Today’s lessons are both encouraging and a bit distressing. On the one hand, we have Paul writing about the power of faith and the presence of all the faithful who have come before us. On the other hand we have Luke’s account of Jesus saying things are going to get pretty hairy here; even your household will be divided against one another.
In our reading from Luke’s gospel today, Jesus is getting desperate. He has twice told his disciples that he is soon going to face his death, a common fate of a prophet who throws current systems of authority into chaos. Jesus has been trying to tell them that the show of political and military power that they expect from the Messiah is not going to come to pass. This is not what the disciples wanted to hear; they desired a leader who would prove himself to the world and bring about love and justice in a concrete, tangible way. However, as we know, this is not God’s plan; Jesus’ glory comes only through his death. What the disciples did not want to hear, they kept guarded against through fear and ignorance, consequently avoiding change to their expectations and understandings. And this is when we hear Jesus escalate saying something like…
Do you think I have come to bring political peace to the earth? Do you think this won’t affect your own households? Do you think this is going to be conflict free and easy? NO Way! Open your eyes! “I have come to bring fire”, Jesus said, “I have come to bring division”.
The disciples weren’t getting what Jesus was telling them. He continued to appeal to them saying…
Understanding this is as easy as predicting the weather. Just pay attention to the clues I am giving you. Just like when the south wind blows, you figure it is going to be hot out. So figure this out! The time for the fire of division to fall is now! I am telling you about what God is doing in this time- but you are looking to what you think God will do in the future!
If Christ came to bring division now, then what does it mean for us that the closest bonds we know on this earth; such as those between a mother and daughter, between a father and son, will pale in comparison to the bonds of truth in the Kingdom of God?
Paul writes in our epistle lesson today about one form of redeemed relationship that we taste here in this life; the cloud of witnesses. Paul recalls the story of the Christian faith and gathers in that cloud of witnesses by naming the stories of those saints, prophets, leaders and martyrs who have come before. We could do the same. Think through your life, through the stories of the Christian faith that you know and recall often… those faithful who are alive and those who have passed on… These exemplars of faith are your cloud of witnesses. This cloud of witnesses remains present with you even today, gathered around us this morning, here worshipping at St. Andrews- either in body or in sprit helping to bring about the love and glory of God. What a beautiful image this cloud of witnesses that Paul writes of to encourage us to keep the faith, remembering that there are many who have ran this race before.
For me, this ‘cloud of witnesses’ is both comforting and challenging; my cloud of witnesses: Margaret my great grandmother, Dorothy Day, St. Francis, Martin Luther King Jr.; are all people who inspire me, make me question my perception of potential and unnerve me as I realize the possibilities one can achieve once living faithfully in truth. Who am I among this cloud of saints and faithful witnesses who were loving, revolutionaries, challengers to the status quo and innovators in the church? Paul’s letter tell us to take our place among this cloud. Take heart in all that has been done in faith, and those who have come before. Take heart, and live with that kind of faith.
Living into the faith of the Mothers and Fathers of the Christian faith will not happen without personal cost. Luke’s gospel tells us to anticipate divisions. If you are loyal to God above all else, then the gospel truth will trump domestic peace. Is a calm, conflict free household, work place or parish our highest priority or do we hold higher the priority of living out our faith no matter the cost? This makes me wonder, where in my life are the places and times I have taken a stance in faith that have brought division. Do I live a life that allows truth to bring division? Has holding true to my faith changed my relationships, friends, alliances, church or community?
One blatant example of this refining fire of division is the acceptance and inclusion of ordained gay and lesbian clergy The Episcopal Church. This divisive situation hits close to home for many of us, as it does for Anglicans around the world. Out of faith-filled convictions, most of us have taken a stance on what has become a divisive controversy the Anglican Church. Just as Jesus predicted; our household has been divided; “Mother against daughter, Father against son.” For us it is Bishop against Diocese, Pastor against Parish. Jesus said he “came to bring fire to the earth” and how he “wished it was already kindled!” The stress of his impending passion on the cross, weighed on his mind especially as Jesus looked to his closest friends, the disciples who were not getting it. We all know a bit of this stress that Jesus spoke of; knowing that the living out of truth will take courage and may bring further division. But if anything, the gospel tells us that we should not fear- nor avoid- the division that truth will bring. What we can do, is ask for God to be with us in our discernment of the truth.
The cloud of witnesses is a gift to us; remaining present and watchful as Christ’s truth divides us and the world is slowly refined toward the coming kingdom of God. Do we resist this fire? Do we let down those who have lived in faith before us, the prophets saints and martyrs? Do we hear the whispers of guidance and encouragement coming from the cloud of witnesses who have let Christ’s fire blaze in their lives for the glory of God? Do you hear Martin Luther King Jr.’s voice preaching equality? Do you hear Mother Theresa reminding us that we are all God’s children? Whose voice do you hear rising from that cloud? I try to let this cloud of witnesses help me to find the truth to which I will commit my life.
The gospel today tells us what the cloud of witnesses confirms; a prophet that confronts evil for the sake of peace will no doubt bring conflict. What else is a community of peace, such as the church to do but uncompromisingly confront injustice within our own holy family and the larger world? Christ came not to bring “order built on forgetfulness” as the world often relies on, but a peace that faces and forgives one another’s brokenness. So as we strive towards living a faithful life- listen to what that cloud of witnesses is telling us about the strength of our faith. Heed Jesus’ call to attentively interpret the present time. And finally, know that all who have come before, in this faith have done us a favor in not shying away from the truth of Christ’s peace, for fear of conflict. Let us also face the truth God is calling us to, welcoming that transformative fire of division. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment