October 21, 2007 Sermon
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Proper 24 - C
Stewardship Sermon 2
Luke
18:1-8 Allan Conkling
October 21, 2007 Emmanuel, San Angelo
Be persistent in faith. Who would not agree with that statement? If we are persistent, like Jacob wrestling with the angel, God will actively engage us, mind, body and spirit. These readings are a bit like a Pep Rally speech. They are designed to get us fired up; to stir up an enthusiasm; and to remind us that we are on a winning team.
Yet we can see that even by Luke's time, barely a generation removed from the time Jesus of himself, the story that he told of the persistent woman had lost something in the translation. What is going on here? Is this about a corrupt legal system, or a whiny woman? Fortunately, Luke tells us: "This is a story about why you should pray always and not lose heart." I can understand that. The simple truth is that people do get discouraged in their faith and in their prayer life. People do run aground in their personal and family life. We do have moments of doubt and uncertainty--even the best of Christians.
A few weeks ago it was made known in the news that a journal of Mother Teresa had been published--against her requests. For many was a bit of a scandal. As I understand it, in her journal Mother Teresa expressed concern that she was losing or had in fact lost her faith. Over the past few of weeks I have had probably a dozen conversations on this topic. Is this possible? What does it mean? If someone as faithful as Mother Teresa can have her faith shaken, what does that say about us? My answer is the same: To me it shows that she was human, just as we all are. I can scarcely fathom what a life of service to the dying on the streets of Calcutta, India would be like. How many days did she wake up and ask herself, "Why am I doing this?" "What is the meaning of life?" I know I would. We look to the saints to give us hope, but saints are human. And there is nothing magical about this life of faith and prayer. It takes persistence, it takes dedication. That is why Luke preserves this parable: "This is a story about why you should pray always and not lose heart." That is why we tell OT stories like Jacob wrestling with the angel of God. Too often in our culture thinks of Christians as wimps, but to follow Christ in the way of the Cross is the hardest thing you will ever do.
Now more than ever before, people are searching for answers and meaning in life. Folks long to hear that troubles, although ever present in life, will not consume us or get the best of us. There is a longing to hear a message of hope, for hope is scarce these days. This life gives us very few promises...except the promise of death and taxes. On the other hand, the Christian message is one of Grace. Over and over again in the Bible we read of a loving Creator who has made and sustains us all, even when we don’t always feel it. This is the Good News we share: That in spite of the outward problems of the world, there is a safe harbor. There is a rock, and an anchor in troubled waters. That rock is Jesus Christ.
The Bible is likewise persistent in teaching us that it is not just up to God to do all the work. If we take anything from these readings, it is that God is not just "out there"--but intimately involved in our life here and now. We don’t simply wish that things will work out, or wish that things would be different. Rather we are called to be actively involved in making the world a better place...to roll up our sleeves and do our part.
That’s where Stewardship comes in. Stewardship is the life of caring for that which is entrusted to us by God. We don’t pray or give to the church so we can change God, rather in praying and in giving we are changed. Think of a wheel here, with its spokes from the outer rim to the axle: The closer we get to God, the closer we get to others. If I am to be God’s hands...I have to extend mine out to others. If I am to see Christ...I have to take my eyes off of me.
The readings this morning issue an invitation, a challenge to be persistent in the face of adversity. Acknowledge your doubts and fears, and Wrestle with God, but don’t give up. Proclaim the message of Christ with a sense of urgency in your life by what you say and do. And pray again and often: God is listening.
Throughout our lives and for as long as we live, this call will continue. At times we fall away or turn away. Yet when we hear and respond we become more the person God would have us be. Start today by looking at your life, your church, your family. Open your heart and listen for God. Consider what the Lord is doing, then consider, prayerfully and persistently what you can do for God.
Copyright © 2003 Emmanuel Episcopal Church. All rights reserved.
Revised: 11/04/07