By The Rev. Bernard W. Poppe, RectorJesus said in this morning's Gospel, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it..."
Speaking the truth comes at a cost. Especially when that truth goes against the grain of the status quo. Jesus' observation of the fate of the prophets in Jerusalem mirror his understanding of his upcoming ordeal at the hands of the very people who sang his praises. He knew that a change would come. He too would be among the casualties of those whose loved Jerusalem, its people, its temple, its worship, its very way of life and tried to tell them a truth they did not want to hear.
His truths were simple. God loves everyone, even the Gentiles. God forgives everyone who asks for forgiveness, even the worst of sinners. God is not interested in outward appearance -- either in looks or actions; God is interested in the authenticity of our spirit which transcends our looks and inspires those actions -- good or bad.
He continued to say, "How often I would gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing." The love of God is a two way street. It's extended but it also needs to be received. So many were not willing to receive that love. So many still don't know it's waiting for them in the loving arms of God. Too often people then and people now are blinded by their own lack of self love, and the lack of love for their neighbor, to believe that God's love is indeed intended and offered to all. Willingness is tricky business.
Today we open our annual meeting. It's a time to celebrate the ministry God has called us to in Maplewood. We have much to be pleased with and proud of. Our worship and work, our fellowship, outreach, youth work, education and spirituality are all wonderful responses to God's call.
When our youth went on the mission trip to Mississippi to help as some of a long line of relief volunteers since Katrina hit, we learned many lessons, but I'd like to outline three that meant a lot to me. First, when a project seems too daunting, don't keep your eyes fixed only on what needs to be done, because you may get overwhelmed and frustrated. Keep an eye on what you've accomplished as a measure of your work and build on it.
Second, we learned that our being there also helped build up those engaged in the day to day work -- and they need that help! We were there for a week, but those who live there and saw us felt strengthened in their work. That part of the work we couldn't measure but we certainly felt it when they said "Thank you" and sometimes in tears.
Third, we learned that by answering a call to help others, we did in fact help them, but we also grew in our spiritual lives. Each of us changed a little that week for the better. We reached outside ourselves and received in equal measure to what we gave.
Our youth showed a willingness to be gathered up by Jesus, to receive love and show it. There was no killing of prophets that week, only love of God and neighbor.
The lessons we learned in Mississippi are not new ones. They are age old, though sometimes need to be taken out and shown again. Here in St. George's we can look at a world full of struggle and pain and be overwhelmed by the immensity of it. There is the war. There's natural devastation including the recent tornados in Alabama. There are deep divisions in the Anglican communion with feelings of anger and betrayal. There is pain so many feel in the limits of marriage equality for gay and lesbian people. There are also the large problems of health, grief, fear, and uncertainty that all of us go through at one time or another. But there is also much good news and much to be joyful about.
If we focus on the immensity of the problems we can be defeated. But if we look at what we have accomplished in our lives and in our communities we can feel strengthened and empowered to continue. We can hold onto the joy that comes from doing the best that we can and as much as we can.
St. George's is a place of healing. God's healing comes in so many forms and meets us in so many places of need. It too is offered freely to all and is received as we are willing. We are certainly not the only place of healing in the world. By no means! God has many such places! But, we are unique. And God doesn't heal people in other places like God heals people here! We are faithful, active, progressive, thinking people. We are gifted in many ways and eager to share those gifts in praise, song, fellowship, friendship and humor. We're not afraid of disagreement and often welcome a healthy debate. We pray, we care, we eat!
We assemble here gathered by Jesus as a hen gathers her brood and are willing, at least more often than not. And in that worship, witness and work, we find healing. We find God.
In the first lesson, God took Abraham outside and told him to number the stars if he could, because that will be the number of his descendants. Impossible is the only word to use. Impossible to count the stars and impossible to think a man and woman in their 90's could have a child. Scripture doesn't tell us if Abraham ever counted the stars, but he and Sarah did have a child and the descendants are still appearing as the stars to be counted.
The scriptures call us again and again to be faithful despite the daunting challenges. God can and does work miracles all the time -- and yet even these in God's time, not ours. Our task is to strengthen each other and work toward God's call.
A few weeks ago we were visited by Bishop Julio Murray of Panama who preached a wonderful, inspiring sermon. In the context of it he thought we were too uptight to turn to each other and tell each other that God's loves you and so do I. It was a good natured poke, but we proved him wrong. I'd like you to do that again today. Please turn to someone on either side of you and say, "God loves you and so do I" and please add this time, "I'm glad you're here." Amen.
© 2007 St. George's Episcopal Church, Maplewood, NJ
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