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: October 23, 2011, The 19th Sunday after Pentecost The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46
(From St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians), “We are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves,” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our readings this morning offer a fascinating hodge-podge of messages. Our wonderful lesson from Deuteronomy speaks of the death of Moses. And like an epitaph, the writer laments, “never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses.” We hear in this reading the longing of the people of Israel for a new prophet, a new Moses who will deliver God’s people; a Messiah who will redeem them forever. It is like that holy longing we hear throughout Advent, but it’s not Advent yet! In the 10thchapter of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is described as that new Moses; the new deliverer, not just of Israel, but of all creation. But, our Gospel reading this morning is not from chapter 10 at all. Instead, we hear from chapter 22 with another exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees on which commandment is the greatest and then a question about the meaning of the Messianic title, “Son of David.” Where’s the connection?
Our reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians includes a bit of a lament as Paul writes about how poorly he was treated by the Church at Philippi, but this lesson is really about the role of ministers and lay persons alike in caring for one another. Our Psalm, which forms the basis of that great hymn, “O God our help in ages past,” offers assurance of God’s presence and grace through every step of our lives. Each of these lessons is wonderful and each is encouraging on its own, and yet, we might wonder how they are connected.
Today’s reading from Matthew begins with a reminder that Jesus silenced the Sadducees. The Sadducees were a group who upheld a literal understanding and interpretation of scripture. Like today’s Christian fundamentalists, any suggestion that there might be another way to apply the Bible to modern life, a fresh approach, a different understanding in light of contemporary moral issues, was treated as heresy and false teaching. The Sadducees were a powerful political bloc within Israel and they held a strict adherence to the Law of Moses exactly as it was written. But, in applying the letter of the law, they often missed the point or the intent of that law. In the verses leading up to today’s reading, Jesus basically showed the Sadducees that they didn’t know what they were talking about; that they certainly didn’t know the scriptures; and therefore, they should shut up. (And they did.) So,with this group silenced, the Pharisees stepped forward with a plan to trick Jesus. The Pharisees were a much more liberal group that allowed for interpretation of scripture to fit contemporary situations. But they took exception to Jesus’ claim to be able to forgive sins, to heal on the Sabbath and so on, because such authority belonged to God alone. They believed that Jesus was a misguided heretic who needed to be silenced because he was stirring things up and people were starting to question the authority of the religious and political establishment.
Sermon: October 16, 2011, The 18th Sunday after Pentecost The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin
Readings: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; I Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22
From Exodus, (Moses said to God), “Now, if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you…” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Like many of you, I have been watching the political debates and discussions focused on next year’s election. It seems to me that every person running for office believes that not only will he or she be the next candidate, but more importantly, s/he is the only wise choice for election. Political pundits point out the background and experience, the gifts, talents, and abilities of each of these persons, and are quick to suggest why one is better than the rest.
What I find fascinating is that in the midst of these weeks of on-going debates, our Adult Christian Education class has been studying and discerning our spiritual gifts: those gifts, talents and abilities that most of us share in common and yet, some have been spiritually endowed with an additional charism or anointing of the Holy Spirit in order to lead us in that regard. For example, all of us can attest to some measure of mercy within us and yet, only a few are spiritually gifted to lead us in acts of mercy. The same applies to evangelism: We are each responsible for sharing our faith and witnessing to the life-changing power of God in our lives and yet, very few are gifted as evangelists capable of explaining the faith in ways that lead others to Christ. I wondered this week what would happen if each of us set aside our political party loyalties and considered candidates for office not because of what they say, but rather, because they demonstrate in their deeds the spiritual gifts we have studied. Spiritual gifts like visionary and managing leadership, mercy, wisdom, discernment, and nurturing. Imagine what this country might become.
A preacher on a Christian television show this week said he believed his candidate is “God’s divine choice for president.” I started shouting at the television, as if the preacher could hear me, “Whoa! Wait a minute! No one in this country governs by divine right!” Our leaders govern at the will of the people and governments are established by the people for the purposes of maintaining a social order. Such may be in tune with God’s will and certainly, when the state or nation acts in ways that protect and shelter the most vulnerable in our communities and foster the well-being of all her people, we can advance God’s will for the world. But, the danger of believing that any politician is in office by divine right can lead to an idolatry where they (and we, too) start to believe themselves to be God.
Sermon Transcript: November 14, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25; Canticle 9; II Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19From this morning’s reading from the Prophet Isaiah, “Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” I speak to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. In 1607 at Jamestown, the first established English settlement in the New World we now call America, Captain John Smith grew discouraged – actually, he was downright disgusted, that there were many in the community who saw themselves as part of the nobility or the upper class and refused to do any work citing such was beneath them. Smith, a devout Christian committed to Christ, read his Bible every day. On one such occasion, he came across today’s Epistle reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians, “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.” Smith, immediately, declared this scripture text to be the motto at Jamestown. Soon afterward, everyone was involved in building up the community planting fields, harvesting, and working together for the good of all. The threat of starvation meant that the people had to set aside their old patterns of separation and division. Sadly, St. Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians has often been cited as a criticism of the Welfare State and I am all for requiring that everyone work together for the good of the community.
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