tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968210519693758352024-03-05T11:09:29.732-05:00Seersucker SeattliteThe blog of the Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews, vicar of St. Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, Lakewood, WA. Sermons, cooking adventures, musings on society.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.comBlogger548125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-22968201582799792862018-01-15T14:03:00.001-05:002018-01-15T14:04:13.080-05:00Sermon on John 1.43-51<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">January
14, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Epiphany
2, B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John 1.43-51<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
don’t know what to say this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
annual meeting is right after this,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and Jesus calls to Philip <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and Nathanael and us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“Follow me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve
also got Philip saying,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We have found him <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">about whom Moses in the law<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and also the prophets wrote, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How
does Nathanael reply?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
asks,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">[Sigh]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That
sounds a lot like <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A comment the President made this
week,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>doesn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
sentiment sounds the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A
temptation is to let the comparison<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>stand on its own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving
in to that temptation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is giving in to white supremacist
rhetoric.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nathanael
may have thought <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that Nazareth wasn’t anything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but that doesn’t make it nothing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>even if it was in the
back woods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
where Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the savior of creation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>grew up poor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
changed the world,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>just like the people of Haiti. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
couldn’t get in this pulpit <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and not mention the analogous
comparison.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
saying anything more about it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>isn't the sermon that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">am called to preach <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to you<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
I tried to write one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
Nathanael dismisses Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>simply because he is from Nazareth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Philip replies to “Can
anything good?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>with “Come
and see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
Nathanael finds is <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a man who essentially <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">has done a magic trick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
says, “I saw you sitting under the fig tree.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
knew where Nathanael was,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and that’s all it takes to convince
him<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that Jesus is the son of
God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>the king of
Israel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m
with Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that's a pretty low bar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite
Nathanael’s dismissing Nazareth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus doesn’t dismiss Nathanael. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
says, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will see greater things than
these.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From
what we know of Nathanael,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he does what Philip does at the beginning
of this passage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
follows Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
short passage <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">is part of John’s Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>where Jesus is
assembling <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">his core group of disciples. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
of them <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">were followers of John the Baptizer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Others
he recruits along the way<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and convinces to follow him by his
teaching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
seek out new people to follow Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because they are convinced <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that Jesus is the one
written about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>in the law
and the prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is only John Chapter 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and Philip is evangelizing —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>sharing the Good News
with — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Nathanael.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From
John’s disciples,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to those he invites,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to those they invite <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and Jesus persuades, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
number of Jesus’ followers grows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Follow me” then <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“You will see greater
things than these.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
annual meeting is today,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and I think more clearly that ever<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Jesus is saying, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>“Follow me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
the living Christ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">has made all things new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are some new announcements <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">we’ll get at the annual meeting in a bit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>including
some new Bishops Committee members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
hope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following
Jesus who has made all things new<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>requires as I talked about last week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>dying to old habits,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>including
habits of clinging to things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
means trying new things<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with new people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
means being like Philip,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and telling those we encounter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>the Good News of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
means saying,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Come and see” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>about how you’ve known
new life in Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>at St.
Joseph-St. John. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
Philip and Nathanael follow Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he promises them, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“You will see greater
things than these”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
leave their immediate families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
quit their jobs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
risk their social standing and even their lives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to follow Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You
will see greater things than these.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
assurance of Jesus is ours too,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but we have to take risks — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>personally and as a
body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One
risk Episcopalians are scared to take, often,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is inviting someone to church with
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Season after the Epiphany,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>has historically been a season about
evangelism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
has been a few weeks of focusing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>on sharing the Good News of the incarnate
Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>salvation made available
to all <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you have someone in mind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to invite for next week,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>don’t hesitate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
if you’ve got some trouble,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>some anxiety with that risk…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>if you’re not quite
comfortable saying <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>“Come and
see” like Philip…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>spend some time in prayer and
discernment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think
about who might need to be reunited <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with the church,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with
our church or any church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think
about who might need to hear <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that their sins are forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think
about who might need to be reminded<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that they are dust, and to dust they
will return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spend
this next month<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>wondering who you might invite<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to our one Ashes to Stay
service<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>after
Community Dinner on February 14. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
tells Philip, “Follow me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Philip
tells Nathanael,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Come and see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
tells Nathanael and us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You will see greater things than
these.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s
take the risks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s
follow Jesus. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-19047524167377077572017-12-31T14:30:00.000-05:002017-12-31T14:30:07.957-05:00Sermon on John 1.1-18<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">31
December 207<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas
1, B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John
1.1-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Wrap
our injured flesh around You<br />
Breathe our air and walk our sod<br />
Rob our sins and make us holy<br />
Perfect Son of God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perfect
Son of God.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=596821051969375835#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
passage from John’s Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is always here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
always the text<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the first Sunday after
Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
beautiful.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John
establishes that Jesus the Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>existed before creation, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and yet as we say in the creed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>through
him all things were made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All things came into being through him, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and without him not one thing came into
being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
has come into being in him was life, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the life was the light of all people.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“He
was in the world, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the world came into being through him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John
sets up his themes of light and dark,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>light that darkness can’t defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“[John
the Baptizer] came as a witness <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to testify to the light…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The true light, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">which enlightens everyone, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">was coming into the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
love this passage,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but I’ve heard so many bad sermons
on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve
heard so many bad sermons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because John is so philosophical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John’s
prologue deals with <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the Greek concept of λόγος<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>translated
as Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
an important concept,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but it’s so easy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to get lost in the weeds <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>discussing
it in a sermon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John’s
prologue is beautiful,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and it’s philosophical,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and it can be so
abstract!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
week in Vancouver<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Brandon and I went to an exhibit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>called
“Emptiness” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>at
the Vancouver Art Gallery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
followed two artists — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>one Canadian, one Chinese —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as they moved <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">from traditional painting styles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to contemporary styles <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in their own countries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
the Canadian artist,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Emily Carr<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>this was a move from
romanticism and realism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to more
abstract, more spiritual —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>more conceptual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
being exposed to abstractionism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and the direction visual art in
Canada was going,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Carr said, “I was not
ready for abstraction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>I clung to
earth and her dear shapes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>her
density, her herbage, her juice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I wanted her volume, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and I wanted to hear her throb.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On
the first Sunday after Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when John says, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“In the beginning was
the Word, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the Word was with God, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the Word was God,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I don’t want abstraction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
want to cling to the earth and her dear shapes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>her density, her herbage, her juice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
want to cling to Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>taking our injured flesh on himself,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>breathing our air,
walking our sod —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>robbing our
sins and making us holy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
want the God born as an infant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to reflexively wrap his tiny, human,
Godly hand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>around my pinky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John
gives me what I want <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">when he says about Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And
the Word became flesh <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and lived among us, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and we have seen his glory, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the glory as of a father's only son, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">full of grace and truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Word became flesh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and lived among us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Y’all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m
going to say that again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Word became flesh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and lived among us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
don’t have to dive into the abstractions,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>into John’s philosophy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">about the Word, the λόγος,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
understand God becoming human<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and living
with, like, and as one of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas
is wonderful,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but we are tempted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to make it more sweet
than revolutionary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
of our carols don’t help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
the busy-ness of the season<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>time spent with family, closing the
year, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">scrambling for bills, three services in two days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
aren’t conditioned to think about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
the Word becoming flesh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
living among us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Church celebrates this joyous event<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for twelve days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As
Chrysostom says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“For it was to Him no lowering <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to put on what He Himself had made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let that handiwork be forever glorified, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">which became the cloak of its own Creator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For as in the first creation of flesh, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">man could not be made <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">before the clay had come into His hand, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">so neither could this corruptible body be
glorified, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">until it had first become the garment of its
Maker.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
the Word becoming flesh and living among us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the flesh we have has bene elevated
to be like God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All
of creation has been redeemed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
opened with lyrics <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">from the modern Christmas hymn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Welcome
to Our World”:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrap our injured flesh around You<br />
Breathe our air and walk our sod<br />
Rob our sins and make us holy<br />
Perfect Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another
verse references <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a tiny heart whose blood will save us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>which
I think belies the plea to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“Rob
our sins and make us holy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
skips the birth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the taking on flesh and living — <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">living</b> — among us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to Jesus’ death saving
us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
misses celebrating the Incarnation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for which I render that lyrics<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>tiny heart whose beating
saves us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To miss
the celebration of the Incarnation —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>from busy-ness, or philosophy, or
rushing to the crucifixion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>misses the tangible,
messy, fleshy reality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>of Jesus the Word
becoming flesh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and living
among us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
Christmastide I am not ready for abstraction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I cling to earth and her dear
shapes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>her density, her
herbage, her juice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want
her volume, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and I want to hear her throb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want
to hear, to feel, the throb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of the tiny heart whose beating
saves us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=596821051969375835#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> “Welcome to Our World,” lyrics by Chris Rice.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-58781691057467184042017-12-25T09:02:00.003-05:002017-12-25T09:02:45.473-05:00Christmas Eve 2017 Sermon<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">December
24, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas
Eve<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke 2.1-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The grace of our Savior Jesus Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
love of God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">be always with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">[And
also with you.]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let us pray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Nature reordered to match God's intent, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">nations obeying the call
to repent, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">all of creation
completely restored, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">filled with the
knowledge and love of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Little child whose bed is straw, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">take new lodgings in our
hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring the dream Isaiah
saw: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">knowledge, wisdom,
worship, awe.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=596821051969375835#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Merry Christmas! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tonight Christmas is in full force. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’re even getting a white Christmas, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it looks
like. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve bid the faithful <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">come and adore Jesus the
Christ Child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve joined angels in singing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gloria in excelsis deo.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve heard the familiar,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>every-Christmas-Eve
story<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>of
Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Mary
giving birth to Jesus her first born<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>wrapping
in bands of cloth — swaddling clothes —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and
laying him in a manger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s Christmas! Finally! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year we’re even cut short a week of Advent, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>those
four Sundays leading up to Christmas, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
yet this year has been <b>a. year.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s just remember some of it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Charlottesville.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Las
Vegas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
fire in London.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hurricanes
Harvey, Irma, and Maria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>California
wildfires and South American earthquakes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the midst of it all we hear again, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do not be afraid; for see—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am bringing you good news of great joy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for all the people: to you is born this
day <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in the city of David a Savior, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">who is the Messiah, the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout Advent,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>St.
Joseph-St. John has been <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">singing a paraphrase of the song Mary
sings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not
long after she finds out that she’s pregnant <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with Jesus the Messiah, the savior of
humanity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout Advent,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve
been preaching — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">because Advent’s Biblical texts make it
clear —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
coming to church isn’t just to feel good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Worshiping Jesus the Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>requires</b>
engaging the outside world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From Mary singing about the filling of the hungry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>while
the rich are sent away empty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to
the angels bidding peace among all humanity <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Jesus
changes the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The primary act of Christian worship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
coming together to read from holy Scripture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and break bread. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Breaking bread and pouring wine, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">knowing Jesus in our hands, in our
hearts, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>incarnate
of Mary, incarnate in Bread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>changes
the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tonight, tomorrow, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">this Feast of the Incarnation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
celebrate that God changes the world <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not
by dominating others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but
by coming in ultimate vulnerability:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>born,
with all the associated dangers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God becomes human <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not
by possessing a grown man<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but
by inhabiting a womb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and
nursing for early growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God becomes human<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
same way we do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>in
the tenderness of a child, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>screaming
like so many babies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God becomes human<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
makes his first bed in a manger <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>redeeming
all of creation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>by
becoming a part of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The prayer that I opened this homily with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>are
a verse and subsequent refrain from the choral work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“The
Dream Isaiah Saw.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout Advent and into tonight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isaiah
gives a vision of what the world can be like,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>what
the world is like because God reigns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and
when God saves all of creation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You have multiplied the nation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you have increased its joy; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">they rejoice before you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as with joy at the harvest, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as people exult when dividing
plunder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the yoke of their burden,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the bar across their shoulders, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the rod of their oppressor, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you have broken as on the day of
Midian. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For all the boots of the tramping warriors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and all the garments rolled in
blood <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">shall be burned as fuel for the
fire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For a child has been born for us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a son given to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a year of the Las Vegas shooting and Hurricane
Maria,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
again remember that a child has been born<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
God has broken the rod of oppression in that birth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While coming to church isn’t just to feel good,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it's
pretty comforting to know that God loves all of creation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>loves
each of us and all of us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to
live as one of us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to
be born as one of us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to
live as one of us the entirety of life,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>even
death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we find comfort in this place or at this table,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
hope we’ll remember a prayer from the Episcopal tradition, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Deliver us from the presumption of
coming to this Table <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for solace only, and not for
strength; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for pardon only, and not for renewal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That as we eat this bread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
drink this wine we pray:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Little child whose bed is straw, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">take new lodgings in our
hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">May we help bring the dream Isaiah saw: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">knowledge, wisdom,
worship, awe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=596821051969375835#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> “The Dream Isaiah Saw” by Glenn L Rudolph</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-19727621823315890842017-12-25T09:02:00.000-05:002017-12-25T09:03:49.857-05:00Sermon on Luke 1.26-38<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">December
24, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Advent
4, B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke 1.26-38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Advent we have trampolined <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>through
the gospels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus told us in Mark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
keep awake because he would be coming back,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
it would be the end of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I said we don’t come to church to feel good,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
to be empowered to change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We come to church because <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the world has been
changed in Christ’s coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Breaking bread and pouring wine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>change
the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John the Baptizer told us in Mark,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Repent!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I offered us the grace that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
repent because we can never do enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but
we keep trying anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is grace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because
even though we’ll fail over and over again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
loves and forgive us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
we try to do better next time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We keep doing the work we’ve been given to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We keep breaking bread, pouring wine,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
trying to change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week in John,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
the Baptizer came to testify to Jesus the Light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
to echo Isaiah’s cry,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>“Make
straight the way of the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I told you about a very long text I got<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
why when my preaching involves the outside world,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I’m
trying to testify to the Light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unlike Mark starting with repentance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or
John with the beginning, the Word, and the Light, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke gives us background.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke gives us a story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke stirs up our awareness of God’s power<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as
God has come among us in the person of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who
will come again to judge the living and the dead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today in Luke,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gabriel
tells Mary —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>a
poor girl, likely a teenager, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">living in a country
controlled by outsiders with a stronger military —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that God has found favor with her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and wants her to bear God’s son. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Hail, Mary! Full of grace! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord is with you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I like how the NRSV translates Mary’s reaction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>being
perplexed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This poor devout Jewish girl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
shocked at being greeted <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->by an angel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->as favored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Only when Mary asks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
can this be? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How can I mother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the Son of the Most High?
…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How can this be, since
I’m a virgin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Only then does Gabriel tell her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
the Holy Spirit will come<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
Jesus, the Son of God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>will
be borne of her womb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s when the rubber hits the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout Advent <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve pointed us toward
the necessity <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of our faith impacting the world around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve said over and over again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
breaking bread <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and pouring wine <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">changes the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m up here to preach the gospel of Jesus the Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who
lived among us as a human, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">borne of Mary in all
that fleshy, fluid,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>incarnate <b>reality</b>…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reality changed because of his birth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After Gabriel explains that that Holy Spirit will
come<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>the
rubber hits the road when Mary says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">let it be with me according to your word.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here
am I, the servant of the Lord; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">let it be with me according to your word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After
Mary says yes,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>says that she will be the mother of
Jesus, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God’s anointed, God’s chosen, God’s messiah <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>she
goes to visit her sister Elizabeth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not
long after she gets to Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>she sings how she envisions <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the salvation her to-be-born son will bring.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
poor girl living in an occupied territory<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>doesn't envision a military leader<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>coming to over throw the
oppressors <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">with violence or military might.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She
expects a messiah who didn’t call a rich Jewish woman <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">or the wife of a religious leader to be his mother, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
elevated a poor girl from the sticks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
savior growing in Mary’s tummy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>lifts up the lowly, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">sends the rich away empty<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and fills the hungry with good things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
savior that Mary will nurse<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>doesn't change the world <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">by overthrowing the government with an army. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
savior that causes Mary’s labor pains<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>changes the world <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">by giving up the ultimate power of the divine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
binding himself with human skin and bones.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
changes the world<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in his ultimate vulnerability: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">coming as a child, reliant on someone else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve
been singing a paraphrase of <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mary’s vision, Mary’s prophesy Mary’s song <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">all advent. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please
reread it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the silence following the
sermon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My
favorite paraphrase of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Magnificat</i>
is called<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The Canticle of the Turning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
images of the Mary’s vision<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>are punctuated with a refrain<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>sung by a pregnant woman<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>who will
give birth to the savior of creation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“My
heart shall sing of the day you bring, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">let the fires of your justice burn. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wipe
away all tears, for the dawn draws near,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and the world is about to turn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
world is about to turn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
start celebrating the turning tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As
we know the world’s turning, the world’s changing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope we’ll be brave <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">enough to be like Mary and say<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Here
am I, the servant of the Lord; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">let it be with me according to your word.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then
break bread,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>pour wine,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and change the world.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-39602687021903975282017-12-17T17:58:00.002-05:002017-12-17T17:58:56.688-05:00Sermon on John 1.6-8, 19-28<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">December
20, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Advent
3, B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John 1.6-8,19-28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Y’all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
church knows what it’s doing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At
least in the northern hemisphere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
sun is setting earlier and earlier<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and rising later and later<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and we have a man in the
wilderness <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>testifying about the
light. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If
this text sounds<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ridiculously familiar, that’s okay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
heard Mark’s version last week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
introduction of John the Baptizer,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>coming to testify about the light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While
Mark’s text is likely a transcription<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of a one-person performance,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>writing down the script<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>storytellers would
recite<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John’s text has no accidents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every
word in John,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>every theme, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">every story arc<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>was
carefully chosen to tell the story<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
the Evangelist wanted to communicate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
today’s passage<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the themes of light and dark —<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>the themes of John — <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>make their first
appearance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
is the light<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that the darkness does not defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John
is preparing the occupied Israelites<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for the arrival of Jesus in his
public ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
church is preparing us <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for both Jesus’ birth<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and the end of the world,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>when all things are made
right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John
comes to testify to the Light,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and Jewish leaders come from
Jerusalem <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to ask him who he is. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First
he’s full of negatives:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I’m not the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not Elijah.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not the prophet.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
frustration of those sent to question John<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is no accident in this passage
either. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Let
us have an answer for those who sent us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do</b> you
say about yourself?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John
is in the first chapter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>setting up a tension, a friction,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>between Jewish leaders<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and those
following Jesus as the Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I
am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Make
straight the way of the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
week I preached about<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>how no matter how much we do<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>no matter how hard we try <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to make straight the way of the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>we can’t do
enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rather
than that being frustrating,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it should be a relief.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
doesn’t mean we shirk our responsibilities,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it means we embrace the gift of
grace that God has given us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No
matter how hard we try<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we can’t make God love us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because
God loves us anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There
is nothing we can do,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to make God like us more<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or to set ourselves up
to be better in God’s eyes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because God loves us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Full
stop. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
not to attempt to earn that love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but rather in response to that love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that we should heed John
the Baptizer’s cry<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prepare the way of the Lord! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get
ready for Jesus — <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for his birth and his reign.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
passage we have from John today<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>about John the Baptizer <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>says nothing of
repentance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
text is about John<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>calling for preparation <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and John himself <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">testifying about the light. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shortly
after I was called to be your vicar,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but before I had started,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I received a very, very
long text — <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>longer than most of my
sermons. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
acquaintance of mine wrote,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I don’t mind that you see things differently than me, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">but I just don’t understand why<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you have to bring
all that to the pulpit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s the part that confuses, discourages, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and ultimately hurts me so much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will never understand why you or [my local priest] <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">or any countless numbers of SBC preachers <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">waste such an awesome opportunity <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">on trying to advance a political and social agenda.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over
the course of years,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>this friend has failed to understand
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that when I preach on
contemporary social issues<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as they relate to the
Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>I’m doing my
best to testify to the Light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I spoke about the tax bill last week<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(which is out of reconciliation <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and will still be devastating for the poor)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it was
because my faith in Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>moves
me to speak. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What
my friend saw as using the pulpit <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to push a political agenda<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I see as using our
political system<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to push a Gospel agenda.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today
in the beginning of John’s gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we have a witness and model for how
to live<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as we prepare the way of
the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John
the Baptizer comes to testify to the light<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to tell people that Jesus is coming<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and then that Jesus has
begun his ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
our baptisms we promise<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to do the same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
promise to proclaim by word and example <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the Good News of God in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John
was not the Messiah, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and neither are we. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
can never make the paths straight enough<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for God to love us<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but we have to make them
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">as straight as we can<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because
of how much God does love us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How
are you,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>how are we<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>preparing the way of the
Lord<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>so that all
people know the salvation of our God?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-77281052290665778452017-12-17T17:55:00.002-05:002017-12-17T17:55:43.862-05:00Sermon on Mark 1.1-8<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">December
10, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Advent
2, B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mark 1.1-8 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was in seminary,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>my
friend Ben did and impersonation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>of
southern fundamentalists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not even sure that’s the right impression,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
the way he would widen his eye,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>fry
his voice,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and
say “REPENT!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">was basically the call
of a prophet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Three years ago I was in a really bad mood <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and posted on Facebook, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I'm totally in the Advent spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The same Advent spirit as
Isaiah <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in today's Office
reading: WOE TO EVERYONE!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week I said, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“In Advent the Church tells us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to get ready for the Son
of Man coming in clouds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
the angels collecting Jesus’ followers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Advent the Church tells us <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to get ready for the beginning
of Christ’s reign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Advent, it’s the end of the world as we know it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I reminded us that we don’t come to church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>just
to feel good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
that it’s hard to feel good when Jesus is talking about <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>a
dark sun and moon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also said that following Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>breaking
bread and pouring wine,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>changes
the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today’s gospel text<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
about getting ready <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for the beginning of
Christ’s Reign. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Isaiah says that someone will be sent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Saying,
“Prepare the way of the Lord!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mark says that the beginning of Jesus’ Good News<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
John the Baptizer appearing in the wilderness, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
proclaiming a baptism of repentance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for the forgiveness of
sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we needed anything clearer that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>church
isn’t just about feeling good,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>it’s
that John preaches a baptism of repentance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to
make the paths straight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>before
the coming of the Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Proclaiming a baptism of repentance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for the forgiveness of
sins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is the beginning of the Good News. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s wrap our brains around that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">People wanting to be told they’re bad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
what brings crowds?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No, I don’t think that’s it at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">People don’t want to be told they’re bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They look around —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>at
global poverty,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>at
climate change,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>at
persistent unchecked police brutality —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
they know that we’re not good enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John preaches a baptism of repentance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
that’s good news<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because
we can’t be good enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s good news to know that we aren’t doing enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because
we can’t do enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
doesn’t mean we don’t try. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We don’t try to do enough,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
we do keep trying to make God’s reign<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>here
around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A read through of Mark’s Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>shows
how many times Jesus says, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“The
kingdom of God is at hand!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Advent we prepare <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for Christ’s coming in
final glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for
the end of the world as we know it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>by
repenting of the ways we fail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After we repent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
ask for a greater awareness of how we’ve failed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
a better resolve to not fail in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our failures are sometimes personal,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
sometimes communal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite the myth of American rugged individualism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
rely on one another in one way or another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for
so many things we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We get here on road we paid for collectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our funding is aided by ways everyone <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>contributes
to the diocese through the assessment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inside and outside this place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we're
represented by elected officials<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
often know people represented by different officials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the tax reform bill comes out of reconciliation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
are called to be voices for the poor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who
will be utterly devastated by this plan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and
to talk not only to our elected officials <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>but
those in other parts of the state and country as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">During the general confession today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ll
be repenting <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of not yet talking to
anyone I know in Alabama <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>about their senate special election on Tuesday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and all that is at stake in it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John preaches a baptism of repentance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for
the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crowds come to him<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
hear that they have failed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
more importantly, that they are forgiven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we take the Bread and Wine,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
are forgiven of all our sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gathering together<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to hear
John proclaim the need of repentance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and then taking time to repent,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to acknowledge simply that we aren’t perfect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>that from time to time — or a lot
of times —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>we fail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>changes the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a world of fake news and alternative facts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>simply
saying, “I was wrong” or “We were wrong”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>is
revolutionary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following Jesus is revolutionary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when
we actually do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming to church can’t be a disconnection <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>from
the world outside <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because
we’ve made promises <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to change the world
outside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming to church can’t just be about feeling good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when
we’ve got John the Baptizer telling us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that
although he baptized with water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Jesus
will baptize us with fire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mark says this is the <b>beginning</b> of the Good
News.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It starts with saying, “I’ve failed. I’m sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It only gets better from there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It gets better when we break bread and pour wine,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when
we are forgiven our sins and offenses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
empowered to go change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Advent we wait for Christs’ coming back,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
we change the world so that it’s
ready. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-12455160727942144752017-12-04T11:28:00.002-05:002017-12-04T11:28:48.443-05:00Sermon on Mark 13:24-37<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">December
3, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Advent
1, B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mark 13:24-37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Doesn’t this sound familiar?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“It is like a man going on a journey, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">when he leaves home <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and puts his slaves in
charge, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">each with his work, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and commands the
doorkeeper to be on the watch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We heard this a few weeks ago, didn’t we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In that version, though,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
master gives the servants money <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that
they either invest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>or
don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this story from Mark,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
master (Jesus)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>expects
people to keep doing their assigned work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The doorman is given the charge of keeping watch —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>especially
watching to see when the master is returning <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to
sound the alarm and be sure everything is shipshape for his return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This Mark Advent text is about as dour as it gets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we ignore what the lectionary has given us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
miss the fact that for the most part<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Advent
isn’t’ about waiting for Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s not a chocolate countdown calendar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of
24 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Advent the Church tells us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
get ready for the Son of Man coming in clouds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
the angels collecting Jesus’ followers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Advent the Church tells us <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to get ready for the
beginning of Christ’s reign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Advent, it’s the end of the world as we know it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Anglican tradition, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
role of the homily or sermon <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
not to teach line by line or word by word<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>it’s
not to give a Bible study lecture from the pulpit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Anglican tradition,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
role of the homily or sermon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is to take a text, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and
say why it still matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My job as a preacher <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
to challenge you to change your lives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because
they’ve already been changed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">by an encounter with
Jesus the Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’ll read in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joyful
Noise</i> this month<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
someone at Starbucks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>made
a generic, vague reference <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>about
why we come to church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">His comments were very broad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
suggested that he was hoping for church to be a disconnect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>from
the reality of living in Washington, United States, 2017,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>a
disconnection from the world around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He didn’t say that we come to church to feel good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or
to be made to feel good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our text from Mark’s Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>makes
clear that that can’t be why we come to church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s hard to feel good when Jesus is saying,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“the sun will be
darkened,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the moon will not
give its light,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the stars will be
falling from heaven,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the powers in the
heavens will be shaken.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That actually sounds terrifying to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>unless
I rest in the comfort that those are signs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that
Jesus is returning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus’ returning, though, isn’t just a cake walk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of
unicorns and rainbows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Right after Jesus says that the dark sun and moon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>are
signs of his returning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he
says that as he’s gone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>everyone
has a job, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
they really need to be doing it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our jobs as followers of Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as
we understand them in The Episcopal Church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are
laid out in the Prayer Book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The mission of the Church <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
to restore all people to unity to God and each other in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We do that by keeping our baptismal promises<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>which
we renewed on All Saints Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
again on Tuesday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
will again on January 7 for Baptism of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have been given work to undertake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
I’ll be offering <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">more concrete tasks for
that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as we move forward
together, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">don’t worry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not up here to make you feel bad,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
I’m not up here to make you feel warm and fuzzy either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m up here because I believe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
Jesus and his church have called me <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
lead you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in making Christ known
as Savior and Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m up here to preach the hope of salvation offered
to all<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>through
Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To make that happen <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
don’t have to knock on doors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>asking
people if they’ve accepted Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as their personal Lord
and Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We do have to keep feeding the hungry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We do have to keep giving water to the thirsty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We do have to invite people to join us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when
the salvation we’ve known<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>could
be their salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m up here because I believe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
following the Son of Man —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the Son of Man who will
come in clouds and majesty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but came as a helpless
baby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and shows up in broken bread —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">following him will
change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following him in action,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not
just words,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>does
change the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like the servants in Jesus’ short parable,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that’s
the work we’ve been given to do:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>change
the world by following him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We don’t know when Jesus will return,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so
we can’t fall asleep <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or
fall down on our tasks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We must be alert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and keep changing the
world. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-78911860178095685792017-11-26T17:17:00.003-05:002017-11-26T17:17:52.148-05:00Sermon on Matthew 25.31-46<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">November
26, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
Pentecost, A, Proper 29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
25.31-46<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve
reached the end of Matthew 25,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the end of Jesus preparing those
hearing him<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for the end of the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>when God
judges all things and all people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
these verses,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the plot to kill Jesus gets underway<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and we heard that during
Lent and Holy Week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
this Sunday,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we won’t gather again on a Sunday in
this liturgical year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
start a new year and new book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>next Sunday when we start Advent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
last two weeks we were warned:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Keep your lamps trimmed and burning <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for you don’t know when Jesus will return;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be good stewards of what you have <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because God owns it all
and expects a good return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today
Jesus tells us in far more words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Love all you encounter,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for in encountering
them, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you encounter me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
image of God separating the sheep and the goats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
on that is popular and persistent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
easy to imagine and grasp:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>sheep go to the right and to heaven,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>goats go to the left and
to hell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Angry
Matthew is back at it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with lakes of fire and eternal
darkness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as Jesus condemns those
who fail to love their neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because
this image <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of sheep and goats is co clear, so visceral,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we
may miss the roles we play in this story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
may want to interpose ourselves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>into the role of shepherd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>rather than that of
sheep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>or if we’re
not careful, goat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I first dove into Jesus’ talking about <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the Son of Man coming in his glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>sorting the sheep who
fed him without knowing it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>from the
goats who sent him away in the same ignorance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>I
wanted to use it as a litmus test.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
was rejecting aspects of my upbringing,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>aspects that led one of Billy
Graham’s grandsons to say in 2008,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“We’re not supposed to
be building houses or having food drives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>We’re supposed to be
saving souls.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My
sponsoring priest flatly said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That is Gnosticism, and it is
heresy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That
idea of what Christianity means<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>rejects in full Jesus’ directions in
today’s Gospel passage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
as I was rejecting that notion of Christianity,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was all the while making myself
the judge,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>making myself the
shepherd. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
doesn’t say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When the Son of Man comes in his
glory,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>those who think of
themselves as sheep will sit on the throne.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When the Son of Man comes in his
glory,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>he will sit on the
throne of his glory.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus’
charge isn’t to decide who is being cast into outer darkness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but to pay attention to what he
teaches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and then follow it, to
do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following
Jesus isn’t for the weak or for the lazy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following
Jesus is exhausting y’all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m
learning that here as your vicar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because our community’s habits are
so built<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>around seeing Jesus in
everyone around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
we asked, “Jesus, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you
food?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’d
say, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Every Wednesday at 6. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Second and Fourth Wednesdays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever you give someone in need a bag of dried
food.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
we asked, “Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when was it that we saw you thirsty
and gave you something to drink?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’d
say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Most mornings at 9 a.m. and
sometimes 1 p.m. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>when those blessed
wanderers of Lakewood <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">ask for a bottle of water.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
we asked, “Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when was it that we saw you a
stranger and welcomed you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’d
say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“On Sundays when visitors come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When you open the doors of the
church to Family Housing Network.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To
be so small,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we do so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
exhausting, too,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>especially when there’s a skeleton
crew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>making up so much of the
work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
we do it,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and we don’t do it alone,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because we can’t do it
alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today’s
collect says, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Almighty and everlasting God, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">whose will it is to restore all things in your
well-beloved Son, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the King of kings and Lord of lords: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">divided and enslaved by sin, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">may be freed and brought together under his most
gracious rule.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout
the Gospels,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus says, “The Reign of God is at
hand!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because
God’s Reign is here, now,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God is working through <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">us</b> as Christ’s body<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
restore all things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Community
dinners,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Family Housing Network,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>bottles of water,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>these are
all part of that restoration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All
that work of restoration is tiring,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and we can’t and don’t do it alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Reign of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is here, is now, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>is already-not yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
get a glimpse of it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when we show up here <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">regardless of how we feel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when
we break bread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and
remember Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Son of Man will come in his glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and look for how we have treated <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the least of those among us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
will come in his glory,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but his reign is already among us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before
the glory,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we're not the shepherd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’re
the workers who’re given <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>tasks of love that are <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychically
taxing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
glimpse Jesus’ glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>at this altar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as we hold Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>who comes in
both humility and glory as Bread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>who
feeds us to keep our strength up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
we leave this place,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>they'll know we’re Christians by our
love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as we trust and hope
we’ll hear,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>“Come, you
that are blessed by my Father, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">inherit the kingdom prepared for you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">from the foundation of the world.” </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-81708433287507780302017-11-20T12:22:00.003-05:002017-11-20T12:22:26.219-05:00Sermon on Matthew 25.14-30<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">November
19, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pentecost
+ 24, Proper 28, A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
25.14-30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today’s
parable from Matthew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>isn't exactly a deep cut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
before seminary,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>before college Bible studies,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I knew the parable of
the talents pretty well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
tells a story where a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>master goes
on a long journey,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
distributes funds to three of his slaves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
gives five to one,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>two to another,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and one to another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
first two take what he’s given them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>trade with it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and double what they
have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
third one, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>saying he’s scared of the master,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>hides it in the dirt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At
least he doesn’t lose any money, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
a long time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the master comes back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and wants his money
back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’s
been gone along time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and Matthew says that the first two
slaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>only doubled what they
had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
they doubled it immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They’ve
done a little work <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and made the master richer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so he welcomes them into
his household.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well
done, good and faithful servant”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>may be the translation you have
written in your heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
third slave, though,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he didn’t make the master any extra
money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
says, “I knew that you were a harsh man, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">reaping where you did not sow,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and gathering where you did not scatter seed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Basically,
“I was scared of screwing up,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so I didn’t even try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
master wants to hear none of that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
says that if anything,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the slave should have put the money
in a bank<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to earn interest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
he knows the master is so harsh,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he should have prepared for that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and made a little more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Making
nothing isn’t okay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
we look at the text, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it's possible that the first two
slaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>could have made a lot
more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
immediately go do their trading,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>double their trusted funds,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and take a break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
master is gone for a long time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but they stop at doubling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
master doesn’t care — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>they tried, and succeeded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
cares, though,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that the person he gave the smallest
amount to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>doesn’t try to do
anything with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
cares that that slave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>lets his fear keep him from<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>doing the work he’s been
given to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
doesn’t accept, “I was scared of screwing up,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so I didn’t even try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While
this passage has Matthew’s anger in it —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>throwing servant to the outer
darkness <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with wailing and gnashing of teeth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it’s
also one that doesn’t need a lot of inspection to interpret.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
hard to find context<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or Jesus’ audience<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because he’s on a
multi-chapter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>rant about
people being prepared for his return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’s
denounced the scribes and Pharisees,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and he’s talking to them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and to his disciples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus,
talking in some code about his return,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is talking to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
message is abundantly clear:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>don't let fear of failing paralyze
you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and use the gifts God
has given you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to build
God’s reign around you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
have to use the gifts God has given us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to build God’s reign around us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you’re visiting us today,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>welcome!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t
let what I’m about to say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>keep you from coming back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve
been here right at three months <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and I know you to be a generous
people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From
coordinating and attending the gala,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>giving generously at the auction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>right after I got here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to helping to pay for major expenses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as they’ve come up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>you give of
your time, talent, and treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank
you for your faithfulness and care<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in the gifts you have been given.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
was a hard week for our finances,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>[and there may be an announcement <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">after the sermon about that.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No
one seems to be in panic mode<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so I’m not either! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with the parable of the talents
appointed for today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>after a week of
squeaking through<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>a vicar
would be remiss to not mention that pledge cards are out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and are due
on December 17. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
pledge in gathering will be December 17 because that is Rose Sunday,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a break from Advent penitence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>a day to celebrate joy —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and God’s
gifts to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just
because they’re not due for a month<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>doesn't mean you should wait a month
to get them turned in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll
leave the threats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of outer darkness to Matthew’s Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but I do want to invite
you to prayerfully consider<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>what and how
you can give and can plan to give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
particularly want you to think about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>proportional giving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether
that’s half-a-percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or an historic ten-percent tithe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>dedicating a fixed
amount related to your means to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
has been gone a long time now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
week we heard to keep our lamps trimmed and burning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and soon we’ll hear to stay awake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for the know not the day
nor the hour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
personally don’t know Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to harsh,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>reaping where he doesn’t
sow or <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">gathering where he did not scatter seed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
know Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who actually scatters everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and hopes to reap from every tribe,
tongue, and nation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
in today’s parables<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is calling his disciples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to be faithful stewards
of what’s been entrusted to their care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I was ordained <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bishop Andrus handed me a Bible and said, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Receive this Bible as a sign of the
authority given you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to preach the Word of God and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to administer his holy Sacraments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do not forget the trust committed to you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as a priest of the Church of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
know you love this community,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and I know you love this church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
pray that you’ll join me <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>empowered by Christ’s Body and Blood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>in rejecting the fear of,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I was scared of screwing up,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so
I didn’t even try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please
prayerfully consider proportional gifts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so that we can keep building the
Kingdom of God around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-80911832037309984712017-11-06T12:44:00.003-05:002017-11-06T12:44:49.321-05:00Sermon on Matthew 5.1-12<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All
Saints Day, Year A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
5.1-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">November
5, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Listen.
Close your eyes if you need to,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
1906.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A
Black couple gets pregnant before they’re married, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and the mother, Sarah, runs away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
father, Coalhouse Walker, a brilliant jazz musician,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>buys a car,
stops taking tour work,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
goes to visit her every week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
wants to get back together,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and he wants to get married. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She
refuses to see him for months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally
they are reunited <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and share their dreams for their
baby —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>dreams of a world <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">where the poor in spirit <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">receive the kingdom of heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">are filled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coalhouse
dreams of a world <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">where people of color get justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On
the way home from this dream-filled picnic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the Irish fire department destroys
Coalhouse’s car<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because they can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coalhouse
seeks redress in the courts, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but there’s no justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
complains to the city of New Rochelle,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but there’s no justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
calls off the wedding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
wants justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sarah
thinks that she can appeal <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to President Teddy Roosevelt,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who is running touring
the United States. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She
goes to see him,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>shouts her hopes, and says<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“I’ve got a son!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
police shoot first<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and ask questions later<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>certain they’ve either
seen a gun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>or heard her
say she’s a got a gun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So
quickly Coalhouse and Sarah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>have gone from dreaming about the
Model-T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>taking them safely
around the United States<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to a
destroyed car<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>and
a mother, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">unarmed, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">dead at the hands of the police. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Act
I of the musical <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ragtime</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ends with Sarah’s funeral. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At
the Fifth Avenue Theater,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a cast of about fifteen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>looks like forty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>in
procession to Sarah’s grave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
are dressed in black,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and lights give their silhouettes a
life of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These
people, and shadows of people, move to the grave,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>mourning Sarah’s death,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>moaning in grief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here
is Sarah,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a poor black woman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who just wants her
child’s father’s car restored<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>so she can get
married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here
lies Sarah,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a meek woman,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who is dead without a
trial<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and not
ruling the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here
lies Sarah,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>pure in heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Has
she seen God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
her death, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Coalhouse loses his mind in anger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and seeks his own form
of justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Her
friends though,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>know the dreams that Sarah had<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and that those dreams
don’t die with Sarah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is what Jesus is teaching his disciples and the crowds on the mountain today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These
are a people under oppression, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">controlled by violent rule <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with unchecked military action as policing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
know the reality of seeking help<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and winding up dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
know the reality of feeling like strangers in their home land,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>never having been in power<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>yet despised for merely
existing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then
Jesus speaks blessing into existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like
at creation, Jesus’ saying it makes it real and true:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Blessed
are the poor in spirit, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
"Blessed are those who mourn, <br />
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, <br />
"Blessed are the merciful, <br />
"Blessed are the pure in heart, <br />
"Blessed are the peacemakers, <br />
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, <br />
May I live to see,<br />
When our hearts are happy<br />
And our souls are free.<br />
Let the new day dawn,<br />
Oh, Lord, I pray.<br />
We'll never get to heaven<br />
Till we reach that day.”<br />
A day of peace.<br />
A day of pride.<br />
A day of justice<br />
We have been denied.<br />
Let the new day dawn,<br />
Oh, Lord, I pray...<br />
We'll never get to heaven<br />
Till we reach that day.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for they will be comforted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Blessed
are the meek, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for they will inherit the earth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for they will be filled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for they will receive mercy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for they will see God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for they will be called children of God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus is
talking to a crowd of people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who are already poor in spirit, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">already wearied by the changes and chances of this life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These
are a people who mourn daily, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">who have been forced into meekness, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">who long for righteousness to flow like an endless stream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and justice to
roll down like waters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They are
trying to have mercy on their family members<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who sell out and become tax
collectors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or sell their bodies to
make ends meet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
crowds following Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>are pure in heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because maybe this one,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>maybe this
Messiah,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>will
be the one who frees them from Roman rule. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
Matthew’s writing,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>these are people who will be
disowned not just by family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but whole communities — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">persecuted by culture and empire —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for following
Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
tells them that they are all blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">not they will be blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
says they are blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and for many of them <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the Kingdom of Heaven is already theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These
people follow this wandering rabbi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then he
dies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
people remember when he told them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>they were blessed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and some of them hide
figuring their lives are over too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
rises from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’s
already made it clear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that unlike Coalhouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>he won’t be leading
armed revolt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But his
resurrection demonstrates <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that not even death wins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The meek
have inherited the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
merciful have received mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
peacemakers are children of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These beatitudes,
these blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>aren’t directions for how to live <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so you’re rewarded
extra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These
beatitudes are promises of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They are
promises of resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They are
prayers that life won’t always be like this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
remembering Jesus’ death,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and writing about Jesus’ life,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Matthew is dropping gems
of hope for <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus’ followers in the future and in every present. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the
mourners make their way to Sarah’s grave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>one of her friends refuses to accept
the terrible reality <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in which she finds herself, in which she has always lived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even as
her friend lays dead, her friend sings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“There's a day of hope</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">May I live to see,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
When our hearts are happy<br />
And our souls are free.<br />
Let the new day dawn,<br />
Oh, Lord, I pray.<br />
We'll never get to heaven<br />
Till we reach that day.”</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll
never get to heaven till we reach that day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even at
the grave, she makes a song not unlike,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As
Sarah’s friends who are mourning her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>call for hope in the midst of their
strife,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Coalhouse makes a
prediction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">People
of color being beaten and killed by the police<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>will happen again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’s
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
predicts the deaths of <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mike Brown and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Philando Castille and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sandra Bland and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Charleena Lyles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even in
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give the people</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">A day of peace.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
A day of pride.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
A day of justice<br />
We have been denied.<br />
Let the new day dawn,<br />
Oh, Lord, I pray...<br />
We'll never get to heaven<br />
Till we reach that day.</span><br />
<br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With all
the canonized saints we celebrate today,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and with those from among our friends and
families,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and Sarah’s mourning
friends who somehow have hope,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">we remember Jesus’ words of blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
remember Jesus’ promise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that the world isn’t as it seems <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and that the Kingdom of
God is at</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-25714524652216489252017-10-30T12:49:00.001-04:002017-10-30T12:49:27.508-04:00Sermon on Matthew 22.34-46<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Proper
25, A; Pentecost +21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">29
October 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
22.34-46<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you want to do magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you need to practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday
as I drove home from convention,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was nestled in to my podcasts,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>like I am driving to and
from the church during the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One
of my weekly podcasts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is a show I used to listen to on
public radio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>when I was in high
school on the way to church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
show is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To the Best of Our
Knowledge</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and it’s a show where long-form
interviews <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">help fuel deep insights into our world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keeping
up with the release of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stranger Things</i>
Season 2 on Netflix<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>this week’s episode was called “Even
Stranger Things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
was, it is,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>an investigation into the
paranormal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One
of the interviews <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>was with an anthropologist at
Stanford<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who has specialized in
religion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
Tanya Luhrrman was in grad school<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>she spent time with some English
pagans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
her study of them,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>she joined them:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>casting spells,
familiarizing herself with Tarot, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and getting to know their experience of reality <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">not as rational as we might experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
the podcast interview she reflects on an unexplained experience<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and says that among the magicking
community,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it’s well known:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>if you wanted to do
magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>you had to
practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
today’s gospel text,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the Pharisees want to know<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>how good of a Jew Jesus
is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Which
commandment in the law is the greatest?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>they ask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the greatest and first commandment.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obvi.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
came first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
adds to his answer <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>something the Pharisees don’t ask<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>something that’s not verbatim
in the Hebrew Scriptures:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>And a second
is like it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You shall love your neighbor as yourself”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But.
But. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“On
these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything
contained in <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the Law — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">how Jews are supposed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to treat one another and foreigners —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and the Prophets —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>God’s directions for
what to do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>when being
punished for not keeping the law —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>boils down
to,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>“Love
God. Love your neighbor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love
God. Love your neighbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Diocese of Ohio <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ran an ad campaign,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“Love God. Love your
neighbor. Change the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you want to do magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you need to practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll
be preaching on the beatitudes next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spoiler
alert:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>they're not a list of ways to behave
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so that you get
something back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They’re
promises of what has been done<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>because of God becoming flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
are reality that we don’t always see,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but reality nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
may look naïve as Christians <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>saying that peacemakers are children of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or
we may look callous<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and unloving when peaceful proctors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are mowed down by cars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or unarmed folk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are killed by police<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and say that
peacemakers are the children of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
we’re not naïve nor callous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
gospel and resurrection aren’t magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but they are not the world as we
expect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or experience it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because
of the Resurrection,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we live in a world of what<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>might be, what really is
— <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">even though we can’t see it. Yet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you want to do magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you need to practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
we gather to hear of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus, him crucified, and
resurrected,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>we practice <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>doing what
seems magic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gathering
each week in faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is rehearsing — it’s practicing — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
world we want to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You
might have noticed I don’t spend a lot of time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>shaking hands at the peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
don’t need to shake every hand here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to long for the day when we’re all
at peace with one another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>while practicing it with
those closest to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
we pray to be sent out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to do the work we’ve been given to
do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>we go having been fed by
Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>who told us
to love God and love our neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
we sing “For everyone born, a place at the table” and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we make room for everyone at this
Holy Table<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
the tables on Wednesday night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>we’re
practicing the heavenly banquet at the end of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
we sing “And God will delight when we are creators of justice”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we prepare to change the world <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>by loving God and loving
our neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those
lyrics are practicing the day <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">when all has been made well <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
all people have been restored <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to unity with God and one another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in
Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you want to do magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you need to practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
Gospel text today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is after Jesus has been up on the mountain
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>with Moses — the
embodiment of the Law,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and Elijah — the
embodiment of the Prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew’s
gospel is getting closer and closer to the crucifixion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
when put to the test again,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus says to love God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and love neighbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
doesn’t just roll over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
goes toe to toe with those who accuse him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
loves God and loves his neighbor,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>which doesn’t just mean being nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
he changes the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew’s
gospel is getting closer and closer to the crucifixion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and after it the Resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because
of the Resurrection,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>death has been defeated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and reality has been
changed —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>whether we
see or experience it or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
we sing, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Christ has died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christ is risen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christ will come again,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>we state as faithful
fact<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>that there’s
more to life than we see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Believing
that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and working for it,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>striving to make it
real, what we see and know<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>may seem naïve<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or it may seem like
magic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
not magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it's hoping that at the last days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>we experience the joy of
God’s eternal kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
may seem like magic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you want to do magic,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you need to practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
what we do at this Table —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and at those. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-59537633679944018302017-10-23T11:40:00.001-04:002017-10-23T11:41:04.318-04:00Sermon on Matthew 22.15-22<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pentecost+20;
Proper 24, A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">22
October 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
22.15-22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
story continues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
drama keeps arching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
is more up front this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
doesn’t seem as angry,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but the foreshadowing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>isn’t even veiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Pharisees are looking to trap Jesus in what he says<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so that they can find a way to have
him killed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
so much going on here,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so much wrapped up in this text,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so much emotion and
feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
so much disappointment and despair<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as Matthew looks back and realizes
his current context.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
so much hope and remembering <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>how even in argumentation Jesus
wins,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>defeating not just death
but those who plan his death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Pharisees, who are scared of the crowds,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>send their disciples <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to try to entrap Jesus in a big question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Understanding
this question <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">is more complicated than it appears <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">on the surface. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two
weeks ago<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>our lesson from the Hebrew
Scriptures <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>was the Ten
Commandments, including: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>“You shall
not make for yourself an idol, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">whether in the form of anything that is in heaven
above, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the
water under the earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That
matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Pharisees send their followers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to ask Jesus if the people of Jerusalem,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>mostly Jews under the
occupation of the Roman empire,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>should pay
taxes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
Jesus simply say, “Yes”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he loses the support of the crowds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>many of whom think he’s
come to deliver them <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>from Roman oppression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saying
“No”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>means publicly and overtly <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>challenging the
authority of Rome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Treason,
and death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Real
quick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
knows these aren’t people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>really looking for his enlightenment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so he traps them in
their own trap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
we were reading Matthew straight through,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we'd know that Jesus is in the
temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
calls his questioners hypocrites<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and asks them for the coin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What’s
on the coin?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">An
engraving of Caesar,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who expects to be worshiped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They’ve
brought what is arguably an idol<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>an engraving of someone who says
they are a god<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>into
the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">supposed</b> to be exchanged<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for faceless money<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>in the Court of the
Gentiles,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>but that’s
not really enforced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
has trapped them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>by exposing their own hypocrisy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oops.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
have to back off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
all they can do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While
they’re doing it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus throws one more barb at them:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“Caesar’s face is on the
money,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>give it back
to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give God what belongs to God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give
God what belongs to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
belongs to God beloved?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While
Jesus is talking about money<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in this exact instance —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>which starts about money
because of his detractors —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus is saying to give it to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All
of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Old Prayer Book emphasized this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when gifts of bread, wine, and money
were presented,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“All things come of thee
O Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and of thine
own have we given thee.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give
God what belongs to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
passage,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>right now in October<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as we are in the green
season — still —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>perfectly
lends itself to annual pledge preaching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
all I’m going to say <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">about those topics today,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as
important as they are <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for
our congregation to thrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give
God what belongs to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not
just monies earned <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>while living as baptized persons,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
us at St. Joseph-St. John,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>it’s letting go of the fear for our
survival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
letting go of being afraid <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that we’ll never see something again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so we have to cling to
it tightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
letting go of holding on to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">stuff</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in case we need it one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
looking at the example of Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who had no permanent home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and sent his disciples
out <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with a bag, a robe, and their sandals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’re
having a fish fry next Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a fundraiser dreamed up this week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>based on that good gifts
God has given us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’re
having it to make space<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for another piece<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>of yet another
fundraiser. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving
to God what belongs to God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>giving God everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>is a remarkable exercise
in releasing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday
night we celebrated 52 years since <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>St. Joseph Church — of St.
Joseph-St. John —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>was founded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
recounted the church’s ups and downs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving
to God what belongs to God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>giving God everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>means releasing the idea
of going back <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to the highs and lows we’ve had before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
remember them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and use them for inspiration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
mourn the losses <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of families and clergy and income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
like Matthew writing about Jesus in this passage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we look forward, knowing that death
has been defeated <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">through the Resurrection of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I was growing up,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we didn’t have Communion every week,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but we had an altar call
every week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those
who had not yet made a commitment to follow Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>were invited to do just that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those
who had made such a commitment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>were invited to come forward to pray
—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for their needs and the
needs of others <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>often joined
by others in the church who knew their burdens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
that invitation was offered,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>our pastors always admonished people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to give God what belongs
to God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and not pick
up what they’d taken to offer on the altar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
churches of my childhood had a weekly altar call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
do too,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when I say “The gifts of God for the
people of God” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and invite you to draw
to this altar,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>leave your
trials<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>our
fears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>and
our concerns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>while feeding on Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>who has defeated our
trials<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>your fears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>and
our concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take
them in remembrance that Christ died for you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and feed on him in your hearts <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>by faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>with
thanksgiving<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that what we need is here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and what we give to God
is already God’s.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-88571915428201155762017-10-16T13:14:00.001-04:002017-10-16T13:14:17.980-04:00Sermon on Matthew 22.1-14<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Proper
23, A; Pentecost+19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
22.1-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">October
15, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
lectionary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is not friendly to preachers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today
we have a parable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that Luke tells too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
in today’s parable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Matthew’s anger at the Jewish
leaders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>shines through even
brighter than last week’s!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First,
we need to set the stage <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for this passage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like
last week,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we’re getting a snatch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>of inside baseball.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
way the Jewish leaders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ask Jesus very intense questions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">extremely</b> culturally appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rabbis
arguing with one another <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is something we ourselves know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discernment
happens in community,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and sometimes the discernment sounds
harsher <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>than it actually is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
Matthew’s writing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the Pharisees are already looking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for a way to have Jesus
killed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>but they’re
scared of the crowds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As
I pointed out a few weeks ago,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>these passages are from <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">late in Matthew’s Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
narrative is building <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to the Crucifixion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and then the
Resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
we have Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">telling
stories.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
— angry at the Jewish leaders — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is recording those stories, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>axes to grind and all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is a story that seems odd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is a story that seems full of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is a story that takes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a really weird turn at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
tells us about a king <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who is throwing a wedding banquet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but none of the invited
guests want to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
of the guests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ignore the messengers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>while others kill them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Matthew
is pointing out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the persecution early Jesus Jews
faced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>at the hands of some
Jewish leaders.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How
does the king reply?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By
sending an army<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to kill the guests <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">who refuse to come to the wedding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and then burn their city down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
kind of host does that?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
think it’s safe to say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that imagery of God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>is a human projection,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>banked in
imperial control and violence,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>more so than anything Jesus teaches <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">about himself or God’s reign. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
this king has killed the original guests,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>burned their cities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and probably salted the
fields <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">so no one else can live there,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he tells his slaves,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“Go round up anyone you
can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Those guys weren’t good
enough anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ultimate
hospitality! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone
can come at all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>good or bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good
or bad is even in the text,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as long as there were people there <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to celebrate the feast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
wait!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
king who has <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>killed all the original invitees,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>burned their city to the ground,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and now invited anyone at all<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
saw one person not dressed right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
king asks the guy how he got in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not in the right clothes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and the guy is
speechless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
do you say to someone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>asking how you got in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>when there was an open
invitation? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No
clothing strings attached?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
the guest’s speechlessness,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the King has him bound<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and thrown into the
outer darkness,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“For
many are called,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but few are chosen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Y’all,
this is a roller coaster!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
the Church over time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>decided and maintains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that it’s Good News!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
Luke’s version of this story,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and Matthew and Luke <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">borrow a lot from one another,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>there’s
no killing the invited folks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
no burning their city<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or probably salting their fields.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
no throwing anyone out <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for not wearing the right clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
we’re working with Matthew’s text.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One
reading of <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Many are called, but few are chosen”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
that no matter what we do,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>God
still handpicks people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>to
see the ultimate banquet of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That
is not our tradition! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To
find the Good News in this passage,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I think we can look back to last
week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
week Jesus said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“The kingdom of God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">will be taken away from you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and given to a people that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">produces the fruits of the kingdom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having
Family Housing Network <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with us for the last week —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>even through community
dinner <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">when our space was used completely! —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is
evidence of the fruits of the kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>being
produced among us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How
though <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>are we answering Jesus’ call<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to make disciples?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not
people who come to church,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>not people helped by our good deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Disciples
of Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who confess the faith of Christ
crucified, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">proclaim his resurrection, and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">share with us in his eternal priesthood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
Friday Fourth Day group<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and bible study afterward <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are certainly part of
that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m
looking forward to much sooner than later <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>expanding our offerings <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for adult Christian formation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As
Episcopalians we have our own Good News narrative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
do! There are a host of reasons I’m Episcopalian,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and I’ve been Southern Baptist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and United Methodist!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m
looking forward to inviting you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to deepen our faith together<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in weekly formation offerings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and sharing the Good News of the Resurrected
Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>with those in your lives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>who need a
friend,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>who need
some Good News,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>who need a
preview of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
that invitation is given,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I hope you’ll answer it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
hope you’ll not only answer it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but invite others to join you —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so that like in today’s
parable,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">our hall is full.<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-43172985927412519062017-10-08T18:48:00.004-04:002017-10-08T18:49:03.861-04:00Sermon on Matthew 21.33-46<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Proper
22, Pentecost+18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
21.33-46<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
week I mentioned that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Matthew was angry <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with the Jewish leaders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
it comes through in his writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whew
boy, does it come through <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in this week’s passage! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A
flat reading of today’s Gospel text<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is what led to centuries of
anti-Semitism —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>which is alive and well<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>as
demonstrated in Charlottesville.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A
flat reading of today’s Gospel text<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ignores the God made <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>eternal covenants <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with Noah, Abraham, and Moses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>covenants
still in place today <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with
the Jewish people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
parable Jesus tells<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is a great illustration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of how Jesus uses storytelling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to get his point across.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just
talking about leasing property<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>makes my blood pressure go up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>as I remember trying to
find an apartment <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in San Francisco.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That
was four years ago<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and it makes me anxious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
can’t imagine <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>finding somewhere to live,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>agreeing to some terms —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>like harvesting the land
—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and going
back on the agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
definitely can’t fathom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>killing the property management
company <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>so I didn’t have to pay
up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then
killing the land owner’s children<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>thinking somehow <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that you’ll get their inheritance?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is a story with a point, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">not real life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Clearly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
parable’s point<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is that those who’ve had <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">religious power and influence —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who
are charged <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with helping keep the covenants <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with
Noah, Abraham, and Moses —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">have failed to do their job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
is neither here <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">nor anywhere in the Gospels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">rejecting Judaism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throwing
stones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>at other religions <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">who worship the creator <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">is not Jesus’ call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
Jesus does throw stones at <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is respectability,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>doing what you’re
supposed to do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>to not ruffle feathers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or make a fuss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Good News isn’t about being nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
about the Kingdom of God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>being at hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
begins his public ministry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>by calling the Pharisees <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a brood of vipers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here
he says, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“The kingdom of God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">will be taken away from you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and given to a people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that produces the fruits of the kingdom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
think that may be a warning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for Mainline Protestantism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>or all of American
Christianity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
his book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Our Great Big American God</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Matthew Paul Turner notes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“The introduction of the
American Christian T-shirt <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">most definitely evolved <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">out of an evangelical culture <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that Billy Graham™ first cultivated, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a culture where ministry, capitalism, and media <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">merged into a holy American ménage à trois. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That threesome created an environment <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that not only helped to sell God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and a host of God-branded products <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in America and around the world, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but also created GOD ®, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the brand above all brands…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“GOD ® has become so
infused <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">into every aspect of America’s culture — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">from church and ministry to nonprofits and
politics <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to social justice and social media <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to self-help concepts and point-of-purchase
trinkets — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that most people have become so accustomed to GOD®
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that we’re incapable of differentiating <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God’s presence from GOD ®’ s presents, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">or God’s peace <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">from one of GOD ®’ s piece-of-crap products <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">made in Indonesia…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps the most powerful function of GOD ® <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">is its ability to be everything that God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">cannot be or has chosen not to be.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=596821051969375835#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether
Mainline Protestant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or Evangelical<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are American Christians
producing fruit?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have
different groups of Christians <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">enjoyed power and privilege<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for
so long that they — we —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>forgot
how to demonstrate and proclaim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The Kingdom of God is at hand”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
see fruit being produced here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when plums and pineapples <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">are given away from the food bank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
see fruit being produced here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when we gather at this Table on
Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and around those tables
on Wednesday night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“As Christ breaks bread and bids us
share,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>each proud division ends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That love that made us makes us on<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and strangers now are friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
see fruit being produced here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when people notice a need<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and volunteer to help
fund its being met. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
are working the vineyards<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and producing fruit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and sending it back to the Creator<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>for whom we are tenants
and stewards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
as we work the vineyards,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I pray we don’t become complacent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On
Tuesday Lynay rang the bell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to honor those killed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in Las Vegas last Sunday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
the future,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I plan that such symbolic acts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>will be followed up with
actions for change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Part
of our work in the vineyards <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">is</b>
praying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
also listening to God calling us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to proclaim <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>“The Kingdom of God is
at hand!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>then work to see it and show it
around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“The
kingdom of God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">will be taken away from you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and given to a people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that produces the fruits of the kingdom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’re
producing fruit, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>don't worry,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but let’s wonder
together <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>what other fruit need
tending.</span></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=596821051969375835#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Turner, Matthew Paul. Our Great Big American God:
A Short History of Our Ever-Growing Deity (p. 212). FaithWords. Kindle Edition.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-47460358790393691622017-10-01T19:07:00.002-04:002017-10-01T19:07:49.191-04:00Sermon on Matthew 21.23-32<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Lakewood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1
October 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Proper
21, Pentecost+17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
21.23-32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
today’s gospel text<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we have two blurbs <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">about Jesus interacting with <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Matthew’s
favorite foil: the Pharisees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever
Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">talks to and about the Pharisees <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> it’s important to take
it <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with a little grain of salt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
was pretty angry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
shows in his writing, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> particularly when Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">condemns the pharisees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
first half of our text<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is a challenge <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to Jesus’ authority:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“By what authority are you doing these things, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and who gave you this authority?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
way the lectionary is set up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we’ve missed some pretty crucial
information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What
are the things that Jesus is doing? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why
are the Pharisees upset?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
excerpt from Matthew’s gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> happens at the peak of the narrative
drama.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
has returned to Jerusalem<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and is on his way to the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just
before today’s text,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Jesus has <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">entered Jerusalem with a parade<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> mocking
the empire with whom the Pharisees are colluding;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">turned over the tables of the money changers in
the temple;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">healed the blind and lame in the temple; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and said that the Pharisees are the blind leading
the blind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now
he’s rolled up in to the temple<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and started teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
can understand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> why the Pharisees would say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> “Who said you can do
this!?” or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> “Just who do you think
you are?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Doesn’t indulge them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
asks a question himself, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> “When all those people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">were following John the Baptizer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to the desert<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> was that from God or humanity
made?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> When a voice came from heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> saying I was the voice’s
son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> with whom
the voice was well pleased, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to listen to
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> was that from God or
humanity made?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Pharisees are stuck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
their positions of power and authority,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> like most leadership positions,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> they have to have a
pulse <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">on they vision <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and those they lead’s expectations and hopes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
voice said to listen to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
they say it’s from God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> why aren’t they listening to Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
they say it’s a deluded cult<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the crowd that makes up that deluded
cult<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> will completely ignore the Pharisees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for guru Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
take the calculated way out,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the way that too many leaders forget
is an option<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and a better option than
faking it all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> “We don’t know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
helps them out,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and not very politely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
says, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> “Clearly this is from God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and if you make it <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">into the kingdom of heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> expect the
people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you consider the worst sinners<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ahead
of you in line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> They heard John, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> repented,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and returned to being
faithful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> You heard John<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and didn’t believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Even when you saw <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> people coming back to
the faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you still didn’t
believe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
a lot packed into nine verses! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From
a challenge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to a secret conference<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to a story about children <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">who do and don’t work <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as their father asks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to Jesus saying that the Pharisees <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> aren’t helping anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As
followers of Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> what are we supposed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to do with this text? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What’s
the Good News?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How
does it apply to us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How
are our lives changed? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Right
now <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I think our lives are changed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> by answering the Pharisees’
question,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> “By what authority <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">are you doing these things, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and who gave you this authority?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To
answer those questions <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we have to figure out “these
things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
week I talked about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> discerning and sharing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> how we’re tending the vineyard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
my notes to many of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I mentioned <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">looking forward to learning <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the way’s we’re serving Jesus together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
things, the works, we’re called to be doing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> are rooted in our baptismal
promises:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> continuing in the
apostle’s teachings, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in the prayers, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and in the breaking of the bread;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> persevering in resisting
evil, and,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> whenever we
fall into sin,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> repenting
and returning to the Lord; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> proclaiming by word and
example<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the Good
News of God in Christ;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> seeking and serving
Christ in all persons,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> loving our
neighbors as ourselves; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> striving for justice and
peace, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and
respecting the dignity of every human being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
actions that these promises lead to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
bring people to Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and his love for all people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
break down systems of racism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and other ongoing powers of
oppression. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
are a hope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for seeing Jesus’ return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By
what authority do we do these things?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By
what authority do we change the world,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> starting with St. Joseph-St. John<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> then on in to Lakewood? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
rooted in our baptisms too:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> We have the authority <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of Jesus the Resurrected Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to whom we were joined in our baptisms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> We have the authority of the Church,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> who when we were
baptized said, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> “We receive
you into the household of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Confess the faith of Christ crucified, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">proclaim his resurrection, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and share with us <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in his eternal priesthood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
have a busy time in the coming months,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> with lots of ways to share in
Christ’s eternal priesthood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All
Saints Sunday is a month away,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at which we’ll recommit to those baptismal
vows —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I invite you to meditate
on them in the coming days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They’re
on page 305 of the <i>Book of Common Prayer</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
pledge ingathering is in December,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and I trust you’re already
considering<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> how your financial gift
to St. Joseph-St. John<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> does help to
change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
annual meeting and elections will be in January, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and invite you to continue in the
prayers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for this church, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for the people who will be elected, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and of discernment about whether you should run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Confess
the faith of Christ crucified, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">proclaim his resurrection, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and share in his eternal priesthood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Change
the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> with the authority of Christ. </span><span style="font-family: garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-11193656250778790132017-09-17T19:00:00.003-04:002017-09-17T19:02:14.074-04:00Sermon on Matthew 18.21-35<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">September
17, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">St.
Joseph-St. John, Tacoma<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pentecost+15;
Proper 19, A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew
18.21-35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I was 21 or so,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had a disagreement with my
youngest brother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>over some chores Mom had
asked us to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
went to our mother for adjudication,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>as children are wont to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My
brother is six years my junior,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and in the course of presenting our
cases —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>the 21-year-old and the
fifteen-year-old —<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Andrew said,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>“Well,
he’ll just go to the mall <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and make me cut the grass.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andrew
has never been known <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for his segues in conversation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>but
he was referencing something specific.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
time when I was 17 and had needed to run errands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I directed him to cut the grass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>a task that usually fell
to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Four
years later he <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">was bringing it up in another disagreement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
was not the first time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
looked at him and said what my mother had said to him before<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and what she’d said to me countless
times<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and what she’d said to
her teachers when she was a principal:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Take a deep
breath….and let it go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
the second week in a row,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we have a passage from Matthew’s
Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>where Jesus is telling
his followers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>how to act
in community,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>how
to act as church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
hope that as we begin our new time together as community<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we remember Jesus’ teachings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>both last week and this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
week, if you remember,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus told us to confront those who
wrong us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
they don’t repent and seek reconciliation, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus tells us to take members of
the church with us <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and explain our hurt
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
they still don’t repent and seek reconciliation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus tells us to take not just
members of the whole church with us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but to bring the issue
to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">entire</b> church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">still</b> don’t repent and seek
reconciliation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus told us that parting ways, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>breaking
relationship, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>would
sometimes be necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
week Jesus forces us to deal with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the fact that sometimes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>hurts last a long time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter
asks how many times <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he has to forgive someone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter
doesn’t ask about how many times <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">hurtful people should apologize <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but rather how many times he should <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">let the feelings of hurt go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>after
the apology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter
thinks he’s being generous by suggesting seven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
says that’s not even close. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
expects Peter — and us — <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to forgive those who hurt us 77 times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
may remember it as “70 times seven.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter
is looking for a rule,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>something to check off as a box<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and be finished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
expects there to be no limits to our forgiveness,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>no boundaries on how many times<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>we’re willing to let go
of the hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
expects us to always be open to reconciliation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and tells us there will be set
number of times<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>before we’re finished
forgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
knows that we may feel those stabs of pain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">from past wrongs <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">over and over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus
know that pains from wrongs linger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
expects us to acknowledge the pain, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to notice it,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to take a deep breath….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
let it go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
expects this teaching <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to stick around for a while, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Specifically,
forever, and to be a core part <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of living the Christian life:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>abundant,
limitless forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
what the story about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the forgiving master — God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>and the unforgiving
servant — us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>is about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
actions of forgiveness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>or refusing to let go of hurt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>have impacts on us
forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
of you have been making church here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for decades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
of you have been making church here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for just a few weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brandon
and I are new here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
been a lot of time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to celebrate growth <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">or new calls <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">or new births <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">or new marriages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
been a lot of time <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for hurts to build and fester<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>even after people have
apologized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
been a lot of time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for hurts to build and fester <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>when people haven’t
apologized, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">perhaps because they don’t know <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">how they’ve wronged someone else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s
a lot of time <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>for hurts to build and fester<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because I’m new here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
don’t know everything there is to know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
will make mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You
will make mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll
all make mistakes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and hopefully we’ll all <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">keep coming back to this Table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll
all make mistakes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and I hope we can learn together<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>how to be St. Joseph-St.
John <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>in new
incarnations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll
all make mistakes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and I promise that I will seek your
forgiveness,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>offer you mine,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and assure
you of God’s forgives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and God’s
love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As
we begin our time together as church and community,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I bid you to evaluate your hurts, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>think on giving and
receiving forgiveness,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and look
forward to what’s new. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll
be using the words of the Exhortation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>found on Page 316 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Book
of Common Prayer</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Re-read
it in the silence before the General Confession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beloved
in the Lord: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Savior Christ, on the night before he
suffered, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">as a sign and pledge of his love, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of
his death, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and for a spiritual sharing in his risen life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
in these holy Mysteries <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">we are made one with Christ, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and Christ with us; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">we are made one body in him, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and members one of another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having
in mind, therefore, his great love for us, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and in obedience to his command,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">his Church renders to Almighty God our heavenly
Father <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">never-ending thanks for the creation of the world,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for his continual providence over us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for his love for all [humanity], <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and for the redemption of the world by our Savior
Christ, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">who took upon himself our flesh, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and humbled himself even to death on the cross, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that he might make us the children of God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">by the power of the Holy Spirit, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and exalt us to everlasting life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
if we are to share rightly in the celebration <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">of those holy Mysteries, and be nourished by that
spiritual Food, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">we must remember the dignity of that holy
Sacrament. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
therefore call upon you to consider how Saint Paul <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">exhorts all persons to prepare themselves
carefully <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">before eating of that Bread and drinking of that
Cup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For,
as the benefit is great, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">if with penitent hearts and living faith <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">we receive the holy Sacrament, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">so is the danger great, if we receive it
improperly, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">not recognizing the Lord’s Body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Judge
yourselves, therefore, lest you be judged by the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Examine
your lives and conduct <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">by the rule of God’s commandments, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that you may perceive wherein you
have offended <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in what you have done or left undone, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">whether in thought, word, or deed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
acknowledge your sins before Almighty God, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with full purpose of amendment of life, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">being ready to make restitution <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for all injuries and wrongs done by you to others;
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and also being ready to forgive those who have offended
you, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in order that you yourselves may be forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
then, being reconciled with one another, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">come to the banquet of that most heavenly Food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
if, in your preparation, you need help and counsel, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">then go and open your grief <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to a discreet and understanding priest, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and confess your sins, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that you may receive the benefit of absolution, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and spiritual counsel and advice; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to the removal of scruple and doubt, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the assurance of pardon, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the strengthening of your faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To
Christ our Lord who loves us, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and washed us in his own blood, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and
Father, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">to him be glory in the Church evermore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Through
him let us offer continually the sacrifice of praise, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">which is our bounden duty and service, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and, with faith in him, come boldly before the
throne of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
am here to make Church with you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and I look forward to all the ways
we will live in community together. </span><span style="font-family: garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-6470270054646967552016-06-14T01:02:00.001-04:002016-06-14T01:07:02.374-04:00Pride — or Not letting the bastards get me downIn the fifth grade, I was taunted by sixth graders for having "tight pants." It was a very thinly veiled suggestion that I was a faggot. I cried myself to sleep sometimes over it. I distinctly remember how kind John David was, despite his classmates' meanness — and our friendship continues to this day.<br />
<br />
Some time before my mother remarried, I remember I was cutting the grass and reflecting on something I'd heard on the Rush Limbaugh show. Maybe it was just after my first trip to DC, a trip that coincided with DC Pride, a trip where my group ever-so-briefly encounter the Pride parade. I remember cutting the grass and thinking, "What they are is disgusting. What do they have to be proud of?"<br />
<br />
In the seventh grade I started identifying — secretly, in online chat rooms — as "curious." I was "curious," but I knew that I couldn't be gay; I was a Christian.<br />
<br />
In the ninth grade — on a band trip to Orlando — I wondered aloud to some friends if perhaps homophobic taunting early in childhood actually led to one being gay: did the tormenters speak the truth into existence? I also read CS Lewis' <i>Surprised by joy</i> where he comments about same-sex relationships in his boarding school simply by saying, "I will not indulge in futile philippics against enemies I never met in battle." In the ninth grade I also reconnected with Trey, a childhood idol who in the course of our friendship told me he was gay.<br />
<br />
In the tenth grade I prayed crying on my face on the floor that my gay feelings would go away, and that my friend's would too. I hadn't prayed like that since the height of my parents' fighting, praying that they would stop the fighting without getting a divorce. Part of my hoping for my feelings to go away was some indiscretion in what I shared, and my being outed to the band — but no farther, and with need for deep protestation on my part. I met my first out peer at the end of sophomore year — he was the first of my peers to tell me he's HIV+.<br />
<br />
In the eleventh grade I started dating Trey, if only for a few months and with basically two states between us. My mom found out, I broke up with him, and started identifying as ex-gay. I never did camps or counseling, but read the material and tried to internalize it. I let friends know that queerness wasn't a choice and gave them just enough to trust me without arguing. I also referred them to Lewis when they decided they needed to get on a soap box.<br />
<br />
The summer after eleventh grade I went to a summer study program at a private university in Virginia. When walking back to my dorm in a costume (less clothing than more — I was 16), some undergraduate men who happened to drive by shouted "Faggot!" at me.<br />
<br />
In twelfth grade I threw myself into work and school, doing my best to get out of the South for college, eventually failing. I didn't deal with my self, loved the easy answers of John Eldredge and <i>Wild at heart, </i>and my psychological health suffered.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
My first week of college John asked me out — but refused to date me secretly. I was torn between what I felt and wanted, how I understood Scripture, and the explicit words of the <i>Book of Discipline</i>. I met my now husband in a Yahoo! chat room, had people close to me in my spiritual life come out to me, and started to know queer people of faith. As a freshman I was the co-founding president of a Gay-Straight Alliance, identifying as straight at the time...and causing friction among my immediate family. I fell in love with a man for the first time, but I just thought we were really good friends. He broke my heart when he moved on.<br />
<br />
Sophomore year everything changed. I encountered future United Methodist leaders who supported queer inclusion — even thought I wasn't yet being honest with myself, I knew I wouldn't be alone. At long last, I realized that I had a crush. I didn't just want to be his close friend — I wanted whoever had written "What a hottie!" on my rear windshield to be Jake. I had come out to myself, for real, with much less shame, and no expectation of changing or even trying. I read Scripture without foregone conclusions of what it said, and let the Spirit speak.<br />
<br />
The summer after sophomore year I dated Mark for a few weeks. I came out to God and had an epiphanic moment. Rather than the resurrected Christ appearing to me like on the road to Damascus, God the Creator basically thumped me on the head as I prayed and said, "Duh. That's how I fearfully and wonderfully you, knitting you together in your mother's womb." That summer my mother asked me if I was gay and I told her no, unwilling and unready to deal with the impending fall out.<br />
<br />
The summer after sophomore year I broke up with Mark because I realized I was (and am!) in love with Brandon.<br />
<br />
My junior year I bought <i>For the Bible Tells Me So </i>and watched it at least fifteen times: usually with people who hadn't seen it and were looking to reconcile their faith and sexuality...or at least were desperate for a different voice. Junior year I joined The Episcopal Church, even though I hid my sexuality from those in my process until after I'd been ordained. I saw <i>Milk</i> and started to learn the stories of my people. At the end of my junior year I came out to my mother, and it did not go well.<br />
<br />
I don't remember specifics like all of that about senior year. I came out on Facebook (a big deal in 2008) on October 11, National Coming Out Day. I started answering Facebook messages from people I hadn't heard from in years asking about God and the Gay. I shouldered intensive emails from people who'd never met but were critical of my working for the Wesley Foundation.<br />
<br />
College also included <i>RENT</i> and <i>Brokeback Mountain</i>. It was that James Corden Carpool Karaoke with Broadway stars. I misstepped at my graduation torn between my boyfriend and my mother, just wanting everyone to get along, not fight or completely ignore one another. I read Susan Russell and Elizabeth Kaeton. I went to the Integrity Eucharist at the 2009 General Convention. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
In the way that sophomore year changed everything, so did moving to New York and going to seminary. I found out that someone had said, "If he thinks he's gay now, just wait until he gets to Chelsea." For the first time I didn't have to worry what might get back to my Board of Ordained Ministry or Commission on Ministry. I'd long since promised to not lie if someone asked me if I was gay, but I stopped <b>worrying</b> that someone would suspect or find out without my having told them.<br />
<br />
I stopped worrying about controlling the narrative through silence and instead let the narrative unfold around me as I lived my life. I had found what there was to be proud of.<br />
<br />
I met gay men, studying to be priests like me, who ranged from my age to their 60s completely comfortable who they were. I watched the old PBS documentaries <i>Before Stonewall</i> and <i>After Stonewall</i>. I saw <i>Paris is Burning. </i>I had a support network tell me about throwing all their things in their cars when their parents reacted negatively to their coming out, getting on I65, and just driving north. I had a support network tell me about coming out late in life because they just couldn't stay quiet anymore. I had a support network tell me about their three different commitment services, each getting more Christian and less neopagan.<br />
<br />
I ran into friends from my neighborhood at Stonewall Inn the way I'd run into people in my home town at the grocery store. I made friends with queerfolk associated with the church and not. I marched in the Paris Pride Parade the same day that the New York legislature passed marriage equality. I closed down bars in Hells Kitchen and the West Village, and made it to chapel on time — mostly. I got engaged.<br />
<br />
In seminary in New York I learned a lot about God: in church history, as God has revealed Godself through scriptures, God made incarnate in the person of Jesus, and God in whose image we are all created. In seminary in New York I answered cutting-the-grass-me's question.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
What am I, what are we proud of? Being ourselves — not being scared or ashamed of who we are, not being afraid in the face and wake of systems that have told us and tell us we should be afraid, we cannot be ourselves, and we should be out of sigh, out of mind, and in the closet. We can be who we are because Harvey Milk recruited us to break down the myths and distortions for our sakes and everyone else's sakes — and he took a bullet for it. We can be who we are because trans* people of color stood up to police harassment.<br />
<br />
The attack in Orlando yesterday morning is jarring. Someone who appears to have had accounts on gay networks killed 49 people at a gay club. This is especially jarring a year after marriage equality went into effect nationwide, and in June — Pride month. There have been posts noting how this attack was a violation of sanctuary. I'm consistently finding myself fewer and fewer degrees from people who died in the attack or lost friends in the attack.<br />
<br />
We all grieve in different ways, and we all react to shocking tragedy in different ways. Yesterday I went to church then went to two soccer games before watching the Tonys. I actively avoided the 24-hour news cycle because new theories every 5-15 minutes don't give me information, and because I can't do anything about what happened there other than to join in lamentation.<br />
<br />
What I can and will do, however — particularly if two men kissing is what got the gunman all riled up to begin with — is not let the bastards get me down, not be afraid, and be as proud as I can. I stand on shoulders of people who haven't been afraid, and I stand in the shadow of people who taught me not to be afraid.<br />
<br />
I can work to expose hypocrisy of Christian politicians who enable homophobia through their legislative actions and then blame Islam for yesterday's attack. I can lobby and advocate for better gun laws and invite others to do the same. I can work so that it's not easier to get a gun than it is for same-sex spouses and partners to donate blood to their loved ones in need. I can work for reconciliation between me and my neighbors and let people know that granting real forgiveness takes time — and that that's okay.<br />
<br />
What I think I can do that is most effective, though, is just continuing to be me: To keep showing pride, to keep watching the Tonys with gay friends, to keep closing down bars dancing from time to time, and to not be afraid.<br />
<br />
Yesterday's shooting was a tragedy. We have 49 more names to add to the list of those who have died for being who they are, from Harvey Milk to <a href="http://www.dailydot.com/politics/trans-women-of-color-murdered/">Papi Edwards, Lamie Beard, and Ty Underwood</a>. Time and again they try to scare us back into the close and back into our place...and time and again I and we refuse.<br />
<br />
Be proud. Don't let the bastards get you down. Keep working for justice — and not for just us. We've come this far, but have so much farther to go.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-48022757312253757542015-06-22T18:35:00.000-04:002015-06-22T18:35:20.294-04:00Midday Sermon for June 22, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't usually write manuscripts for my midday homilies at Grace Cathedral, but to get my words closer to where they needed to be, I did today. Here it is.</div>
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Matthew 5.1-7</div>
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For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the
measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s
eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Very often part of this gospel passage is quoted as a way to
encourage having grace. I support that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes this passage is quoted as a way for not having to
do an evaluation, a measuring of actions compared to values. I do not in the
least support that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Note that Jesus doesn’t only say not to judge. No, he says
to first and foremost start by judging ourselves, to wonder what we’re doing
well and what we’re failing to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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By now we’ve probably already heard about the white
supremacist, terrorist massacre that took place in an African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC last week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By now we may’ve already heard a sermon about the event,
read some articles about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By now we may be wish that we could just move on, could get
over it, could stop talking about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do we, beloved, notice the logs in our own eyes? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On June 18, the day after the murders, Charles Pierce,
writing for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Esquire</i> said, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“We should speak of it often. We should speak of it loudly.
We should speak of it as terrorism, which is what it was…It is not an isolated
incident, not if you consider history as something alive…Think about what
happened. Think about why it happened. Talk about what happened. Talk about why
it happened…The country must resist the temptation present in anesthetic
innocence…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“If people do not want to speak of it, or think about it,
it’s because they do not want to follow the story where it inevitably leads.
It’s because hey do not want to follow this crime all the way back to the
mother of all American crimes, the one that Denmark Vesey gave his life to
avenge [slavery].”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We may be tempted to say — as I know many close friends and
family are — “I didn’t own slaves. I had nothing to do with that,” but that is
to ignore the status quo of how black people are treated in the United States. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On twitter, @LeftSentThis offers this list of rules for
Black people: No hoodies. No toy guns. No breathing. No listening to music at a
gas station. No asking for help after a car accident. No praying at church. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Those are all actions and behaviors that have led to Black
people being killed by agents of the state, vigilantes, and people who just
don’t like Black people. We are here, gathered around Word and Sacrament, not
fearing for our lives because of the color of our skin. Dylan Roof violated the
safe place of Church, a specific church that inspired and gave hope to Black
people freed from slavery and still under the thumb of white oppressors in the
19<sup>th</sup> Century.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus the Christ directs us to not judge others for we will
be judged according to the standard we use — and then he challenges us to use a
standard for ourselves. As Episcopalians we have vowed to strive for justice
and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being. Today,
every day, and especially in light of one more attack against Black people
based on the color of their skins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus is nudging, pushing, shouting for me to ask myself,
“Why have I marched at Pride, and picketed at immigration court, but only
tweeted that black lives matter? Why haven’t I taken to the streets for my
sisters and brothers with darker skin?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Silence in the face of evil is itself
evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is
to act.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But our silences and our wonderings and our inactions are
not the end of our stories beloved. I exhort you, as Paul exhorted those he
wrote to not lose heart or feel this is too much, that we cannot make a
difference individually, that death — particularly senseless deaths of Black
people — is the status quo, to never change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We have come through Christ’s death, and we have been joined
to his resurrection in the font where we promised not only to strive for
justice and peace, but to continue in the breaking of the bread. We came
through the water and come to the table not only for solace, but also for
strength; not just for renewal, but for pardon of our sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we leave this place, we’ll go out to do the work we’ve
been given to do, and we’ve got a lot of work to do. God will not hold us
guiltless for our silence and inaction, but the Spirit empowers us to do the
work that Jesus the Christ calls us to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let us not judge others, lest we be judged, but let us look
for the planks in our own eyes, our own actions and inactions that blind us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-65305567489799782552015-02-13T17:58:00.000-05:002015-02-13T17:58:49.202-05:00Ground rules for asking gay Christian acquaintances about their faith when you don't agree with them — Part 1Over the last six months I have gotten almost as many emails / Facebook messages (at least it feels like it — it's at least four) from someone from whom I haven't heard in up to ten years asking about Christianity and queerness. To be fair, two of these were from advocates / allies who needed language they hadn't worked out for themselves. However, this is an alarming message to receive from someone — be they friend or "foe" (used loosely). In the most recent reply I laid down some ground rules, and I'd like to share those over a blog series with anyone who wants to read it.<br />
<br />
<b>Rule 1: Don't ask.</b><br />
<br />
As a general rule, don't ask someone you haven't heard from in years how they understand their lives relative to the importance of Scripture. It is a height of hubris to expect someone to essentially have to defend themselves to you when because of time, space, or a variety of different life factors your relationship has deteriorated. More likely than not, despite how close you once may have been, they are now somebody that you used to know.<br />
<br />
It is completely unfair to ask an essential stranger / nominal acquaintance about their lived experience of an intimate part of their life, particularly if you're speaking of it as "an issue," while knowing almost nothing about who they are now. You may likely changed much in time since you know them, and they likely have too. In my context — having from come from Alabama — accepting my queerness was very difficult. Being asked "How do you justify homosexuality and the Bible?" feels like an attack even if it isn't one (see Rule 2 in another entry for more on that).<br />
<br />
If you're interested in their perspective, reconnect. Get to know them as a real human, not that person you used to know who is gay now. While having a personal connection to an area with which you are unfamiliar might be helpful to you, a personal connection requires a deeper relationship than an out of the blue Facebook message. It can feel awesome to get a message from an old acquaintance that starts "Hey, I need your help," and it can be nerve wracking to get one that says "I know you haven't heard from me in a long time..."<br />
<br />
If you really want to know and don't feel like building a relationship that acknowledges your old acquaintance as more than who they have sex with or are married to, try googling Gay and Christian. The results giving you the information you might want would surprise you. That person you used to know who is gay now may be the only person who comes to mind of queer Christians for you, but they aren't the only queer Christian. There's even a whole network of them.<br />
<br />
I have actually written some follow-up rules because some people will ignore rule one. Or maybe they don't know that it exists. I — because of who I am — have replied to all of these emails. None of them has been explicitly abusive, and I work to assume goodwill. However, I don't owe strangers basically strangers an explanation about one aspect of my life without much qualification about anything else. An amalgamation of my replies will be posted following the ground rule.<br />
<br />
What ground rules do you think applies to this kind of situation?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-82443759717902855832014-10-02T16:40:00.000-04:002014-10-02T17:04:36.665-04:00Normal Enough<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>The following letter was emailed to the full Board of Trustees one hour ago.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Dear Trustees of General Seminary,</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
Yesterday I sent Bishop Sisk my two recent blog entries on what are trying times at General Seminary, where I was formed for the priesthood and given the freedom to work to build skills that enable me to excel at my first calling as communications officer for the Diocese of California. The links to the blog entries are <a href="http://angora86.blogspot.com/2014/09/you-cant-always-shake-it-off.html" style="color: #1155cc;">here</a> and <a href="http://angora86.blogspot.com/2014/10/you-cant-always-shake-it-off.html" style="color: #1155cc;">here</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
When I first read the faculty's letter of September 17 on Monday (which though heavily redacted by the seminary was released at least a day beforehand in full by the faculty) I was deeply troubled particularly by their claims of Dean Dunkle's sexist, racist, and homophobic comments — and the claim that he has desired the seminary to emphasize "normal people." My first reading of that comment made me think of a classmate who has planted a worshipping community, is a priest, and whose hair has never since I've known her been a naturally occurring hair color. She's normal enough for her manner of life to be found suitable to exercise the ministry of a priest, but wonder if she'd be considered normal enough to get Dean Dunkle's attention.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
I am writing to you today not in anger; I've moved past some of that and it's what delayed my writing. I write in great sadness today seeing the faculty's claim — verified by a third party — of Dean Dunkle saying that he didn't want General to be known as the gay seminary. 1/3 of my class was gay men, but that leaves 2/3 who weren't. While the concentration may have been higher than some would have liked I would not be where I am if not for how General trained me.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
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I went to General Seminary from the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, not answering questions to my bishop or Commission on Ministry that hadn't been asked. As far as anyone in Alabama / Florida knew I was single (though probably no one assumed I was straight). I came to General terrified of my bishop "finding out" and constantly looking over my shoulder. Because of the support of my classmates and faculty I moved from a place to fear to not being afraid, knowing that God was going before me. My counsel at General and back home encouraged me in this path. I do not regret taking it.</div>
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I am speaking gingerly about the faculty's claims because for the time being they are that — however I know the faculty. I have only met Dean Dunkle on one occasion, and it was as he chatted through the distribution of the Eucharistic Elements at a friend's ordination, unaware or uncaring that some people around him might consider that a time for prayer, quiet, and respect — not for networking and catching up.</div>
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The faculty who have been removed from their posts are people I know and cherish deeply, regardless of how much I enjoyed their class (or didn't). They are people I know to be good people of faith in their lay and ordained vocations who take counsel with others before they act, who discern in community, and who truly have the heart of students at General in their minds. I do not mean to suggest that Dean Dunkle is not deeply faithful person; I do not have the experience to know. I trust the words of the faculty and the words of students who were at General him, however. My conversations with members of the class of 2014 encourage me to take the faculty at their word in their allegations.</div>
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In a slightly different vein, I have been fraught and upset with the tactics and habits of some members of the board in engaging this conflict via social media with individuals, as well as the general silence from the board in response to the materials made available from the (former?) faculty. As a communications officer I know very much that my personal blog and social media presences cannot reflect on goings on in the Diocese of California; despite any disclaimer I make, I speak with the authority of the bishop's office. </div>
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It has been disturbing to know that trustees have reached out to classmates and asked them not to share their discomfort (and retraction of gifts as a result of said discomfort) about the situation in public because doing so seemed indulgent and judgmental, ignoring that good people with good hearts were working and this was tearing down the body — as though racist, sexist, and homophobic comments didn't do the same, and silence on the issues builds up the body. I have been disappointed to see a trustee suggest that a media story was moving farther away from the truth — although no one was saying what the truth was other than that the faculty were lying. I am appalled that the first reckoning of the situation from the board was a board member's reflection on Facebook.</div>
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In the 21st Century it is unfair and unreasonable for those in leadership to say "I can't say anything else, but you have to trust me," when those who oppose them are saying, "They haven't listened to or trusted us until this point, so we must make a drastic move." It is particularly unreasonable to make that request four and a half years after being on the brink of absolute financial disaster. The deafening silence — or perceived silence — is only drown out by unofficial communication made in one-offs.</div>
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I understand the value of confidentiality on sensitive topics, but silence is not these same as confidentiality and discretion. A statement about the need for confidentiality and an awareness of the situation — before accepting untendered resignations during the course of an investigation — helps people have faith, grace, and patience. Failure to communicate (and collaborate) does not work in the 21st century. Google is more powerful than "please don't talk about this" and redacted letters. </div>
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[<i><b>Update 2:02 p.m. PDT, 2 October 2014</b>: the final paragraph has been removed for the purpose of blogging to protect students on the Close who are the most vulnerable to retaliation currently.</i>]</div>
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Normal enough for God,</div>
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Joseph+<br />
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---</div>
The Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews</div>
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M. Div. '12</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-87932252583455390862014-10-01T15:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T15:00:04.736-04:00Letter from the Class of 2012Dear Bishop Sisk and the Board of Trustees:<br />
<br />
We greet you from across the nation; we greet you in the midst of the good, good work God has called us to, but we greet you with heavy hearts as we read news from General. We know some of you well, but we know the faculty deeply, and our hearts break at this schism in the seminary. Having been students at other recent moments of crisis for General, we know well the potential this community has for finding common ground in the face of division. In our own time, the faculty supported us with great courage and love, and we hope to live into the example of our Lord, who is reconciling all things to God.<br />
<br />
In the past four days we’ve seen accusations formal and informal thrown from one side to the other, and we are deeply worried that this division will have dramatic consequences for the future of General. We are looking for visible signs of Christian mediation in good faith, and have not found them. Each side seems to have taken an irreconcilable stance against the other, though they both profess their willingness to meet and be flexible. As the Trustees, you have the highest stature in the system at this point, and so, as loving alumni and alumnae of General, we urge you to find a way to mediate this conflict quickly. Meeting with all the faculty together – separate from the Dean – will show your intention to take steps in good faith, even if some of their demands seem untenable at first request. Meeting with the faculty together will also show your willingness to take responsibility for a situation that the two sides seem unwilling or unable to fix. We worry that letting this conflict entrench is leading to a loss of trust in the institution, and will further compromise the trust of current and future students.<br />
<br />
We speak out of deep love, and we speak out of deep respect. We also speak out of Christian authority; as leaders of the Church, we need you to fulfill your obligation to the future of the seminary.<br />
<br />
Matthew 18:15-17 seems to be brought out in every church conflict. We remember Jesus’ final words in the passage: “If the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector.” We understand that some of you feel your trust and good faith has been compromised. Yet even the Gentiles and tax-collectors found favor and reconciliation at the table with the Lord. We urge you towards a similarly-inspired charity. We urge you not to write off one side of this conflict for the other. We urge you to creatively and willingly engage this conflict in order to secure the future of the seminary.<br />
<br />
With loving, broken hearts,<br />
<br />
The Class of 2012<br />
<br />
Including:<br />
<br />
The Rev. Chris Ballard<br />
The Rev. Rebecca Barnes<br />
The Rev. Greg Brown<br />
The Rev. Cathy Carpenter<br />
The Rev. Colin Chapman<br />
The Rev. Amy Cornell<br />
The Rev. Jeff Evans<br />
The Rev. Howard Gillette<br />
The Rev. Jadon Hartsuff<br />
The Rev. Jean Hite<br />
The Rev. James Joiner<br />
The Rev. Brad Jones<br />
The Rev. Cathy Kerr<br />
The Rev. Suzanne LeVesconte<br />
The Rev. Renny Martin<br />
The Rev. Sandra McLeod<br />
Mr. Adam McCluskey<br />
The Rev. Joe Mitchell<br />
The Rev. Brandt Montgomery<br />
The Rev. Jean Mornard<br />
Mr. Michael Mornard<br />
The Rev. Sue Morgan*<br />
The Rev. Matt Oprendek<br />
The Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews<br />
The Rev. Linda Racen<br />
The Rev. Andrew Reinholz<br />
The Rev. Jim Robertson*<br />
The Rev. Sam Tallman<br />
The Rev. Keith Voets<br />
The Rev. Ben Wallis<br />
<br />
*names added after initial release due to communication difficulties allowing consent before initial releaseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-25867770762160923022014-10-01T11:58:00.000-04:002014-10-01T11:58:35.763-04:00You can't always "Shake it off" Part 2Instead of getting down to all the troubles of the world — and heaven knows there are plenty — I invite you to get down...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://news.gts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/St._Patricks_Breastplate.mp3">to this sick beat</a>.<br />
<br />
By get down, I clearly mean ground yourself in this time of trial at GTS, pray without ceasing, and try to have patience and charity.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-13110613612309318202014-09-30T17:29:00.001-04:002014-09-30T18:04:11.728-04:00You can't always "Shake it off"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nfWlot6h_JM" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<i>And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate</i></div>
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<i>Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake</i></div>
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<i>I shake it off, I shake it off</i></div>
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Two weeks ago as I was going in to have dessert and drinks with some friends another told me that his new jam is Taylor Swift's "Shake it off" (video above). It has a catchy beat, there are <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/08/19/can-t-shake-off-taylor-swift-s-cultural-appropriation-haters-gonna-hate.html">issues of cultural appropriation in the video</a>, and can have a positive message ideally — be yourself, don't let others bring you down, keep being you even if there is disapproval from those around you.<br />
<br />
This kind of message of affirmation works great on the dance floor: be there to dance, enjoy yourself, shake it off when the haters hate. It does not, however, work well in the board room or faculty meetings. A perpetual mindset of shaking it off prevents one from being open to hearing criticism and necessitates taking on an air of perfect superiority.<br />
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<i>And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate</i></div>
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<i>Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake</i></div>
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<i>I shake it off, I shake it off</i><br />
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<i><br /></i></div>
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A letter was just released from the faculty of General Seminary to the Board of Trustees from almost two weeks ago. The board interpreted it as letters of resignation (that is to say corporately decided that instead of talking to the faculty it would be easier to fire them) while making no mention of what how they were handling the very serious allegations against the current Dean and President.</div>
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If you read the letter (<a href="http://www.safeseminary.org/how-we-got-here.html">available here</a>) you'll note that there are charges of sexism, racism, and homophobia not only from the dean to the faculty, but also in the interactions of the dean with students. I take personal stock in some of the comments the faculty say the dean made, notably that I'm a gay man who went to General which he is scared of being seen as the gay seminary (even with 1/3 of my class being gay men — that's still not a majority by any means) and emphasizing "normal people."</div>
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<i>And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate</i></div>
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<i>Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake</i></div>
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<i>I shake it off, I shake it off</i><br />
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I'm not sure who he envisions the normal people to be, but based on his general tone and lack of awareness about cultural sensitivity to anything but being a straight white man, it would appear that's the kind of normal people he wants. More straight white men even as the patriarchy loses just a tiny bit every day...and as non-religious friends on rare occasion will think about coming to church with me — because the people inside aren't quite as homogenous as they'd imagined, and because the leadership definitely isn't — and that's with a major awareness of just how many faithful old white people are in our congregations.</div>
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As I've read the writings of the dean and the letters from the faculty something that strikes me as out of touch not only is seeking "normal people" but the refusal and insistence on non-collaboration. Various sources have said that in the interview process Dean Dunkle said that he didn't like collaborating. Why, oh why, would a board of trustees charge someone who doesn't believe in collaboration with leading formation for those who will see the church into the future? Has no one read <i>Tweet if you <3 Jesus</i>? Has no one ready <b>anything</b> about how millenials function? As a millennial those pieces often drive me up the wall, but are sometimes spot on. It's terrible modeling to rule by fiat and expect the Church to stay alive. </div>
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<i>And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate</i></div>
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<i>Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake</i></div>
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<i>I shake it off, I shake it off</i><br />
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<i><br /></i></div>
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In April 2010 I <a href="http://angora86.blogspot.com/2010/04/benedict-and-board.html">wrote</a>, "Andrew Sullivan points out that most of the reaction from the Vatican and American bishops has been either denial or to attack those who are critical, often by calling names. This is denial after decades (centuries) of this being not talked about and not dealt with. And now we have more people saying 'I didn't know,' 'It wasn't my fault,' and that they won't 'be intimidated by the petty gossip of dominant opinion.'</div>
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I think there are times when people just want those who bore responsibility to own that responsibility. Not to have closed door meetings and be less than forthcoming about what is actually going on, but to include the people who have been, are being, and will be affected in the process of determining next steps, for justice or for institutional advancement."</div>
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<i>And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate</i></div>
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<i>Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake</i></div>
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<i>I shake it off, I shake it off</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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The financial ills at General have changed, and there's a new Dean and President. Ills are running anew, though. When confronted with reports about the Dean and President the board instead of claiming they didn't know seem to be trying to just shake it off because the professors must be haters. 80% of the faculty, who have been there for varying degrees of time — from I've never met in the two years since I graduated to before I was born (literally). </div>
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Twice in five years I've had major challenges and frustrations with the Board of Trustees at my alma mater. Their only communication with alumni to this point has been commenting on Facebook posts or critically messaging them privately about posts concerning money saying, "Good people with good hearts and mere human capacities are of course struggling with this. Public postings taking away gifts from GTS are not helpful in building the Body," which also implies that the situation is normal and shouldn't be criticized or aired — although nothing at all has come from the seminary in any form or from the trustees in any official form. As the faculty points out, the board continues to investigate accusations against the dean but ignores his impact on the working relationship with the faculty.</div>
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We shall know the truth, and it will make us free...but it will make us free by transforming us, which it can't do if we just shake it off.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-90843290463212481652014-09-28T00:20:00.000-04:002014-09-28T00:20:11.987-04:00On striking and (not) communicating<i>If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. —Matthew 18.15-17</i><br />
<br />
On Thursday morning I was reminded that it was the last Thursday of September, Matriculation Day at General Seminary. As the tradition has developed, I changed my profile picture on Facebook to an instant from the last Thursday of September in 2009, when I matriculated to the General Theological Seminary.<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning as I got ready for work, a classmate with whom I matriculated and graduated, messaged me and asked if I'd heard about our seminary. I asked if I'd heard what. There has been much to hear since September 2009: a financial crisis, a dean's resignation, separating the offices of dean and president, selling property, rebuilding the endowment, ending debt, appointing a new dean. I had not heard the latest, which was this email sent to students<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear students,</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We have a serious conflict which we are seeking to resolve and are taking to the Board of Trustees. Until they respond we will not be teaching, attending meetings, or attending common worship. Please be assured that we have not taken these steps hastily or lightly. Trust that we have acted in what we believe to be the best interests of your formation, our common life and the future of General Seminary. We hold you in the highest regard. Please pray for us, the Board, and the Dean and President.</blockquote>
</blockquote>
The email was signed by almost all of the faculty, many of whom I know from my time as a student. I thought it odd and that the conflict must be serious: if these professors who I cherish deeply and greatly respect as lay and ordained Christians were willing to boycott chapel, it must be extremely serious. I hoped for more information throughout the day.<br />
<br />
In Spring 2010, as I ended my first year and prepared to be a chaplain at a hospital, the seminary community learned the depth of the seminary's financial challenges not from a meeting with the dean or faculty, not from an email from the administration, but from <a href="http://www.episcopalcafe.com/">The Episcopal Cafe</a> and Episcopal News Service. A press release had been sent to the press — but not to the students. Students and alumni/ae learned of the challenges (partially) from the news, even as some were living in Chelsea Square.<br />
<br />
After I learned of the faculty strike from my friend's Facebook message pasting the email to me, I heard nothing from the seminary as an alumnus. As of this writing I still have heard nothing at all from the seminary, which has access to alumni/ae mailing lists, even as the faculty have said more and as speculation simply swirls. Yesterday evening The Episcopal Cafe had <a href="http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/seminaries/letter_from_gts_faculty_to_the.html">another letter</a> to students which referenced some sort of issues the faculty finds with the current dean and president of the seminary and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail.<br />
<br />
I come at this current situation as an alumnus of the seminary wondering what the hell is going on and as a diocesan communications officer — a role for which the seminary did not directly prepare me, but encouraged me to explore my interests which led to my being ready for such a position. It's disheartening to see that the seminary has not said anything at all via email, not even to acknowledge the situation or release an official statement.<br />
<br />
The faculty who have elected to strike seem to be communicating with the students as the principal stakeholders, but they aren't the only ones. They seem to have attempted to raise their concerns with the dean and president, and that hasn't worked. It seems they've done it as a group and as individuals, and that hasn't worked. Now through initiating a direct action they're bringing the whole church into it.<br />
<br />
Jesus tells us in Matthew to point out the fault at each of the phases. The communications that have been received from the faculty — secondhand — are vague about what the faults are. The longer letter from the faculty references the Letter from Birmingham Jail, but there is a sharp difference. While the faculty note that they hope to negotiate — but not what about. King and civil rights workers engaging in direct action had a clear goal (in Birmingham specifically it was the removal of Bull Conner).<br />
<br />
I trust the faculty who have chosen to participate in a strike and hope that negotiations begin soon under the direction of the board of trustees...however in making semi-public half-statements they have introduced anxiety for their concerns, yet not enumerated those concerns. This half speech leaves rumors to build and gain traction or people to simply be dumbfounded and not know what's going on.<br />
<br />
I appreciate the value of direct action — but have witnessed it being more effective when there are clear expectations and requests that are set out publicly beforehand. I live in California where everyone strikes, from nurses to transit operators to produce workers. These strikes are powerful by effecting others and raising awareness of the concerns. They annoy people who have to take buses, but those riding the buses learn about drivers' lives...but those striking don't say "We've got some problems, and we want to tell you we have problems, but we don't want to tell you what they are," which is how the letters from the faculty read — perhaps in an attempt to save embarrassment for students or to avoid discomfort...but they aren't clear communication.<br />
<br />
At the end of the days, I am praying for the seminary because that's all I can do — and ask others to do. <b>However</b> I think that yet again what's happening at General Seminary can teach the church what its missing about communication. Everything gets out. Quickly. We as a church need to be prepared for that, and know what we want to say to avoid the wonderings and the stresses. Ignoring events doesn't make them not happen, it makes us look like we're out of the loop, even as the loop is growing bigger.<br />
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What helped the anxiety at General in 2010-2011 was how blunt and honest the administration was about the financial challenges the seminary faced. When we knew the truth we were set free. I pray that much sooner than later we will know much more about the challenges the seminary is facing now so that we can be set free of this anxiety and continue about our mission of restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-596821051969375835.post-22814284515592949662014-09-03T17:06:00.000-04:002014-09-03T17:07:46.413-04:00Please stop hugging meI am a touchy person. I enjoy touching others and touching things. One of the reasons I became an Episcopalian is that in our belief in the Incarnation — that God became human and walked on two feet and touched and felt with two hands — we live with substances we can touch, feel, taste, and smell in water, wine, oil, incense.<br />
<br />
I greatly value touch to convey relationship. As I get close to friends my arm is regularly around shoulders, or around my husband's waist if we're out and about. When I was in the 7th grade I was oblivious about my privilege and my experience of randomly putting my cold hands on others' faces or necks — even after they'd asked me not to. I was "just playing." The thought of it makes me shriek now.<br />
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Different kind of touches — romantic, friendly, ritual, etc. — all convey different levels of intimacy. As a general rule the first time I meet someone in a social or professional setting I shake their hand. If we become friends in time we may come to hug one another or offer each other a kiss of greeting. Unless we've met electronically and developed a certain kind of relationship, however, we never start with a hug. I suspect this is true for most people in their lives. Lately I've been more conscious as my touches grow beyond a simple greeting hug to ask, "Is it okay if I put my arm around your shoulders?"<br />
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Hugs convey a certain level of intimacy. The first thing I did upon seeing my mother after my wedding was hug her. My best friend and I greet each other with a lasting embrace when we're reunited across the continental US. I briefly hug my brothers and friends as we greet or part, sometimes but not always both.<br />
<br />
I've found myself wondering lately, largely as I have become less and less comfortable with it, why people insist on hugging me when passing the peace — regardless of if I'm vested or not. In <i>Celebrating the Eucharist</i>, Patrick Malloy writes, "The Peace is a <i>ritual </i>act of reconciliation, just as the Eucharist is a <i>ritual</i> meal. It need not be protracted to be genuine, nor does every person have to greet every other person." (p. 127, emphasis in the original).<br />
<br />
Part of what's made me increasingly uncomfortable is not that people want to give hugs inasmuch as they don't care if I do or not, whether they know me or not. This has been apparent when people have ignored my extended hand to put their arms around me or say, "We just hug everyone here!" Malloy wonders, "What sort of formation can help the entire assembly to recognize the Peace as a ritual action in which they all participate, not a recess in the ritual?" I have attended churches that not exactly that in the bulletin...<br />
<br />
However Elizabeth Drescher <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100549756875062&l=ffdab0bf78">noted</a>, "Might be helpful to add what is not obvious to many: a handshake, a hug if you're more familiar with the person, or a friendly wave constitute the 'passing' gesture or 'greeting.' I've had students tell me that they thought some object was going to be passed around." Why are people so comfortable ignoring a social norm — to the point of ignoring someone's non-verbal communication — and hugging strangers? What does it say to visitors when their preferences about their bodies are ignored? How might survivors of assault, sexual and otherwise, respond to being violated?<br />
<br />
Earlier today I read a <i>New York Times</i> opinion called "<a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/30/losing-our-touch/">Losing our touch.</a>" In it the author wonders how much digital communication — replacing touch with touch screens and such — contributes to excarnation. As Christians we value the Incarnation, the messy earthliness of being human. I wonder if we lose our touch by not having appropriate boundaries about it, where it doesn't mean anything to hug a new person.<br />
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Our rituals offer places for safe touch: administering bread, passing peace, anointing with oil, smearing ashes. We chew and we drink, noticing texture and burning. What happens when the space isn't safe, though, when the level of touch is unwanted and unsolicited?<br />
<br />
What is your experience? Are you comfortable with hugging strangers — or being hugged by them? How do you communicate your preference? Those in leadership, what training do you do about the Peace as a ritual action and what level of touch is appropriate for it?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06238171270006891748noreply@blogger.com3