Sermon: December 13

O God our Creator, you gave to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age a son called John. He
grew up strong in spirit, prepared the people for the coming of the Lord, and baptized them in the Jordan to wash away their sins. Help us, who have been baptized into Christ, to be ready to welcome him into our hearts, and to grow strong in faith by the power of the Spirit. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the light who is coming into the world. Amen. (from CofE)

“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

John the Baptist’s words are always so startling in Advent. Not quite the mood the Department Stores are looking for right now, happy & upbeat.

When I think of welcoming someone, I don’t think of someone who is calling me a viper and warning me about the wrath to come. But our prayer I just said, calls us to do just that, welcome not only Jesus Christ into our hearts, but John the Baptist too, the messenger.

“Bear fruits worthy of repentance.”

What John expected of those in front of him was that they would change their ways, to seek out God, to live lives worthy of their creation. Fruits of life that repent of the narrow and violent way that so often seems to be the norm in his day and ours.

What if John had said, “Be afraid. Be very afraid. Build a wall. Protect yourself. Lock up the stranger. Don’t allow anyone in. Chase away anyone who looks suspicious. Something is very, very wrong here. Be afraid, I tell you, be very, very afraid.”

And you know what? Those people would have built that wall, chased away those strangers, they would have turned against one another because John the Baptist would have deepened the fear that we all have of death. And when your world is uncertain, as theirs was then and ours is today, the easiest thing to trigger is fear. Because deep down no one wants to die. And the most primal feeling is the desire to live and we will do anything to protect ourselves & family. And fear taps into our primal fear of death and our need to defend and preserve our life. So people would have rallied around John the Baptist had that been his rallying cry and they would have been more and more afraid. And they would have turned against their neighbor.

But that is not what John the Baptist did.

“What then shall we do?” asked the people. And John said, if you have two coats, share with someone who has none. If you have extra food, share with someone who is hungry. If someone owes you money, just take back what you need. Don’t cheat anyone. Don’t extort. Above all else, don’t run away, bear fruit. In other words. Love your neighbor. Share what you have. Do not be afraid.

But his message was not one of fight or flight. It was not a message of fear. What shall we do? Good works. Help one another. The antidote to fear. The antidote to sin. Repent. And help your neighbor.

National polls tell us that anxiety right now is as high as it was immediately after 9/11. So what should we do?

A long time ago, in one of those times when there were palaces, not with politicians and dictators, but real emperors. Emperors who were there because they were smart, they were wise, they were strong and it just happened that the emperor was away on some sort of business.

And in his absence, a monster came in. It was a demon. Ugly, frightening, terrifying. And because this monster was so frightening, all of the soldiers, guards and people who were supposed to stop visitors coming in at the wrong time - they froze in terror, allowing this monster to walk right into the center of the palace, and sit on the Emperor's throne.

And when that monster sat down on the Emperor's chair, that was going too far. So the guards came to their senses, said "Get out of here! You don't belong! Who do you think you are?! That is our Emperor's chair, you can't sit in there." And, at those few unkind words, and unkind deeds, that monster grew an inch bigger. More frightening, more smelly, and more offensive. And that really upset all the people in the palace. They got out their swords, they clenched their fists,

"If you don't move your butt, we'll carve it out with our swords, get out of here! Quick!" But every unkind word, unkind deed, even unkind thought, the monster grew an inch bigger every time, more ugly, more stinky, and the language got worse. And this had been going on a long time, when eventually the Emperor came back. And he came back into his palace, into his throne hall, and he saw this incredibly big, frightening monster there. It was so big, it took up most of the throne room…It was terrifying….. But, that Emperor, the reason he was the Emperor, was because of his great wisdom.

He saw that terrifying, huge, stinky monster, and understood what to do. He said the wonderful word "welcome". Welcome monster. Thank you for coming. And at that, the monster grew an inch smaller. Less ugly and his language got better. And the people around realized their mistakes. Instead of saying "get out", and getting angry, they started being kind to the monster. Welcome, you want something to eat? How about a pizza? Monster size. About three or four of them, got on the monster's feet to give him a foot massage. You've had a foot massage? Oh it's so rare getting a foot massage if you're a monster. That monster - "ooh, just over there a bit, ooh that's just right, there." They asked do you want a cup of tea or a cup of coffee…

They were so kind to that monster. And every kind act, word or thought, the monster grew an inch smaller, less ugly, less smelly, less offensive. And soon that monster was back to the size when he first came in. They didn't stop there. They carried on with their kindness so much, that soon that monster was so small, that one more act of kindness, and the monster vanished completely away. And that's how the monster was removed from the Emperor's palace.” (a story of the Buddha retold by Ajahn Brahm)

If anxiety is higher than ever in our nation and world today. The antidote for this fear and anxiety has to be EVEN stronger. And the antidote is not MORE fear and anxiety. Anger fear and anxiety just creates more anger fear and anxiety. It feeds the demon and makes him stronger.

But you and I have chosen a different way. We have chosen the way of Christ, to welcome him and his message into our hearts and actions.

Trust your faith. Trust John the Baptist. And most of all trust the Prince of Peace. Not the Prince of Fear. Don’t ever listen to that guy. He’s feeding the anxiety filled, violent, anger eating demon. And making it grow. And grow. And grow.

And what then shall we do? Do you have an extra coat? Give it to someone who needs it. Do you have extra food? There are many among us who need it. Do you have a kind word for others? By all means say it!

Love your neighbor. Share what you have. Do not be afraid.

That, my brothers and sisters, is the Good News of God in Christ.

Keep reminding yourselves, your neighbors, and everyone you come into contact with. And the anxiety, violent, anger eating demon will slowly but surely disappear. Amen.

Prayers for our Presiding Bishop and Primate

Prayers for healing are asked for Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry.

The Presiding Bishop’s Office has announced that Presiding Bishop Curry was taken to a hospital this afternoon after a visitation to Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg, VA.   The Presiding Bishop subsequently was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, and was transferred to a medical center in Richmond, VA for treatment.   A full recovery is expected. Presiding Bishop Curry is currently resting. 

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Michael the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. Book of Common Prayer (page 458)

Putting our #Prayers into #Action

One of the ways we can put our prayers into action, is to use a global prayer and consider where that prayer can be acted upon in our local context...

We may not be able to physically help the people in San Barendino, but you can certainly give money, etc. But where are people hurting in Bridgeport? in New Haven? in Monroe?

Consider this local story... Historic home fire ‘a dreadful loss’ to community

They are looking for help here:  https://www.gofundme.com/recjeyd8

Sermon: December 6 (Advent II)

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in all that we do, and dispose the way of your servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, we may be defended by your gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Your "thoughts" should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your "prayers" should be for forgiveness if you do nothing - again.” – Sen. Chris Murphy – Twitter – 12/2/15

In the aftermath of the horrendous shooting in San Barendino, there has been some heated discussion about the place of prayer in our society. The quote I just read is from our junior senator here in CT; there are some who have applauded his stance, others who were offended.

In much of what I have seen, there are some who were furious that some politicians wrote that “their thoughts and prayers” were with the victims and their families. They were outraged that there was no plan for action. They felt the prayers were empty, just like Chris Murphy.

Others felt this was an attack on all prayer or at least on Christian prayer. That it was insensitive to the millions who do pray. But this is not the first time I have heard issues about such public prayer.

President Obama after the shooting at a community college in Oregon two months ago said, “Our thoughts and prayers are not enough. It's not enough. It does not capture the heartache and grief and anger that we should feel. And it does nothing to prevent this carnage from being inflicted someplace else in America.” (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-on-oregon-shooting-our-thoughts-and-prayers-are-not-enough/) - which of course the carnage has – over 1,000 mass shootings since Sandy Hook, with shooters killing at least 1,327 people and wounding 3,784 more…

The Dalai Lama echoed those words after the terror attacks in Paris, when he said “humans have created this problem, and now we are asking God to solve it… It is illogical. God would say, solve it yourself because you created it in the first place. We need a systematic approach to foster humanistic values, of oneness and harmony. If we start doing it now, there is hope that this century will be different from the previous one. It is in everybody’s interest. So let us work for peace within our families and society, and not expect help from God, Buddha or the governments.” (http://www.mediaite.com/online/dalai-lama-prayer-not-enough-for-paris-humans-have-created-this-problem-and-must-solve/)

And as so often happens, sides were chosen, defenses set up and battle lines drawn – all on prayer. But I want to ask some basic questions: what is prayer? What does God ask of us as individuals and as part of the Body of Christ?

In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul said, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you… and this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless...”

Prayer is something St. Paul often talks about. In 1 Thessalonians, “rejoice always, pray without ceasing.” In Romans, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”

So what is prayer? I love this definition from a contemporary writer:

“Prayer is communication from the heart to that which surpasses (our) understanding… from one's heart to God. Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we're invited into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak in silence.” (from Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott)

That someone is the one who created each of us, the God in whom we live and move and have our being. So what does Jesus say? In the Gospel of Matthew we hear:

“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in worship and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven…”

The Lord’s Prayer is the example Jesus gives for our lives. There is an expectation that prayer is part of who we are as faithful beings and that God already knows our needs and our prayers are bringing us into union with our creator.

Muslims pray, Jews pray, Buddhists pray and so do we. As the great reformer, Martin Luther put it, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

So if prayer is part of our lives, something we do all the time, with words, without words, in silence, in music, in so many different ways, what does this prayer do to us?

Martin Smith, former superior of SSJE puts prayer this way, “we are not calling God’s attention to people’s needs; the Holy Spirit is calling ours to a place where God already is. Our response in prayer [intercession] is to unite our love for those persons with God’s, to offer our concern to be taken up into God’s, for God to use in bringing about the good in them we both desire.”

Our prayer unties us with those with whom we are praying and for whom God is already present.

But is it enough to say we are just praying? Does prayer imply doing?

That is the dilemma. We may not always be in a position to do something, but prayer isn’t just passive, prayer is action.

“When you pray, move your feet.” An African Proverb reminds us.

We may not be able to assist the hurting in San Bernardino, but we can here in Connecticut. Who are the victims in our area? How can you and I pray and support them? Put our prayerful words into action?

The Gospel of Luke tells us that “the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” & John the Baptist didn’t only pray, but he baptized many as a sign of the reign of God come near.

How will your life be a sign of prayer in our dark and violent age? May our lives reflect the divine glory by what we say and do, so God can guide us to give “light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death & move our feet in the way of peace.” Amen.

Thinking about #Refugees #Violence and #Prayers

I have found several articles helpful as I have tried to consider refugees, violence and our prayers (and even the idea of forgiveness (and guilt)).

The Dark Spell the Devil Casts: Refugees and Our Slavery to the Fear of Death

As I point out in The Slavery of Death and in Unclean, love involves opening yourself up to risk. And risk involves fear and uncertainty.

There are no guarantees with love. That doesn't mean you act recklessly or foolishly. But it does mean that doing the loving thing, the compassionate thing, the humane thing involves facing down legitimate fears and a willingness to live with very real risks.

The fog of fear, legitimate and real concerns over safety and security, is the dark spell the Devil casts to bewitch the Children of Light, the diabolical alchemy that transforms gentle and kind people into the Children of Darkness

Advent: Working together for peace in our community

The recent shooting at a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Colorado Springs is frightening reminder of the unprecedented level of gun violence now assaulting our country. Each year more than 30,000 of us are victims of gun violence, often at the hands of a friend or family member, or at our own hands. In Maine, there were 158 firearm deaths in 2013, the last year for which there are published statistics from the Centers for Disease Control. That’s nearly double the number in 2003 (82). The conversation about gun violence has been lost in the debate over technicalities concerning gun control. What we seem to have forgotten is that we – all of us – have a right to live safely in our own homes; to go about our business, to go shopping or have a meal out without being shot. As a nation, and a people, we are failing to keep ourselves safe.

Resources on Challenging Violence here.

Are Prayers Enough?

Many, including me, are saying “enough.” And many are saying “pray” – as in my prayers are for ….. (fill in the blank). Are the two connected? In this season of Advent, we await the coming of Emmanuel – God with us. But for many, Advent is the season to shop, filling our carts with more stuff – when we have enough while others in our cities and world don’t have enough. What does it mean to prepare a room in our heart for the love that is to come? It is hard when our news feed (no matter how or where we get it) is filled with vitriol, death, blood, fear, and the loss of innocence. Lives lost. Hope snuffed out. For some a promise and future that no longer will be.

In the aftermath of another massacre in the United States for yet unknown reasons – do we really need a reason? – I am numb. And tired. Yes, another mass killing had cameras poised on SWAT armored vehicles, waiting for the action. Some say we have a right to carry a weapon; after all, one of the first acts of Hitler was to take away the people’s weapons. Really? But what should our first act be? To pray? Yes, we pray for victims, for an end to violence, and yes – for the perpetrators. And we must act – individually and corporately. God hears our prayers, but uses us to provide the change that is needed.

After Mass Shootings, People Turn To Prayer — And Prayer Shaming

There is almost not enough time to mourn before the next crime. And within minutes, familiar voices chime in on social media and news channels to say the latest shooting simply proves that they're right — both those who say greater gun control is needed, and those who say gun regulations don't work.

I think a lot of people who pray don't think of it as a replacement for deeds, or an occasion to utter a gift list of desires. They pray to open their minds and hearts. They pray when words won't come, and emotions overwhelm. They pray to mark a loss, and to try to make a moment of peace in a landscape of turmoil. They don't see prayer as a substitute for action, but the beginning. The merit of prayer is what people do after we say Amen.

 San Bernardino suspect's sister breaks her silence

Farhan said he felt an obligation to address the victims on the night of the shooting.

"I wanted to go there and talk to the victims, people who were hurt... So I love this country, I love the people," Farhan said. "And I felt responsible to go and tell this to the people."

"Do you think your brother deserves to be forgiven?" Begnaud asked Saira.

"That's a hard question," she said. "I don't even know if I would forgive him. Just because of what he did."

Farhan said, right now, he could not forgive Farook. "With what he did, no. What he did to his own family, to his daughter, to our family, to the innocent people there -- no. I wouldn't forgive him," Farhan said.

World AIDS Day

National Episcopal AIDS Coalition

NEAC works collaboratively for effective HIV/AIDS ministry on and by all levels of the Episcopal Church. This ministry is rooted in our faith and hope in the risen Christ as expressed in the Covenant established at our Baptism.

A Collect for World AIDS Day

Loving God, You provide comfort and hope to those who suffer. Be present with all HIV positive persons and their families in this and every land, that they may be strengthened in their search for health, wholeness and abundant living, through Christ our Companion. Amen.

Holy Awe

A follow up to my sermon on Sunday.
 
From the words of mystic & saint Julian of Norwich:

Love and [reverent] dread are brothers, and they are rooted in us by the goodness of our maker, and they shall never be taken from us without end...

That dread that makes us hastily flee from all that is not good and fall into our lord’s breast, as the child in the mother’s bosom, with all our intention and with all our mind—knowing our feebleness and our great need, knowing his everlasting goodness and his blissful love, only seeking into him for salvation, clinging to him with seker [secure] trust—that dread that induces this werking in us, it is natural and gracious and good and true. And all that is contrarious to this, either it is wrong, or it is mixed with wrong. (excerpts from Chapter 24 of Julian's Gospel: Illuminating the Life & Revelations of Julian of Norwich (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2013, 2014))

Instead of reverent dread, I prefer the term "Holy Awe," which also works and carries for me a more positive connotation.