdom has come; and God's will is being done on earth as it is in heaven.
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Revised: 08/20/07