WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? UKRAINE!!

Luke 10:29

One of the primary ministries of Deacons in the Episcopal Church is to ‘take the church to the world, and the world to the church.’ This is going to be one of those Sundays.

This is the second time I had a sermon prepared, and current events compelled me to write a new one to address the atrocities occurring in Ukraine.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, wrote the following prayer for peace and justice. Let us pray:

God of peace and justice, We pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace For wisdom, discernment and compassion To guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, That you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.[1]

More than a dozen faith leaders offered prayers for a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine during an online vigil Wednesday, February 23, hosted by the Episcopal Church and the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

“There are people and children of God whose lives and freedom are threatened, and so we pray,” said Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

The vigil came not long after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the independence of two Ukrainian regions bordering Russia and delivered a speech arguing Ukraine is part of Russia’s “own history, culture, and spiritual space.” Russian troops have been amassing around three sides of Ukraine for the last couple of weeks.

Faith leaders at the prayer vigil said members of their traditions dream of working for a world without war — and part of that work is prayer. They offered prayers for presidents Biden, Putin, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The faith leaders lamented the world’s worship of power and acknowledged that the poor and marginalized are the ones who would be the most impacted by continuing conflict.

“We’re here with a commitment and persistence that peace is still possible. We can pull the world back from this brink yet.”[1] “We urge all those involved in this conflict to do everything they can to immediately end the hostilities, return to the negotiating table, protect all human life. We know that another way is possible.”

“The drums of war are beating louder with each passing moment,” “We must stand up as people of faith and people of peace to speak truth to power.”[2]

And, we as Christians must add our prayers to those around the world seeking a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

As Martin Luther King, Jr said:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

“no one is free until all are free.”

Some people think that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is none of our business. Or some view this as an example of the rightful reclaiming of something that had been lost. A faction of the United States fully supports Vladimir Putin’ reclaiming’ territory lost that once constituted the Soviet Union. Those countries broke away because they wanted to be self-determining and not under the control of oligarchs whose only interest was amassing their personal wealth to the detriment and sometimes death of their own people.

We MUST remember our recent history when Europe chose to ignore the early actions of Adolph Hitler. He consumed Poland in September 1939. No one took a stand at that time, thinking of him as an insignificant, petty madman. This was followed by Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France in the Spring of 1940; Yugoslavia and Greece in the Spring of 1941 – in less than two short years, he changed the face of Europe. Then there was no stopping him, and we ended up in World War II. We cannot forget the ambitions of a despot left to his own devices.

Putin has invaded Ukraine to ‘rescue’ those Ukrainian people he perceives as Russian. In 2014, he annexed Crimea in a similar move, ending Post-Cold War European stability. It is not coincidental that the area he has invaded happens to be on a path to the Balkans, a country Putin has long wanted to rejoin to Russia. Reclaiming the Soviet Union is not a new dream of his; we cannot remain blind to Putin’s ultimate plan to rule the entire world!

Multiple meetings with Putin and members of NATO and Europe failed in negotiations to stop his takeover of part of Ukraine. Germany, France, and Britain offered many alternatives, all to no avail. A line was drawn in the sand, which he insisted on crossing. Not only did Russia breach the borders of a sovereign country, but they have also executed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Putin has vowed not to stop the assault until the Ukraine government topples. He has compounded this with a threat to open the nuclear wastewater storage at Chernobyl. Already Russian tanks are stirring up radioactive dust as they move through the nuclear plant site. The radiation levels in the worst-hit areas of the reactor building can provide a fatal dose of radiation in just over one minute.

NATO and countries of the European Union have united with the United States to contain this encroachment and cut off crucial resources to Russia. Germany has already shut down the natural gas pipeline to Russia. NATO has mobilized its European military resources along the border of Ukraine, Belarus, and Crimea. In addition, the United States has frozen the export of technology required for military and aerospace development, and imposed monetary sanctions against Russian banks, directly affecting the oligarchs close to Putin. Sanctions have been imposed against Belarus, which has facilitated the attack on Ukraine. These sanctions will soon begin to have an immediate effect on the stability of Russia, but they take time to start to affect those who are in charge. Additional military materials and armaments have been sent to Ukraine to bolster their security; we have been assured that no Americans will be engaged in any fighting.

There will be a conference of 37 countries, NATO, the European Union, and Japan, to determine additional pressure that can be brought to contain Putin and stop the war. This is the first time since World War II that all European nations and coalitions have banded together to address the aggression of Russia. Scandinavian countries, in the past, have remained neutral during any conflict but are joining the meetings.

We must all support Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine.

What is the most unfortunate impact of the actions taken to stop Putin is on the people of Russia. Being a dictator and oligarch, Putin cares nothing about the Russian people. Since he controls the news, many people in Russia may not even know what is going on or is being informed the war is caused by the ‘horrible aggressor,’ the United States.

More Russian people will be the victims of this assault on Ukraine. One-fifth of all Russians live in abject poverty, with another 36% ‘at risk’, amounting to approximately 19.3 million people. In a dictatorship, the innocent are always those most hurt by power-hungry leaders. And our hearts go out to those who will have more distress heaped upon their lives. Our allies are planning ways to accommodate refugees fleeing from Ukraine.

Disgustingly, political opponents of the current administration are using this situation to further erode the support and direction of the United States. They espouse the previous administration’s adoration of Putin. We have to remember that Putin’s goal is to destroy the United States. We must refuse to fall in with the naysayers, take a deep breath, and wait until things settle down. Fomenting discord will only support Putin’s goal of destroying democracies.

Gas and food prices will temporarily go up as the administration figures a way to stabilize the war on Ukraine’s effect on the American economy. This may cause us some hardship, but we need to keep the homeless, injured, and killed in our minds and hearts because of this war. This is the time for us to take care of our neighbors, those on fixed incomes, who may feel the increase in the cost of living. As Jesus told us:

We are our brother’s keeper.

But the Ukrainians are not without backbone; Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have vowed to never surrender to Russia. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the occupation; there are pockets of resistance who are taking measures to impede the advancement of Russian troops by destroying bridges along the supply line and sabotaging troop movements. The Russian army has not taken control of any of the encroached territory; the Ukrainians are showing much more resistance than Putin anticipated. Any Ukrainian adult has been provided with a gun to help protect their country. In an interview, one 80-year old man, who had never fired a weapon before, said he would google to find out how to do it. This has become a David and Goliath conflict.

Although Putin controls the national media, reporters, independent news agencies, internet groups, and social media broadcast the ‘real’ story of this war. Even in Russia, thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the war. Thousands of brave people have been arrested and detained in 54 Russian cities. But others will continue to make news available in Russia and the outside world and protest the atrocity. Since the assault has not turned out as Putin has expected, he has shut off all state media.

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reminds us:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man . . .”

“The one who had mercy on him.” . . .

“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)

We are not helpless in this struggle, although we mourn the effects on the innocent people of the area. We can support the resettlement of those refugees fleeing through organizations like the International Rescue Committee and the UN Refugee Agency. There are other agencies providing support for those still residing in Ukraine. Please be careful whom you may donate to, though. Many use most of the money for their own advancement, with little going to humanitarian care.

We can also not purchase any materials/services from Russia. The State of Ohio and many independent grocers and liquor stores are dumping all Russian vodka and not buying any Russian spirits. Delta Airlines had severed its association with the airline, Russian Aeroflot. Investors might look at what Russian holdings are in their portfolios. These actions may seem insignificant, but each little effort will further enforce the sanctions imposed by countries and governments. We can each do our part. Remember what happens with one little pebble dropped in the water.

As Christians or people of faith, we are directed by Jesus:

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. (Luke 6:35)

That means we need to pray not only for those suffering but also for those who perpetrate these atrocities. That should be our mission.

Not only should we pray for those people in the path of the war, but those who are brave enough to risk their lives to get the news out and resist the encroaching army. And as much as it may stick in our craw, we must pray for the Russian military and the leaders of the assault.

A friend of mine, Right Reverend Bonnie Perry of the Diocese of Michigan, made this plea to Episcopalians and all Christians around the world:

“Pray my friends. Pray in a way you never have before. Pray with the passion and responsibility of the people who are being called to heal. Read the news, do not look away. Talk about the suffering we are seeing. Talk about it endlessly, bear witness to it. Name the pain. Name the suffering caused by unbridled aggression and unfettered greed for control. Name the evil that is taking place. Talk about the people whose homes and lives are crumbling around them. Imagine it is you, your life, your children. Embrace the sanctions and the ramifications those sanctions will have for us. Embrace them proudly and boldly.”[3]

Let us do the one thing that we can to end this violence.

We can pray

For those fleeing: we pray for sanctuary

For those who are staying: safety

For those who are fighting: peace

For those whose hearts are breaking: comfort

For those who see no future: hope.

PRAY!

Heavenly Father, Today we want to pray for the people living in fear. Those who want to be free from the distress caused by the world’s turmoil we are in today. Even though we may not know them, Lord, You see the fear and anxiety. They may be fearful, tired, discouraged, and frustrated, but don’t let them give up. For we know that you are a faithful God who will give them the peace they seek today and bless them in many ways. Help all of us to stay strong in faith throughout these challenging days we live in, as the Holy Spirit continues to lead our way. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

                       Delivered at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Columbus, OH; 27 February 2022

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[1]      Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell

[2]      Tarunjit Singh Butalia of Religions for Peace USA

[3]      The Right Rev Bonnie Perry, Diocese of Michigan, “Pain”,

IN MEMORY OF DRU ROBERT ZIMMERMAN

Today we come to celebrate the life of Dru Zimmerman, a brother, an uncle, great-uncle, and a dear friend to too many people to count. Although he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in our hearts for eternity. We feel his lively and beautiful spirit with us today, and we hope he can sense our love for him in this room. We not only love you, but have learned much from you, been inspired by you, and been made to laugh and be joyful in your presence! We will always remember you!

As an adopted son, Dru created his own family, collecting and loving and encouraging a wide variety of people to his humor, kindness, steely determination, and acceptance of anyone he called his ‘friend’. We will remember him.

In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember him

In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, we remember him

In the opening buds and in the rebirth of Spring, we remember him

In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of Summer, we remember him

In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of Autumn, we remember him

In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember him

When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember him

When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember him

When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember him

So long as we live, he too shall live, for he is now a part of us,

as we remember him.[1]

Each of us will carry in our hearts those special moments that will help us remember Dru.

My wife, Karen, and I knew him for over the eight years we have lived at The Waterford. Recently, we were fortunate to live on the same floor with Dru after he purchased Barbara Haven’s unit. He was very involved in The Waterford Community, intent in maintaining its high quality while trying to make it a much better place to live. One thing could be said for Dru – he knew ‘how it should be’ and was very vocal when something did not meet his standards. We would sit on the sidelines of the Condo Association meetings and, under our breaths, criticize what he didn’t think they were doing right; I don’t think the board was very happy about us, but we sure had fun. And his concern extended beyond our building; he considered himself a watch guard for the area around the building and Bicentennial Park, and was very vocal in his disdain – we all heard a lot about the noise and dirty diapers around the park!

Dru studied art at Kendal College and graduated with a degree in art from Ohio Wesleyan. He was a creator, collector and critical and appreciative patron of a wide variety of art genre. He had an affinity for art, particularly photography and copper enameling. He spent a lot of time at the Cultural Art Center creating beautiful pieces made from strings of colored glass. Members of his Enameling Studio at the Cultural Art Center reminds us:

“Dru was such fun to share studio time with, his dry humor and generosity with his creative collaboration and knowledge of enameling made him a joy to have with us! His presence will be sorely missed.”

Other friends noted:

“Dru was the most delightful human being I have ever had the honor of calling not just my peer at work but my friend in the world.  “

“He was loving, accepting, and so funny. My heart aches for his family and friends. I hope the many memories we all have will help keep him cherished in our hearts and give strength to all during this sad time.”

Dru was extremely close to Barbara Havens – I remember they used to sit and watch I Love Lucy episodes on almost a daily basis, and he was often down here in the evenings. He was deeply impacted by the death of Barbara, and managed to purchase her unit to preserve her legacy and somehow remain close to her spirit. I would say that Barbara was probably the most significant person in Dru’s life and he was significantly impacted by her death.

We come together today from the diversity of our grieving,

to gather in the warmth of this community,

giving stubborn witness to our belief that

in times of sadness, there is room for laughter.

In times of darkness, there always will be light.

May we hold fast to the conviction

that what we do with our lives matters.

Dru was alone in his death; no one had heard from him for several days, and on Thanksgiving Day of last year, he was discovered during a wellness check. We can only hope that he went quietly in his sleep.

And now we know what grief is, . . .

and guilt for not following up with him earlier,

and love for his spirit and flare for life

and things undone.

But there is peace too. Peace and acceptance and overwhelming love that we maybe weren’t aware of, waves and waves of conflicting emotion,

And laughter too,

and memories we hadn’t bothered lately to recall come flooding back in shared company.

. . and it is all about you, Dru!

And there’s gratitude. . .

so much of that, that we had you…

Bright and shining, nobody’s fool, independent, but humble too;

Smart, and kind, and fun.

A part of you has passed away, but much is carried everyday within us, and will as long as we are here. So we are here to remember you, your spirit, and how you have left your mark on each of us.

This may be a final tribute,

A day to celebrate your life and say goodbyes;

But it is not final![2]

Your friends will keep your memory, and that zest for life you taught us. Every day we’ll celebrate in some way, just by the virtue of how you shaped our lives, because of the absolute and incredible fortune that we knew you.

Dru’s life was a combination of personalities: the fun-loving member of our community and that serious person who cared for others. He certainly believed in ‘peas & carrots’ – you will hear more about that a little later.

Those who have known him for a long time can remember the times he entertained us with his hilarious drag queen outfits and skits, or his enthusiasm for fine food, and always wanting to go out with friends; and that hidden soft spot in his heart when he witnessed injustice.

Two special friends (Pepe and Dave) are going to help us remember those memories of Dru that we will always carry with us.

We are told in an oft-heard scripture from Ecclesiastes:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

Dru, we are grateful that you have broken the bounds of your suffering,

that you feel pain no more,

and that you’re free to be yourself, without restraints.

In closing, I would like to read a poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye, written in 1932, for a young German Jewish woman, Margaret Schwarzkopf, who was staying with her and her husband. When Margaret’s mother fell ill and died, she was distraught that it was not safe to return to Germany. The heartbroken young woman told Frye that she never had the chance to “stand by my mother’s grave and shed a tear”. Frye found herself composing a piece of verse on a brown paper shopping bag. Later she said that the words “just came to her” and expressed what she felt about life and death. This reminds us that death is not all there is:

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there.

I did not die.

Dru, you have left us wiser, happier, and enriched – and we thank God for sending you to be our friend. And now in your honor and memory, we will go forth today in life – to do what you so fully lived – have a wonderful party and care for and love one another.

And so, although Dru Robert Zimmerman no longer walks this earthly realm,

he is still with us, . . .

loving us, . . .

ever present in our hearts and minds.

Let us take the time to tell stories to one another that brings Dru’s memory back to us – the funny, the sarcastic, the caring and essence that made him Dru.

Let us pray:

We lift up those who have lost loved ones. We see images of families in celebration; but their emotions are far from happy. There are empty places in their hearts where loved ones have been called from life. We lift them up to you that you might give them strength to get through their mourning. We ask for your grace to comfort them in their time of need. We thank you for their faithfulness and fear, hope and doubt, sorrow and joy. Amen.

                  The Rev deniray mueller, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, OH; 14 November 2021

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[1]      Adapted from Yom Kippur Service, Michelle Markert Rubin

[2]      Unknown source

Racism: Our Past and PRESENT Sins

Luke 6:17-26

During the month of February, you may have noticed that we have been singing hymns from Lift Every Voice and Sing. This hymnal is part of The Episcopal Church’s recognition of Black History Month and its African-American congregants. We will continue to use these hymns as part of our recognition of the significant contributions African-Americans have made to the United States.

I am glad that there is an official recognition of Black History Month, but what I am concerned about is that Black History Month is not to commemorate African-American’s contributions, but to educate the ‘white folk’ to a whole world of history we are totally unaware of. Dedicating a month to the actual history of slavery does not make up for the other eleven months of the year of intentional omission of their history. We have a long way to go, and the church needs to lead the way.

In The Episcopal Church’s calendar of saints, today we celebrate the Blessed Reverend Absalom Jones, born into slavery, and freed through manumission in 1784. He served as the lay minister for the black membership at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church with his friend, Richard Allen, and together they established the Free African Society to aid in the emancipation of slaves and to offer sustenance and spiritual support to widows, orphans, and the poor.

Alarmed at the increase in the black population attending the church, in 1791, the Vestry of St. George’s decided to segregate African Americans into an upstairs gallery without notice, forcibly removing those worshippers from the main floor one Sunday. Allen and Jones, and members of their group immediately left that church, never to return.

In 1792, Allen and Jones applied to join the Episcopal Church, and after satisfying all the requirement for membership, African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas became a member of The Episcopal Church. In 1802, Absalom Jones became the first African-American ordained as a priest. Throughout his life, until his death in 1818, he continued to work to abolish slavery and better the conditions of African-Americans. In 1973, General Convention added him to our list of saints, with his feast day being 13 February.

What Absalom Jones and Richard Allen and their followers experience is the biggest black eye on religion. . . and the government . . . and current anti-history groups.

I have heard people say:

”Isn’t it ‘sweet’ that the blacks have the month of February to celebrate their history”?

Let me tell you something, they do not need a month to celebrate their history!!! Since 1440 they have lived it, endured it, died because of it. It is ingrained in their genes and their DNA. Black History Month is for the education of white people who have never been taught, nor thought about what being a slave meant. We sat in our white privilege totally oblivious to the suffering of others. And even today, there is a movement to restrict or prohibit the teaching of the true history of this country. And their power is increasing through affiliation with legislatures who are appealing to the least denominator to ensure hatred and fear is propagated so that they can remain in power.

Here is some black history that is not taught in the schools, and will not be taught if these bigoted, racist people prevail.

Christopher Columbus was the first European slave trader in the Americas. He likely transported the first Africans to the Americas in the late 1490s on his expeditions. He sent more slaves across the Atlantic Ocean than any individual of his time-about 5,000.

Hundreds of thousands of Africans, both free and enslaved were brought to America around 1516, to aid in the establishment and survival of colonies in the Americas and the New World.

Then in 1607, when Jamestown was settled, Africans referred to as ‘servants’ were brought over to do the demeaning manual work required to establish a colony. Furthermore, many consider a significant starting point to slavery in America to be 1619, when the privateer The White Lion brought 20 enslaved African ashore in the British colony of Jamestown, Virginia. This was the beginning of the aggressive program of promoting slavery in the United States. This history is well documented in the “1619 Project”, written by Nikole Hannah-Jones of The New York Times. Not only does it chronicle slavery, but also celebrates Black Americans’ commitment to rights and freedoms historically denied them.

Between 1525 and 1866, according to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, 12.5 million Africans were shipped to the New World. Only 10.7 million survived the dreaded Middle Passage, disembarking in North America, the Caribbean and South America. To put this into a modern perspective, the deaths of enslaved men, women and children that died on the voyages because of illness, crowded ships and cruelty relatively matches the number of people who have died of COVID in the United States.

Any question about the status of Black people in the colonies—free, enslaved or indentured servants—was made clear with the passage of the Virginia Slave Codes of 1705, a series of laws that stripped away legal rights of these people and legalized the barbaric and dehumanizing practice of slavery.

Not only were these slaves used to further the economic wealth of the European residents, but they also served in the military to protect this fledging country. One of the first martyrs to the cause of American patriotism was Crispus Attucks, a former enslaved man who was killed by British soldiers during the Boston Massacre of 1770. Some 5,000 freed and slave black soldiers and sailors fought on the American side during the Revolutionary War.

Sanctioned slavery existed in the United States until Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Declaration in 1862 and the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1865. However, that only shifted the foundations of ‘slavery’ to other social programs such as Jim Crow Laws that denied blacks civil rights, the rising of the Ku Klux Klan, and ‘whites only’ restrictions.

And these practices may have become more sophisticated, but still exist today in forms of voter suppression, economic poverty, redlining, and refusal to teach the ‘real’ history of this nation in many parts of the country.

But some churches are trying to atone for their involvement in the slave trade, including The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church, in its 2006 General Convention endorsed reparations for 250 years of American slavery. Resolution A124 admitted “the complicity of the Episcopal Church” in slavery and the church’s “economic benefits” from it. It calls for a study “as a matter of justice,” the church can “share those benefits with African American Episcopalians.” The Diocese of Maryland, Texas, Long Island, Georgia and New York have active reparation tasks force to commit education and monies to support descendants of the original slaves. Several Diocese and colleges have renamed buildings and removed statues of known slave owners from their campuses. Other mainline denominations are also beginning this process.

In the Diocese of Southern Ohio, there is a Reparations Task Force, working to create memorials to those blacks who were lynched/murdered in Ohio. This task force is chaired by Rev Karl Stevens at Saint Stephen’s on campus.

As we heard in today’s gospel reading, Jesus’ message is one of inclusion, not one of exclusion. The good news Jesus proclaims is not only for the Jewish community, but it is for everyone. It is not just for the religious elite, but it is also for the common laypersons. It is not just for the powerful and the privileged, but it is also for those on the margins: the women, the widows, the children; the poor, the sick, the blind; the immigrants, the oppressed.

The most frequently used word in this scripture is the word “blessed”. To be “blessed,” means living in an awareness of the presence of God, not free from struggle, but oriented to God’s kingdom. In each of these blessings, there is a dichotomy between the struggle and what the promise is: the hungry will be filled, the weeping will give way to laughter.

Jesus used the words ‘blessed are’ over 400 times in the Bible, and almost exclusively addressing those who are the poor, the lesser of society, and the least. His words are simple, straightforward and concrete.

The Kingdom of God that Jesus is offering is for ALL people – and it is especially offered to those most vulnerable. It is an upside down Kingdom of God, where the last would be first and the first will be last, the poor will be blessed, and the slave will be free.

Jesus presents a totally different standard of living – the opposite of the world’s standard. He says that the poorer you are, the more blessings you will receive. When you are hungry and in grief, a great blessing is coming your way. On the other hand, if you are rich and laughing at this moment and when people speak well of you, your life is in trouble.

Eugene Peterson paraphrases it best in these verses in The Message:

But it’s trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you’ll ever get. And it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it’s trouble ahead if you think life’s all fun and games, There’s suffering to be met, and you’re going to meet it. “There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular. (Luke 6:24-26)

This was a radical concept – especially in a world where it was those who had religious and societal power who were seen as worthy of receiving blessings, and where those who were poor, sick, or had any physical ailments were believed to be sinful and thus cursed for their sins.

We must always remember that Jesus came for the last, the least and the lost. He came to bring glad tidings to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. He provided hope for the hopeless and taught the people the importance of faith. Then He asked them to be servants if they wanted to be the greatest. In short, He wants all of His followers to be like Him and to walk in His path. That is the life that is truly blessed.

Perhaps what we now have to do is ask the bigger question.   What sort of attitudes and actions make for better living for all?    Kind and considerate behaviour, encouraging the best outcomes for the weak and vulnerable and being prepared to make some sacrifice for others is very different from those who become obsessed with personal gain. Reflecting on the gospel account, the options given and choice made are not about some impractical and unattainable spiritual dream. The positive choice is to follow Jesus’ advice – whether we do or not is our choice.

To be the most faithful to the gospel, Luke calls us to set aside our preconceived notions of being blessed, and be willing to embrace the kind of upside-down reversals that Jesus presents. Luke’s version of the Beatitudes is meant to startle us out of our complacency and inspire us into action.

We are challenged to look at our lives and our world with new eyes. They challenge us to clarify our values and determine that things for which we are willing to take a stand. Packed into these verses are very real instructions for the disciples, AND those of us who claim to follow Christ today, to reverse the social, economic, and political injustices that surround us.

God has provided more than enough so that no one needs to starve in our world, no one needs to be without full and proper medical and dental care in our country. And no one needs to be homeless in our city. It is difficult to feel “blessed” when life is difficult, when bad and evil things seem to dominate. However, one of the promises God makes throughout the Bible is that He will bring judgment to the evil of the world. “Blessed are” those who trust that God will make good on those promises.

As Christians, it is necessary that we work toward those ends now. For as we work towards helping the poor and the disenfranchised now, we prove our citizenship in the eternal Kingdom of God.

Let us remember who we are, the blessed and the cursed, and let us respond to the winners and the losers, the rich and the poor, the hungry and the full, the celebrated and the cursed, the good and the bad, our neighbour and our enemies with compassion. Just as “our loving God is compassionate.”

Let us choose to follow him in this holy work.

A poet said it well:

Compassionate God, we recognize that our world is a broken place,
hurt by poverty, famine and disease.

We admit that sometimes we make the world a broken place,
tolerating prejudice, conflict and self-interest.

We confess that our hearts also suffer with anger,
resentment and jealousy.

Renew us in Your love, O God,
and heal us with the comfort of Your abundant love.

Awaken us to the role we can play in healing Your creation.

Strengthen us through the power of the Holy Spirit
to hear Your word and move forward in faith.[1]

And as we remember Absalom Jones, let us pray:

Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear: that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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[1]      Gill Le Fevre, ReWorship

                       Delivered at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Columbus, OH; 13 February 2022

Not US?!?!?!

Luke 4:21-30

We just heard that Jesus went home to Nazareth to visit the family. By then, he was well-known as a teacher and rabbi and healer. You would have expected there would be a parade or a celebration that the hometown boy was back home. Because of his fame as a preacher and healer, the people of Nazareth were excited to have him preach at the synagogue.

Jesus began to read from Isaiah, where he read about the prophecy of the arrival of a savior. As he continued, He announced

“This day this Scripture passage is fulfilled even as you listen”. (Luke 4:21)

The people were excited, they had waited a long time for a savior and were ready to greet the Messiah! And he came from Nazareth – that made the people very proud. Just think of the fame that would come to them.

But their excitement wouldn’t last. Jesus was too familiar to them. As my grandmother used to say: ‘he’s too big for his britches – I know because I changed his diapers’.

We heard the crowd ask:

“Is not this Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22)

Remember, Joseph was the local carpenter – not a rabbi, not someone important, not a rich man. He was just. like. them. The green eyes of jealousy or envy struck them – why didn’t Jesus come from one of them? Why not from one of them who held a more prestigious position in Nazareth. A carpenter was a lowly position, not worthy of being the father of the man who would save all Israel.

And to add to it, Jesus was preaching that his message was for ALL the world – not just the Jewish people – but everyone in the world. Jesus challenged their understanding of the Jewish law making them God’s chosen people – and taught them of God’s generosity to outsiders.

How dare He!

Jesus’ knew that his proclamation would cause a range of emotions – from pride, to skepticism, to jealousy, to rejection. His pronouncement COULD have been a source of genuine wonder and appreciation—look how far our local boy has come!

But it’s not difficult to see that some would say:

“Joseph’s kid? Good grief. He was a nobody back in the day and he’s a nobody from a no-account family now. Forget him!”

Jesus then goes on to suggest that maybe those very detractors in the crowd would be asking him shortly to prove who he was. They wanted him to prove it!

Word had spread that he had been doing some amazing things. But Jesus was no trained monkey that performed on demand. And he made it clear that he was not going to do any of this in Nazareth. Worse, he inflamed people more by saying that with the hostility some were harboring in their hearts, the Nazareth people were not worthy of any demonstration.

God would work his wonders elsewhere, outside of Israel.

Jesus had spent his adult life making people feel uncomfortable and questioning their understanding of how people should treat each other. The Jewish laws were very specific about what was clean and unclean, who were to be acknowledged and who was to be avoided at all costs (think of the lepers and the Samaritans). But Jesus taught and showed by his actions that the lepers and the Samaritans and all those ‘unclean’ people were accepted and loved by God. . . as were ALL people.

The people were outraged! How could the Messiah come to save EVERYONE? After all, they were God’s chosen people. . . didn’t the Old Testament say only they were chosen to be God’s people?

Now here was this upstart, saying that everyone would be saved. . . that He was the savior, the Messiah!

How could He say that!!!

Jesus spoke the truth about the people of Nazareth and they DID NOT want to hear it. We all know that the truth is hard for us to hear. We don’t want to be told that what we are doing may not be what we should be doing. And certainly not that the ‘the others’ – people who were not Jewish – not of their town, deserve what the people of Nazareth expected to get from Jesus. They were angry!

I don’t often add anything personal to my homilies, but I am for this one. As a child, my mother let everyone in the world know that I was the ‘perfect’ child – I never caused any trouble, obeyed my elders and those in charge, and did everything I was supposed to. She would point out to my aunts and uncles the shortcomings of their children and how they should be more like me. She even did it in the grocery store to parents of small children! You can imagine how popular I was with my younger siblings and cousins!

But, when I went away to college, I got a good job paying more than my father had ever made, the tables were turned.

I thought my parents would be proud of me – I was the first one on both sides of the family to go to college, and I had a good job. I hadn’t been married four times like my sister. But, I was not going to come home, get married, raise a family and take care of my mother. I had lived in several states for about 10 years, making my reputation in the business world. So when I came back to Ohio, I thought they would be happy for my success – was I wrong! At one point, they came to where I worked and accosted me in the lobby, saying that I would ‘never amount to anything’, and if that was what I was getting paid, I was lying! And maybe they should talk to my boss and let her know what a horrible person I was.

Like my parents, the people of Nazareth were unkind to Jesus. They almost tarred and feathered him and ran Him out of town. The scripture says

they led Him to the top of a hill and were going to throw Him over. (Luke 4:30)

But Jesus knew who he was and what His mission was, so He continued on His way. . . to be condemned, crucified and resurrected.

For All of us!

So even if we are not welcome in our own town, like Jesus, we need to continue on our path and God will help us accomplish it.

Remember that we will not always be acknowledged or appreciated, but we must follow the path of Jesus as we live day-by-day. We all need to be ‘the other’ that shows the love of Jesus and welcomes others into the Kingdom of God.

Let us pray:

Mother of Wisdom,
open my ears.
What is that truth-teller
closest to me
trying to tell me
that I don’t want to hear?

I give thanks for my defensiveness,
for it is my clue
that someone has struck truth.

Give me wisdom to listen,
courage to hear,
humility to accept,
and grace to change.

Amen[1]

[1] Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes, “Listen”, Unfolding Light

Delivered at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Columbus OH; 30 January 2022

Take the First Step

John 2:1-11

Today we heard about the first miracle that Jesus performed in his ministry. It was one that he really did not want to do, but who can disobey your mother?

During his ministry, Jesus performed thirty-seven miracles:

• He turned water into wine
• 26 times he healed people
• Twice he fed the multitudes
• 4 time he saved the disciples on water
• 4 times he raised people from the dead

That was amazing miracles in a little more than three years!

His ministry of miracles all began that afternoon at Cana, when a young couple were celebrating their wedding day. Cana was not even in Judea, it was a jerkwater town off the beaten path – there was no reason for them to be there. But most likely they had been invited to the wedding, which lasted seven days. And Jewish law was very strict about rules of hospitality, not only for the one extending the invitation, but those receiving it. So they were in Cana.

Mary, Jesus, and some of His disciples were dressed in their finery and enjoying the food and companionship and joy of the new couple. The feast was spread and the wine was served, and everyone was having a good time. In fact, such a good time that the wine jars were drained. The father of the bride was about to be extremely embarrassed – the scandal of running out of wine – a serious faux pas!

But in stepped Mary, who suggested to the wine steward that her son might have an answer to their problem. Jesus hesitated, but Mary insisted that the servants do whatever He might tell them to do. So He told them to fill six empty water jars and serve up their contents. When those contents were served, the water was gone and excellent wine was in its place, much better wine than had first been served.

On the surface, this seems like a little miracle, not quite up there with calming the raging storm or raising Lazarus from the dead or feeding the 5,000. But this was Jesus’ first miracle.

Not that he really wanted to do this – when Mary told him to fix the problem, he resisted, telling her

Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? (John 2:4)

We can imagine that he was having a good time with his disciples, and didn’t want to be bothered – or have attention drawn to Himself. But Mary paid no attention to His reluctance and ‘persuaded’ him as only a mother can do, to take care of the situation. I don’t know if she had to use that “mother’s look”, but Jesus finally did what she wanted.

It seems like a frivolous use of Jesus’ power, turning water into wine. It’s been the subject of a host of theological humor. Like the Baptist preacher who was caught with a load of moonshine whiskey. He claimed he was just hauling water. When confronted with the fact that it was whiskey rather than water, he exclaimed, “It’s a miracle. Our blessed Lord has done it again.”

But this first and “minor” miracle should not be taken lightly – it showed

• who Jesus was. . .
• who He would become . . .
• what He would be . . .
• what He could and would do.

It is interesting to note that no other gospel documented this miracle. To those writers, this miracle was considered insignificant, not even worth mentioning.

There is a part of this scripture that generally goes unnoticed:

Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. (John 2:6)

Seems pretty innocuous, doesn’t it. . . but it is significant to the story. The six waterpots were there because they had been used by the wedding guests to clean their hands and feet prior to being seated. Jewish law was extremely strict about cleanliness, so all the guests had used the water in these pots to clean their hands and feet – and now the pots were considered unclean! Yet, these were the very pots that Jesus used to turn the water into wine – violating all Jewish law for cleanliness.

Jesus transformed these pots from something unclean and forbidden into something clean and good.

When we look closely at this miracle, or as John identifies it—a ‘sign’, the fact that Jesus used water in dirty pots to reveal his glory catches our attention. In other gospel stories, Jesus used spit and mud to cure a blind man, loaves and fish to feed five thousand, and a wooden cross to save the world.

God seems to take particular delight in using the common and ordinary to glorify himself and to accomplish his purpose. We know that this is true not only in the Bible, but also in our everyday lives.

Think about it for a moment and you will see that this miracle was just the beginning of those miraculous things Jesus would do, culminating in His resurrection.

It is interesting that he was reluctant at first. He reminded Mary that

My hour has not yet come, (John 2:4)

Think about times when you were enjoying yourself with your friends and your mother insisted you do something for her. We have all had those moments when we wished she would just disappear. But like a good son, when Mary asked Jesus to intervene, in spite of his reluctance, he ultimately did what she told Him to do.

Most of us know the stories of Jesus’ earthly ministry. But we often miss little hints in the stories that tell us just how hard it was for Jesus to come to his ministry. At twelve He went to the temple in Jerusalem, to ‘His Father’s house’ where he began to reveal his awareness that He was the Son of God. After the death of Joseph, as the eldest son, he remained in Nazareth taking care of Mary and his brothers and sisters, who weren’t exactly happy to have the ‘Son of God’ as their half-brother/sister. And then there was his cousin, John the Baptist, wearing animal skins and eating only honey. He was out there baptizing everyone he could while they waited for the Messiah who would save them all. And later on, his own hometown scorned Him, saying

Nothing good could have come from Nazareth (John 1:46)

No wonder the Scripture said He was reluctant. He knew that this was the beginning of a path that would ultimately lead to his death. He knew that there was no turning back after this. People were watching him and this ‘minor’ miracle confirmed to his disciples and other followers that He was more than a rabbi, or a teacher. He was something special. . .

the Son of God,

the Messiah.

But Mary pushed him forward – made him leave the comfort of his anonymity and step forward into the world as the Son of God. She may not have known the extent of his ability to perform miracles, but she knew He was special and it was time for Him to claim that. I imagine that very few people at the wedding even knew what was going on – they were having too good a time. But the disciples who accompanied this itinerant preacher saw what happened and recognized who Jesus was and would become.

Just as Jesus was reluctant to take this first step, so are we reluctant to make even tiny steps in directions we feel called to take. We have lots of excuses:

•    I don’t have the time

•    I don’t know enough to teach Sunday School

•    I don’t have any professional voice training

•    No one wants to hear what I have to say

•    One person can’t make a difference

•    What difference does it make to a legislator what I think.

We may also be afraid. . .

scared that we will make mistakes

that we will ‘screw things up’. . .

that people will laugh or scorn or reject us.

Isn’t that where the miracle is? Jesus enters with us in our struggles just like he showed up at that small town wedding, assuring us that, yes, we are enough. Every time we gather around God’s table, every time we share what we have with others and don’t worry about ourselves, we participate in the abundant life and love of God, where there is always enough, and even more than is needed. The best stuff is just as available at the end as it was in the beginning.

Just as Jesus turned water into wine, Jesus works with ordinary people, like you and me, because he knows we have the potential to be transformed by his gospel into the ‘good stuff’- the best– by God’s transforming love. We are enough—and Jesus chooses us to work his miracles in the world today. That’s more than enough.

But each of us must follow the example of Jesus and step out to claim our place in this world. In our own little way, we are all miracles – miracles of birth, miracles of our love for one another, miracles who are willing to step out and take a risk.

Just as Jesus’ first miracle was not a spectacular, ground-shaking event, so our day-to-day lives may seem insignificant to each of us, but miraculous to others around us. You never know who is watching and gaining strength to also take a risk. You never know whose life may be changed by something you think is ordinary.

Let me give you an example:

About thirty years ago I was attending a church to help them become open and affirming. At the time my partner was dying of cancer and I was not in a good place. But the church was extremely supportive and helped me get through the ordeal. I was asked to give a testimony about what the church meant to me, so I did. After the service, a young gay man came up to me and thanked me – he was so despondent that he had intended to go home after church and kill himself. But my message had given him hope. I understand now that he is an accomplished photographer on the west coast.

So you never know what ‘miracle’ you can be for someone else.

This miracle at Cana was remembered and recorded not to say something about wine, but to say something about Jesus. It is Jesus who takes the ordinary, the tasteless, the common and transform it into something robust, hearty, joyful. The point is this: Jesus can and does transform us. In Him is all the fullness of God; in Him is life, and when He touches our lives, what is common, ordinary and flat becomes extraordinary.

No matter where we are, we need to remember that Jesus knows what we need and he will provide it, just as he changed the water into wine (although it took some prodding from Mary). Consider that Jesus may need some prodding from us to know, in our heart-of-hearts, what we are struggling with. This is the comfort that we find in today’s text.

The main miracle in this story is not the making of wine for a wedding celebration. Rather, it is the faith of the disciples. They saw the wine for what it was—a sign of Jesus’ godliness and divinity. The disciples saw and believed.

I wonder if there is someone here who has a need for God to step in a do a miracle in your life. You realize that God is not a vending machine, but you know He has the power to do what you need Him to do. You are willing to obey Him and let Him do His work His way. And You have no doubt in His ability to meet your need.

You just have to ask him. This is a long-standing biblical principle. Moses put it this way to God’s people thousands of years ago.

“I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse. A blessing, if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; but a curse, if you disobey these commands and turn away …” (Deuteronomy 11:6-8)

This principle applies to Jesus’ work in us: He does not do things for us that we can do ourselves. Miracles do not excuse us from carrying out our own responsibilities.

It’s time for us to take that step – to make a decision – take that risk. As followers of Jesus, we are not alone.

Jesus is always with us.

Let’s step out there and take a risk.

Let us pray:

Holy and righteous God, give us today the grace we need to share with those around us. As we live our everyday life, please help us see Jesus’ glory at work in ways we never have before. We don’t ask this for our entertainment or for our self-interest, but so that our faith may grow stronger and our Christian witness more powerful, to your glory. Amen.

    Delivered at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Columbus, OH; 16 January 2022