Homily Transcript: Good Friday April 6, 2012 The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1-19:42
From John’s Gospel, “(Jesus) said, ‘It is finished.’Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
"It is finished. It has ended. It is accomplished." Regardless of which gospel translation we read on this Good Friday, our Lord’s own words tell us that something of infinite importance happened on the cross.
But, for the people gathered at Golgotha on that first “Good” Friday nearly two thousand years ago, all seemed lost. For them, their hopes of redemption and the re-establishment of the throne of David in their lifetime seem but a dream – all is lost. Jesus is dead. It is finished. It has ended. It is accomplished. We think little of these words because we know the rest of the story: we know what will take place in the next few days. But for now, in this moment, what is finished?
Christians speak of this death of our Lord as an act of atonement for the sins of the whole world. For some, Christ’s atoning death has appeased the anger of a just God who demanded that someone pay for our rebellion against God. For others, this atoning death is a ransoming of humanity’s souls from the clutches of Satan. And still, for many more people, the thought that a loving God would require the brutal death of his own Son makes them question what kind of God would allow such to happen. There is no doubt in my mind that those who stood at the foot of the cross on the hill we call Calvary, wondered what is finished? Our faith? Our belief in a merciful God? Our hopes for redemption?
For many Christians gathering throughout the world this evening, Good Friday is more about the resurrection and our atonement than the suffering and death of our Lord. But, if we are truly reliving this Holy Week as if it is happening for the first time, then we, too, stand with those at the cross and we wonder. Our Lord’s words ring in the ears of Mary, the Magdalene, James and John, even Peter, a Centurion, and countless others. What do you mean Lord? You have taught us to love our neighbors as our selves, to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, body and strength. You have taught us that in caring for and meeting the needs of others, we demonstrate the purest love - God’s love. But what kind of God would do this to you? How is it possible that this day, of all days, will come to be called “Good?”
The Rev. Rick Morley describes Good Friday as the “day when we enter into the reality that Jesus – our friend, rabbi, and Lord – was betrayed, denied, arrested, spat upon, laughed at, whipped, and nailed to a cross and left to die in the heat of the day – naked and practically alone. And that death – the death of the one of whom we sang beautiful carols celebrating his birth just a few short months ago – breaks my heart. It stings. When I close my eyes and I see his eyes, I ache. When I hear his words, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ I ask the same question. And when I see his bloody and broken corpse unstuck from the cross, hastily prepared and shut into a tomb …. No theory of atonement makes it easier.” What is finished? What has ended? What has been accomplished?
My friends, as you pray the prayers and participate in this night’s liturgy, ask that question and open your ears and your hearts for God’s answer. Because the answer is about God’s love - a love willing to suffer and die for us. It is a love that is willing to risk everything in order to “atone” – to make “at one” – God and creation once more. Lord, teach us to understand what was finished and perhaps, even more important, what new beginning you are calling us to seek, embrace, and live. Amen.
Homily Transcript: April 1, 2012; The Sunday of the Passion; Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 12:28-34a
From Mark’s gospel, “The scribe said, ‘Teacher…to love (God) … and to love one’s neighbor as oneself’ … is much more important than all … burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Earlier this week, our Bishop reflected on his sadness at the pictures of Christians kneeling in prayer on the steps of the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. It’s not their praying that saddened him, but rather, that they were asking for God to intervene and overturn the law regarding health care insurance. Regardless of where you might stand on the issue of universal healthcare, like our Bishop, I wonder if such a picture truly demonstrates our promise to seek and serve Christ in every human being; our call to understand that loving God means loving and caring for each other.
The reality is that, somehow, many Christians today have lost sight of their responsibility to each other. They have lost sight of the transformative power of Christ that should move our focus and mission beyond our own selves. Instead, they have recreated and reshaped our faith into a simple personal relationship with God and, in the process, seem to have turned their backs on everyone else. Is it any wonder then that when you tell people you are a Christian, many bristle and make negative comments? Diana Butler Bass, in her recent book, “Christianity after Religion ” – a surprisingly insightful and well-researched book – noted that many people outside the church and even within it describe religion (especially Christianity) as “cold, rigid, hurtful, narrow, controlling, embarrassing, and mean.” (Bass, p. 70) Is this an accurate picture of what our faith really is?
In today’s reading from Isaiah, we hear words about teaching and hearing, using words in ways that will sustain the weary and build them up; not beat them down. Our reading from Philippians speaks about Christ’s humility in emptying himself and becoming obedient to God in all things. I suggest that if we are truly Christ-like; truly like him whom we say has redeemed us, then we, too, should be known by our humility, obedience, and willingness to empty ourselves of all pretense in order that God might work in and through our lives.
Sermon Transcript: February 5, 2012 The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-12, 21c; I Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39
From Mark’s Gospel, “(Jesus said,) ‘let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This morning’s scripture readings seem to be very timely given that we are a parish in the midst of renewal with an ever increasing desire to fulfill and expand our mission and yet, we recognize the realities of our limited human and financial resources while all around us the needs of our community, our neighbors, and even our own selves are reaching a critical point that threatens to overwhelm even the most stout-hearted and faithful in our midst.
These are difficult days in our nation: From Occupy Wall Street protests continuing their barrage across the country, to the inane political rhetoric of presidential candidates, to staggering unemployment and job layoffs, to economic inequities, our people seem more divided now than ever before: Divided by race, by gender, by sexual orientation, by economic status, and even by religion. For me, what I find most disheartening is that Christians are arguing among themselves more than at any time I can remember and in the process, churches risk losing sight of the message they are called to proclaim. Noted author and poet, Charles Baudelaire, wrote that the devil’s greatest achievement is having convinced the world that he doesn’t exist. I think I would add another to those achievements: he has divided our once united nation and created such incredible need at every level of our society that churches are overwhelmed to the point of fighting among themselves. There are times when I wonder, like the people of Israel in today’s reading from Isaiah, if our ways are hidden from the Lord – can God not see what we are doing and what is happening with us? If so, why is God disregarding how much we are struggling to make ends meet?
Homily Transcript: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Chr The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Christmas Day, December 25, 2011
Readings: Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:8-20
From St. Paul’s letter to Titus, “When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy…” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A very, Merry Christmas to you all! Christmas is a day celebrated throughout the world with much revelry. In many homes gifts are exchanged, rich foods prepared and enjoyed along with quite a few beverages as well, as friends and families gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. For weeks leading up to today’s celebration, the bombastic advertisements of merchants and sellers throughout the world have urged us to buy their products. They promise that purchasing their goods will ensure that the true spirit of Christmas will be found in every home. But our Scripture lessons this morning tell a different story. Our scriptures tell us that the greatest gift of Christmas is one that cannot be bought nor earned. It is a gift that touches the very depths of human hearts: It is the gift of God’s endless saving love now revealed and embodied in Jesus of Nazareth; Christ, the Lord.
This birth of Christ is the day that the Prophet Isaiah promised would be a day like no other. We hear the ecstasy in today’s Old Testament reading as Isaiah says that the Lord, himself, shouts, “See, your salvation comes...” The Psalmist describes this day saying, “Light has sprung up for the righteous, and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.” (Therefore) “Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks to (God’s) holy Name.” Truly, this is a day like no other.
Our Gospel reading this morning tells the story of this day as it has been told for over two thousand years. As I shared with our congregation last evening, the Messiah comes in a way that was foretold and yet not fully understood or expected because the Christ child at Bethlehem, our promised Redeemer and Savior is none other than God’s own self who has come to dwell among us. It is the Almighty God who has come in all humility as a newborn baby begging for milk and food. God comes in the most vulnerable way possible: a defenseless newborn human being. God comes as human flesh, to live and die among us; to journey the human life with its joys and sorrows. And it is this same God who will descend into the depths of human suffering and emerge victorious over death itself. In Jesus Christ, God will speak to his people in a new way. God will speak intimately with us; face to face, as one human being to another.
And all of this glory, this incredible revelation of God in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, our redeemer and savior, St. Paul says, is ours to know not because of anything we have done, but rather, according to God’s mercy. It is God’s love – God’s eternal love – that brought the Christ to us at Bethlehem and continues to bring Christ into the hearts of all who seek to know God as redeemer and judge; friend and companion.
St. Paul said, “When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us … according to God’s mercy.” On this day of celebration and feasting, of family gatherings and revelry, let us remember God’s gift of redemption in Jesus Christ and commit ourselves to follow the path he has laid out for us: a path that urges us to offer and demonstrate the love, mercy and grace of God to all whom we meet. Now come, let us adore him: Christ the Lord. Amen
Sermon Transcript: The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas Eve) The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
December 24, 2011
Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20
From Luke’s Gospel, “(and the angel said) ‘Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all … people: to you is born this day … a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
One of the things that has struck me throughout these past four weeks leading up to Christmas, these four weeks we call the Season of Advent: that time when we reflect on our lives and prepare our hearts and minds for Christ’s birth at Bethlehem just as we prepare for and await his promised second coming, has been how our scriptures and readings have focused our attention not on the past or our future, but rather, on the presence of God in and around us today; to look for and to see God; to slow down in order that we might hear and listen to what God is saying to us in fresh ways. All of this has been in preparation for tonight’s celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth: the Messiah, Christ, the Lord.
And so we have arrived at Christmas. This parish church is bedecked in elegance. Trees are decorated, our homes – well, maybe most of them – are prepared for gatherings of friends and family. Some of us are still scurrying around and yet, Christmas is here and for the next twelve days we will celebrate "Emmanuel:" God with us; Christ is born. Yet, I look around and I wonder what this birth means to us today. Our world continues its downward spiral in political and economic chaos. Nations continue to war with each other and here at home our own people seem even more divided politically, economically, racially, and in so many other ways.
The Prophet Isaiah, from whom we read this evening, promised that the arrival of the Christ would usher in a new kingdom of peace and prosperity: that this kingdom would continue to grow until it embraced the four corners of the earth. St. Paul, in his letter to Titus, a portion of which we also read this evening, tells us that the birth of Christ brought salvation to all people and that Christ taught us how to live in love and unity with God and each other. But, where is that promised peace and unity? If Jesus Christ did not bring that which was promised then, what did he bring?
Sermon: The Third Sunday of Advent, December 11, 2011 The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; I Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
From this morning’s gospel, “And the (priests and Levites) asked (John), ‘Who are you?’” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We have an expression in New England that is used when we find ourselves on the losing end of an argument or something catches us off guard. New Englander’s say, “Well, not to worry,” and then carry on with what they were doing. Southerners, on the other hand might say, “Well, alright then” and that expression can end an argument, close a telephone conversation, or even call the family to dinner. I’ve learned that here in the Delta the catchall expression is, “Okay den.” But, there is one expression that I think is understood regardless of where you live in this country and it is especially appropriate when we are confronted by an unpleasant surprise. (No, not that one!) It is the classic,“Uh-oh!” I said that several times when reading this week’s lessons.
On this, the third Sunday in our time of preparation and reflection on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ within us as we await his return and as we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of his birth, our lessons this morning seem like a repeat of last week’s lessons. We have a prophecy from Isaiah about the role of the Messiah and we have a letter from St. Paul encouraging us to keep faith in spite of Christ’s delay in returning. But, we have a gospel reading that seems to contradict everything Luke said in last week’s lesson (and what I said in the sermon!) about the identity of John the Baptizer: the new Elijah whom the prophets said would precede the arrival of the Messiah. In today’s reading, from John’s own mouth, we hear him say, “I am not Elijah.” Uh-oh!
Sermon – The First Sunday of Advent - November 27, 2011 The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
From Isaiah, “When we did not expect (it), (God) came.” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Predicting when our Lord will return and what will happen on that day has become a billion-dollar industry that, for many Christians, has sown more doubt and confusion, more worry and stress, more family and church divisions and outright ignoring the needs of others, over whether or not we will be left behind. If you doubt what I am saying, take an hour to watch any of the “Christian” television broadcasts on your local cable network. There you are most likely to hear one of two messages, perhaps even both: either a prosperity gospel that sees faith as a means to own a multi-million dollar home and the best cars in the neighborhood while everyone around you –especially the “non-believer” - goes hungry, or get ready because Jesus is coming back and everyone that ever treated you badly is going to get theirs. Everything is either about riches or revenge. Rather than, looking outward into our communities, these broadcasts urge us to focus inward for the sole betterment of ourselves. And friends, that is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In this morning’s reading from Mark’s Gospel, our Lord speaks very clearly about his return. It can be summed up in two words: “Keep awake.” But contrary to what many Christians think, when our Lord says “Keep awake” he is not talking about gazing at the heavens, looking for signs and wonders, or predicting when Jesus will return, nor is he speaking about revenge. Our Lord says, “Keep awake” as in knowing who you are, who you are called to be and then, with vigilance, keep to the tasks at hand. Using the image of servants and master, our Lord reminds us that we have a job to do while he is away. Our job, our task, is to be God’s people: to let our lives demonstrate God’s unconditional and transforming love; to witness to the reconciliation and mercy possible with God; and to be Christ’s continuing light in this world.
Jesus tells us (vs. 33) that the day and time of his return is known to no one and therefore, do not expect any warning. He says that when you see these signs know that he is already at the gate – he is already here. Thus, Christians live in a state of constant readiness. The servants know their tasks. They know what they have to do and they do it fully expecting that their master will return at any moment. Jesus says do not be concerned about when he will return. Doing the will of God (Mark 3:35) has nothing to do with the timing of God’s judgment but, doing the will of God has everything to do with living the Gospel. The question that the master will ask upon his return is not did you see the signs, but rather, have you been faithful to your call as a Christian, as a disciple of Jesus Christ? That is the only question.
Homily Transcript: Good Friday April 22, 2011 The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1-19:42
(From today’s Gospel) “(Jesus) said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
On this Good Friday we gather to remember the sacrifice of Christ in atonement for the sins of the world. This is the atonement we celebrate in every observance of the Holy Eucharist. Yet, on this day, the Eucharist is shared in simplicity using bread and wine consecrated last night. There are no prayers of consecration, no singing “Holy, Holy, Holy” or any outward semblance of joy; but rather, we offer quiet, humble thanks to Christ who offered himself for us forever. As marvelous and wondrous Christ’s atoning sacrifice is to us, Good Friday can have an even deeper meaning.
Homily Transcript: Palm Sunday April 17, 2011 The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:12-17
From this morning’s Gospel, “Jesus said to them, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.’” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Growing up in a small evangelical church, it was common to hold sales and fund raising events within the confines of the parish hall or “fellowship hall” as it was called. But, it was absolutely forbidden for anyone to sell anything or set up a table of goods in the Church Narthex (foyer). Our church leadership cited today’s Gospel as God’s injunction against buying and selling within a sacred space. I always thought it odd that we couldn’t sell something in one place but it was okay to do so just a few feet away. Worship space is sacred but I think today’s Gospel has nothing to do with buying and selling on sacred ground.
In order to grasp the point of today’s Gospel reading, we need to understand the role of the Temple in Hebrew culture and society. The Temple at Jerusalem was a massive complex that Archeologists believe covered 36,000 acres of land. At its center stood the Holy of Holies which housed the Ark of the Covenant: the symbol of God’s everlasting relationship and presence in the midst of the people. The Temple was more than a building. It stood as a reminder that God’s people are called to live differently than others. God’s people seek to live in holiness and reverent prayer, and walk humbly with God. Like Isaiah says in today’s Old Testament lesson, God’s people speak God’s words and listen for, and focus on, God’s voice. The Temple at Jerusalem was more than God’s house: It was the very heart of the nation.
Sermon Transcript: The Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany February 27, 2011 The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131; I Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34
From Isaiah, “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” I speak to you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we near the end of the Epiphany Season, our scripture readings continue to speak of the promises of God and the choice we make to live into those promises as God’s people.
This morning’s reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah proclaims that God chooses to be present to his people in every step of their journey. Isaiah 49 was written during the second great exile of the Hebrew people whose cities and towns had been all but obliterated in not one, but two separate, massive invasions and the nation of Israel was decimated as her people were carried off into exile. God promises to vindicate and restore his people and calls them to rejoice in this promise. Isaiah reminds the Hebrew people and us, that God is present in good times and in bad times because God so chooses to be present. Hearing these words though, you can almost hear the disdain in the voices of the people. We can hear them asking, “How can you say God is present? How can you say God keeps his promises? Look at what has happened to us.” They lament, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” Sometimes when things aren’t going well for us or not going as we had planned, we might think that somehow God has removed himself from us and that we are very much alone in this world.
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