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Sermon by The Rev. Dr. Joan E. Beilstein
Church of the Ascension
3 Lent C – March 7, 2010
In the Name of God:
To whom our souls cling –
And who right hand –
Holds us fast. Amen.
The man had everything. Wealth – power – and prestige. As an adopted grandson - of Pharaoh – he had it made – for life! His robes – were made of the finest silk – and linen. His food – the most exotic – and exquisite. His chariot was carved – with gold. And well – you can imagine – the other excesses – he had at his disposal. Indeed – Moses had everything. Until – that one day – when he found out the truth – about where he came from.
He was not of royal blood – but of the blood – of Hebrew slaves. While he enjoyed – the comforts of Pharaoh’s palace – his mother – his brothers – and his sisters – worked bone-crushing hours – under harsh taskmasters – in the mud pits – making bricks – to build Pharaoh’s cities - and in the fields – to feed Pharaoh’s soldiers – and the Egyptian elite. While he ate the finest food – and drank the best wine – his people – subsisted on “god knows what” – and died daily - by the hundreds – from starvation.
Moses – who had everything – realized at some point – when he grew up – that he had nothing - as long as he stood by – and watched the suffering - of his people. And so Moses flees Egypt – searching for something. But even a new life – married with children – existing peacefully – among the people and flocks – of his father-in-law – does not extinguish – the fire of searching within him.
And as he continues his search – and climbs Mount Horeb - God finds HIM– and it in this moment – that Moses indeed - finds himself – his identity – and his calling. In many ways – Moses – was like the fig tree – in Luke’s Gospel. He did not bear fruit - for many years. But God was patient with him – tended him in ways he didn’t know – until he was ready – to bring forth – the good fruit – within him.
When I think of Moses – I cannot help – but admire him greatly. He is a holy role model – for us – particularly during this season of Lent. Moses – is an example – of a person – embarking - on a spiritual journey – to discover – who one is – and the meaning of one’s life – in relation – to the God – who is one’s Creator, Liberator, and Sustainer.
This too is our call. Each of us – as a person of faith – baptized into God’s household - if we are to grow into the full stature of Christ – must also be willing to take – a spiritual journey. We must be willing – to give up everything – and discard – those things – which prevent us – from discovering - who we are – as Christ’s disciples - and those things – which hinder us – from living out – our Christian identity.
This is not an easy journey. Moses’ example shows – us that it would be easier for us – to sit back – and be comfortable – emotionally - and spiritually. After all – who likes peeling away – the layers – of one’s life – one’s soul – one’s heart - and owning up to – those parts of one’s identity – which are not so attractive? Greed and self-indulgence – destructive anger – self-righteousness – neglect of others who are less fortunate – contempt for others who are different. I don’t know about you – but at times - I do not like to delve deep –and examine – who I am – in my complexity. A human being capable of producing both good fruit – and bad. A human being – who can excel wonderfully - as a child of God – and yet fall pitifully short of God’s glory.
I suspect Moses felt this same way. In his encounter with God – at the burning bush – he doesn’t exactly -jump – at the chance – to embrace his identity as Israel’s liberator – and what God is asking him to do. “Who I am God – that you should send me?” he mutters incredulously – exposing his reluctance – to continue the hard spiritual journey ahead.
Moses has good reason – to not want to take the spiritual journey. So do we. For to discover – claim – and live out – our identity as Christ’s disciple - means taking on- a great responsibility. It means going forth – in the very Name of God. Going forth in the name of the Great I AM. Do you know what I AM means? God could not have chosen a more meaningful name – for oneself. I AM is a Hebrew term - that more describes – an action – rather than set name. It means something like: “I will be merciful to whom I will be merciful” or “I will be loving toward whom I will be loving.”
God tells Moses – and us – by revealing God’s name – that our God is a God of freedom. That our God cannot be contained – or defined by others – or seduced by the trappings of the world. That our God is God of mercy, love, and new life – who will always side - with the oppressed – and seek to alleviate the sufferings of his/her beloved. God also tells Moses - and us - something else. That because this is who God is – this is who we are called to be – as children - created in God’s image. Merciful, loving, liberation seekers – who see – and do all in our power – to free those in our world who are oppressed in any way, shape, or form.
And so – my friends – I challenge each of us – this third Sunday in Lent. Are we going – to follow Moses’ example – and venture out of our comfort zones – so God can help us discover who we are – and help us - go forth in the name of Christ? Or are – we going to choose - to remain – in our own “Pharaoh’s palace” – denying ourselves – and the world – the good fruit – we could bear – as God’s modern-day liberators? I pray we choose to be like Moses – so we - too can encounter – the blazing presence of our God – in our lives – and experience the burning zeal – to labor on – in God’s holy name. I pray we will be like Moses. Amen.
Sermon by Lisa Hoffman, Seminarian
Church of the Ascension
2 Lent Year C - February 28th, 2010
In the name of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
This morning’s Gospel is a tough text, filled with some pretty strong language and words of warning and condemnation. Some of the Pharisees have come to warn Jesus that Herod is set to kill him. Rather than heed these words of warning, Jesus will not be deterred. He offers a direct challenge to Herod’s authority. Calling Herod a fox, he makes it clear to the Pharisees that for the next three days he will continue to cast out demons and heal the sick. Only when he has finished his work will he depart for Jerusalem – the city – the people - that are known for killing their prophets.
And yet – this passage that begins with such harsh words ends with words of love – with the image of Jesus as a hen that gathers her brood under her protective wings. There is nothing more fiercely and lovingly protective than animals safeguarding their young. That instinct – that driving force to protect - is not exclusive to parent and child. It is shared by between friends, between spouses and partners, pets and caretakers and between sisters and brothers.
I make it a rule not to tell stories about my kids from the pulpit because – to be honest- they would be absolutely horrified. But since they’re not here…I am going to make an exception. It was about sixteen years ago. Jeremy, my youngest was three and Lindsey was seven. I had just pulled into the driveway after picking Jeremy up from daycare. Jeremy was always finding new and exciting ways to get into trouble and had figured out at a pretty young age how to free himself from his car seat. The next thing I knew he was out of the car seat and the door was open and he was out of the car. I yelled at him to stop and stay right where he was. But completely unaware of the potential consequences of his actions, he laughed and took off – heading right for the end of the street and towards the busy highway. I dropped everything and started after him but knew there was no way that I could catch him at this point. But I tried – fighting back tears and horrific images – I yelled to him and ran but that made him run even faster. The next thing I knew, Lindsey – my seven year old, was running after him and passed me without a second glance. I yelled at her to stop – I knew he would keep running if he were being chased. But she completely ignored me – her instinct to catch him – her love for her baby brother was so strong that there was nothing I could do to deter her from doing what she had to do to save his life. I froze – helpless at this point to stop the scene playing out before me. But thanks be to God her skinny little arm reached out and caught the collar of his shirt and the two of them fell to the ground inches from the road. When I caught up to them, there they were – in a little pile crying in the street – my daughter pinning Jeremy’s little squirming body to the ground. If you asked Lindsey about this incident today, she would tell you she ran because she had to.
If you were to ask Jesus why he continued on to Jerusalem, I suspect his answer would have been the same – because he had to. Jesus knew the city to where he was traveling and he knew the end, but nothing – not even the threats of Herod could keep him from fulfilling his sacred journey to the cross. As he looked toward the city that would reject him, he cried out and lamented for his people. The evangelist captures the pain and frustration in Jesus’ voice as he struggles with what lay ahead and how often he desired to gather his children “as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.”
Interestingly enough, the word “brood” is also found in Genesis chapter 1, verse 2. We most often hear this verse translated as “God hovered over the face of the deep” or “a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” But the Hebrew word is more accurately translated as the verb “to brood.” God brooded over the face of the deep – over his beloved creation on that first day. God brooded over the waters as a hen might brood over her young. Jesus broods over his children – over God’s creation - over the face of the deep lamenting anxiously about what he is about to endure in Jerusalem. Lamenting not because he is about to die – he is keenly aware that only his death can bring about our salvation – but because of his longing to have gathered Jerusalem, the children of Israel and their unwillingness to repent and be brought into a right relationship with God. They don’t comprehend that living a life separate from God – driven by their own desires and motives – is a very real and present danger.
Jesus speaks in tones of disappointment, frustration and utter heartbreak at the refusal of his own people to hear and heed the call of God. Their failure to draw near and to come home – to be held close in God’s embrace and love will have dire consequences. The result of rejecting Jesus and turning away from God’s love is no less severe than the potential outcome of Jeremy’s having not heeded my voice to stop and come back. The result would have been death had his sister not managed to get to him and to pull him back out of harm’s way.
The Good News of today’s Gospel reading is that even in our tendencies to stray from God and our unwillingness to be gathered back up again, Jesus never stops pursuing us. He is always reaching out to grab us by the backs of our shirts and pull us out of harm’s way. Jesus is the difference between life and death.
Lent is a time that asks us to gather and to question who we are as a people of God. As Jesus comes to terms with his humanity and his role as God’s only Son on this road to Jerusalem, there is an opportunity for us to examine how we define ourselves and our relationship with God. To examine what it means to be obedient to God’s will for our lives and what it means to be gathered as a community of faith under the loving wing of a God who loves us enough to die for us. Lent is about Jesus offering us one last chance to repent and not to reject him and the one who sent him before he goes to cross. Jesus tells us that we will not see him again until the time comes when we are able to say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” These are the words we will hear again in just a few short weeks as Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. While the words of today’s Gospel are difficult, they are not impossible. Jesus’ words tell us that the time is late – but not too late. Looking toward Palm Sunday and Holy Week gives us the chance to reflect on Jesus’ lament for us - God’s beloved children. To hear the frustration and pain in his voice as the one who loves unashamedly and unapologetically. As the one who loves us with a fierceness and willingness to die for us.
It is about a God who became incarnate in the flesh of Jesus – a God in the person of a man who knew what lay ahead of him at the end of the road in Jerusalem. Jesus was a man who was not afraid to publicly challenge the Pharisees when they warned him about Herod. He never strayed from his mission to cast out demons and heal the sick. But on the third day as God commanded, he would make his way to Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those that have been sent. He would not go there to escape death, but to die. To die for us – to save God’s children. His sometimes disobedient children – his stubborn children – his often ungrateful children. But always his beloved children.
So yes, this can be a difficult text to read…but sometimes the words of the ones who loves us the most are often the most difficult to hear. Amen.
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Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Joan E. Beilstein
Church of the Ascension
1 Lent C – February 21, 2010
May the words of my mouth,
And the meditations of my heart,
Be always acceptable to you –
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Amen.
For Jesus – it was a challenging time – of self-examination – and self-discovery. Barely out of the Jordan River – baptized – and confirmed – as God’s son – he is led into the wilderness - by the Spirit. Given that he has yet – to begin his public ministry – we may surmise – that he is struggling – with the nature – and shape – of messianic role. As he ventures – out into the dusty – dry – Judean landscape – there are many voices – pressuring him – to be a certain kind - of messiah – and to do certainly things. At this point – in its history – Palestine was a hot spot – of social – political – and religious conflict – just waiting to explode.
Socially, the tremendous gap – between rich and poor – was staggering. Widespread greed – crushing taxation – and material exploitation – of the common man and women – was at an – all time high. Politically, the non-Roman populace – Jews and Gentile alike - were oppressed – by Roman rulers – often puppet emperors and governors – who used violence – and intimidation – to achieve – Rome’s military – and economic objectives. And spiritually, the Jewish religious hierarchy – wielded its own brand of oppression – by bestowing or beholding – “God’s favor” – and community acceptance – on those they considered clean or unclean – righteous or not.
And so when – when Jesus begins – his own trial – exodus experience – for forty days – he brings with him – the reality of his times – and the suffering of his people. It is no surprise then – that the temptations – he faces – are of a social – political – and religious essence. And wow – are they seductive!
“Jesus – Messiah – you have the personal power – feed and nourish yourself – there’s no reason – for you to be hungry – or poor – then maybe you can share with others.”
“Jesus – Messiah – you have the power - to be a ruler – to command armies – and kingdoms. There’s no reason – you can’t defeat Rome!”
“Jesus – Messiah – you are the high priest – the temple can be yours. All Jerusalem – could look to you – by great and mighty works.”
As these tempting voices – swirl around Jesus – the question for him – must have been – “Is this the kind – of ministry – God is calling me to?”A leader – who places my needs about the people’s – a military leader – or another high priest leader – who will rule from Jerusalem?
As he struggles – with his identity and mission – and certainly is tempted – by these offers – which have strong appeal – Jesus emerges – knowing exactly who he is – and the ministry God is calling him to. He chooses to be a suffering servant – in solidarity – with all who are oppressed – marginalized – and in need of healing. He will not defeat Rome or any other ruler – with military might. He chooses to defeat the powers of sin – and death – through the power of love and compassion. And he will not – rule spiritually from Jerusalem – where only a select few – were welcome – into God’s presence and the Temple. No rather – he chooses for his Kingdom to be place – where all are embraced – as children of God – equally valued – and offered abundance of life.
As I reflected anew – on this biblical account – of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness – and thought about its relevance – this first Sunday in Lent – I realized – just how much in common - we have with Jesus. As people of faith – at various points – we are led – to embark upon a journey – of challenging self-examination and discovery. Sometimes – we take this journey – intentionally – such as in Lent. Maybe we commit ourselves – to taking on new spiritual disciplines – go into therapy – take up yoga - and meditation – or join a support group of some kind – to grow - in our self-awareness – and discern – what our lives – being called to be about. At other times however – life’s events – thrust upon us – such a wilderness trip. We get sick. A loved one dies. We lose our job. Our marriage or significant relationship fails. We grow depressed. And we come to a critical juncture – where we must comes to terms – with who we are – and painful reality we find ourselves experiencing.
In either of these circumstances – like Jesus – they are tempting voices – which can interfere – with our healing – our spiritual growth – and our ability to make good and wise decisions. I’ll talk to myself for a moment so you can get my drift.
“Joan – why not make it all about you – after all – you deserve to be fed – and nourished – and have all your needs met – how and when you want them….”
“Joan – you’re such a gifted leader – with personal power – why not collect followers – who will do it your way – and lavish upon you affirmation….”
“Joan – you’ve done so much – just think about what it would be like to be a bishop – of a big diocese….with a big Cathedral”
Knew I’d get a laugh out of you for this one!
The point is – just like Jesus – we are faced – in our society – in our times – with voices – which pressure us – and tempt us – to not live out our identities – as God’s people – and fulfill the mission God calls us to. In our world too – think about what we emphasize. Power – wealth – social status – political might – being a success – making it big – being bright – think – and beautiful – the “in crowd.” It is a weak voice – that calls for us – to be in solidarity with the poor – and oppressed of the world – to fight for human rights – and to ensure that all are provided with adequate healthcare – and basic resources. There are few voices – out there – which urge us toward – self-sacrifice – and putting aside - our own social, political and religious needs and agendas – if they are not of benefit – to others. And I don’t know about you – but I hear barely- a whisper which says – “love others unconditionally – let compassion – flow from you like living water – welcome all – even those whom differ from you – or make you uncomfortable – into your hearts.”
Today – our Lord – enters into the wilderness with us – and shows us – who we are – and what our ministries – in the world are called to be by God. It is his voice – that we must listen to – and his model of life – we are called to emulate. To be a suffering servant – in solidarity – with those who are most in need. To fight against all - injustice and oppression – not with weapons – but with love – holy action – and non-violent means. And to do all in our power – to lift up spiritually – to the pinnacle of their faith - those who yearn for desperately – God’s care, hope, and peace. And so my friends – today as we go forth – from this holy place – this first Sunday in Lent – hear God’s voice - calling out - and challenging you. What kind of modern-day messiah –for God - will you be? And what kind of mission – will you embrace and live out? It is my prayer for each of us – that we choose to follow in the footsteps of our Lord – and not fall into temptation. Amen.
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Sermon by The Rev. Dr. Joan E. Beilstein
Church of the Ascension
Ash Wednesday – February 17, 2010
Lord Jesus, Sun of Righteousness,
Shine in our hearts, we pray.
Dispel the gloom that shades our minds
And be to us as Day. Amen.
(Hymn 144 from the 1982 Hymnal)
Once upon a mountain top – three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become – when they grew up. The first little tree looked up – to the stars - and said – “I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold – and filled with precious stones. I’ll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world.” The second little tree – looked out at the small stream – trickling by on its way – to the ocean. “I want to be traveling mighty waters – and carrying powerful kings. I’ll be the strongest ship in the world!” The third little tree – looked down in the valley below – where busy men and women – worked in a busy town. “I don’t want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall – so that when people stop to look at me – they’ll raise their eyes to heaven – and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.”
Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees - grew tall. One day three woodcutters – climbed the mountain. The first woodcutter – looked at the first tree and said – “This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe – the first tree fell. “Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest – I shall hold wonderful treasure!” The first tree exclaimed. The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said – “This tree is strong. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe – the second tree fell. “Now I shall sail mighty waters!” thought the second tree. “I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!” The third tree felt her heart sink – when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall – and pointed bravely to heaven. But the woodcutter never even looked up. “Any kind of tree will do for me.” He muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe – the third tree fell.
The first tree was not covered in gold – nor filled with treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals. The second tree smiled when the woodcutter – took her – to the shipyard – but no mighty sailing ship – was made that day. Instead – the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak – to sail to an ocean – or even a river. Instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused – when the woodcutter – cut her into strong beams – and left her in the lumberyard. “What happened?” The once tall tree wondered. “All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain – and point to God…”
Many - many days - and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night – golden starlight poured over the first tree – as a young woman placed her newborn baby – in the feedbox. “I wish I could make a cradle for him”, her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled – as the starlight shone - on the smooth and sturdy wood. “This manger is beautiful”, she said. And suddenly the first tree knew – she was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler - and his friends – crowded into - the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed – out into the lake. Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry – so many passengers – safely through the wind and rain. The tired man awakened. He stood up – stretched out his hand – and said – “Peace.” The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly – the second tree knew – she was carrying the king - of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning – the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked – from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried – through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers – nailed a man’s hands to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning – when the sun rose – and the earth trembled with joy beneath her – the third tree knew – that God’s love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time – people thought of the third tree – they would think of God. This was better – than being the tallest tree in the world.
The message of this parable – on Ash Wednesday? All of us – are born into this world – as unique and precious beings – blessings and treasures from God. We have hopes – and we have dreams. Just like the three little trees – we want to be golden men and women. Just like the trees - we want to be strong – making a mighty difference in the world. Just like the trees - we want to stand tall – be proud of ourselves – and reflect – God’s love and presence.
And yet – sometimes – life throws us some curve balls. As we age – we not only experiences life’s joys and successes – but life’s failures and disappointments. While sometimes – we are golden – we also know what it is like to be tarnished – and exude the rust – of falling short of God’s glory. While sometimes – we are strong and mightily influential – we also know what it is like to be weak – to give way under life’s pressures – and find ourselves -feeling like sinking ships. And while sometimes – we do stand tall – and proud – that we are good people – with good qualities – we also know what it is like – to be cruel – ugly – and harsh – with others – and ourselves.
Today – as we enter the season of Lent – wearing ashes to remind us – of our humanity – our mortality – and our need of God’s grace and redemption – let us not lose heart. For God reminds us – also – of God promise – to help us make - new and right beginnings. We may never be the golden treasures – the kind of persons – we aspire to be. We may never stand strong against life’s winds – all the time. And we may never stand tall and proud – at all times – and always reflect God’s presence – in word and deed but….. God will always find a way – to transform us – into vehicles of God’s love – compassion – peace – and justice – for who we are. All that God’s asks of us – is that we take this Lenten journey – and trust - that – no matter what kind of tree we are - a manger – a fishing boat – or a cross – God’s love for us – and God’s hope in us – is eternal. And because of this – God will always find us – and use us – to reflect God’s greater glory – in this world – as God’s risen people. For this is who we are – no longer people of ashes – but people of the resurrection. Amen.
