Right relationshios

June 17, 2007
Proper 6C

One of the important conflicts of the early church involved customs and ritual. As illustrated in our Gospel today, one such custom was the fact that Jews of that time often refused to eat or even associate with known sinners or non-Jews (known as gentiles). As the Good News of Christ began to spread beyond Jerusalem, the apostles were confronted with the fact that many people who believed in Jesus were not Jews. This fact brought up the question of whether Jewish Christians could even associate with non-Jewish Christians. Eventually – and after what appears to be a protracted battle – the Church came to the decision that a Christian was not someone who observed Jewish customs, but someone who believed in Jesus.

It sounds silly today – of course a Christian is someone who believes in Jesus – but I actually think that that problem faced by the early church is a problem we face today. To understand what I mean I think it will be helpful to look closer at how the conflict over Jewish and non-Jewish Christians was resolved.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul play key roles in this conflict and its resolution. Saint Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles, tells us about a dream that Saint Peter had that directed him – against his will – to associate, eat with, and even baptize gentiles. In today’s reading from his Letter to the Galatians, Saint Paul tells us of a confrontation he had with Saint Peter over (what appears to be) the aftermath of this very event. He writes: “Before certain men came from James, [Peter] ate with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” Essentially, Saint Peter caved into peer pressure and again separated himself from “the wrong people”.

Saint Paul writes what he told Saint Peter: “We ourselves, who are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, yet who know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified.”

I always get bogged down by the word “justified”. Sometimes it helps me to go to the original Greek to understand better what the text is saying. The Greek word that is so often translated as “justified” basically means “to put in a right relationship”. Thus, what Paul explains is that we are not put into a right relationship with God by following the law or by performing certain commands of the law, rather, the only thing that puts us is a right relationship with God is believing in Jesus Christ.

In our Gospel today Jesus deals with this same conflict and comes to the exact same resolution. When Jesus is eating at the house of Simon the Pharisee, a woman who is a known sinner comes to anoint Jesus’ feet with oil. Jesus is condemned by those he is eating with for allowing her near him. To their astonishment Jesus announces that this sinful woman’s sins are forgiven. Why are her sins forgiven? Because of something she did or didn’t do? No. Because she believed in Jesus. Jesus tells her: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”


If Saint Peter needed to be reminded, then I certainly need to be reminded as well, and I imagine many Christians do to. Christians, beginning with Saint James and Saint Peter have separated themselves from other Christians for many different reasons. All of those reasons have one thing in common – not one of them puts them or us in the right relationship with God, and I think that its pretty obvious as well that none of those reasons puts us in a right relationship with each other. How many denominations are there? How many Christians are there who look across the aisle and doubt that the person they see is in a right relationship with God?

Christian unity isn’t an abstract idea. It begins and often breaks down over food. Peter and James objected to eating meals with the wrong people. Simon the Pharisee and his friends objected to a sinful woman’s presence at their table. Today Christians will often eat with anyone, until it comes to eating bread and drinking wine at Communion.

Jesus ate with saints, sinners, and everyone in between. I believe that if we are to remain in a right relationship with Christ, we are called to do what we can to be in the right relationship with the Body of Christ in the world. For me, Holy Communion is a good place to begin a right relationship with other Christians. I believe in Jesus, and so I come to receive his Body and his Blood. No matter how unrighteous the person next to me might appear to me, why would I assume he or she believed in anything other than Jesus? Sometimes that can be very difficult for me to swallow, but I believe that it’s a good way to start getting in the right relationship with the rest of the Body of Christ.

Reading Deeper

YEAR 1, EASTER 5, SUNDAY, EVENSONG & BENEDICTION:
LEVITICUS 8:1-13,30-36; MATTHEW 7:7-14; JOHN 6:13-21

There is a famous Classical biographer named Plutarch who lived about 2000 years ago and wrote a number of "Lives" of various famous people. I am curretnly reading a complete collection of these. I recently read abotu Romulus, who is reported to have founded Rome, and Theseus, who is reported to have ordanized the body politic in Athens into a democracy. I thought I knew about Theseus - he killed the Minotaur. I thought I knew about Romulus - he was nursed by a wolf. I did not. Plutarch does his homework, he collects all of the tales, stories, and histories known about the people he writes about and produces an account that informs the reader of everything that is known or even beleived about the persons. I went from being uninformed and ignorant of it, to being immersed in the interesting lives of two people.

In our first reading tonight we read about the long ordination and consecration of Aaron and the Holy Place. It takes days and it is a dense account in Leviticus. Our second reading narrates how Jesus called us to enter by the narrow gate, by a way that can sometimes be hard. I think we ought to be warry of making quick decisions, assuming we know everything about something when we a diving deeper into a book, a judgement, or a decisons will qucikly show us how much more there is to know.

I think that it is important for Christian to weigh options and take time to make decisions. One thing in particular I think we can all dive deeper into is the Bible itself. Often Christians assume they know what the Bible says; many decisions and judgements have been made on such assumptions. In the reformation some people thought that the Bible mandated that they rip out organs, statues and artwork from churched. I think looking back, that decsions was hasty and misguided.

I have been leading a Bible Study on the Maccabees and have noticed again and again how certain passages have lept off the page. Some are funny: the writer refers to a certain king as "almost as long in years as he is in folly". Some passages are instrictive: after much debate the Macabees decide that a necessary problem they will have to deal with is defending themselves on the Sabbath from bodily harm.

In May, at Saint Mary's, we celebrate Mary. Not everyone does this, but the root of our love of Mary comes from scripture. This month, I would like to encourage you to dig deeper into the Scriptures. Discover Mary in the Gospels and her types in the Old Testament. Discover Leviticus, its complex rites, law and narrative. Discover a book not ever read before. I know every time I read the scriputres something new jumps out at me. Guided by the Spirit, I know that the samewill happen to you too.

Open Doors

This is from my Angelus (the Saint Mary's weekly newsletter) article for this week.

It can be a challenge competing vocally with the Fire Department of New York or an ambulance going past the church during Mass. When the weather is warm the 47th Street and 46th Street doors of the church are open. This allows some fresh Midtown air into the church and it opens our wonderful acoustics to the joyful sound of honking, car alarms, and sirens. The fresh air really is a plus and the normal sounds of the city act as a reminder that we are in Times Square. More importantly, the open doors offer an enormous welcoming gesture to those walking by the church. People hear and see that the church is doing something and often they simply walk in to see what’s going on. It seems to me that this is a very good thing. I don’t know how many people have developed a deep love for Our Lord and Saint Mary’s after wandering through an open door, but I imagine it’s quite a few.

Wonderful liturgy and a gorgeous building are the obvious places our open doors lead to, but I think the idea of open doors need not refer solely to the church building. Christian education, mission, spirituality, concerts, and fellowship events are also open for all. I hope that everyone coming through the doors feels invited to be a part of Saint Mary’s, not as a stranger passing through, but as a sister or brother in Christ being welcomed to the family table. There are many open doors at Saint Mary’s. Here are few that have been on my mind lately.

Sister Laura Katharine has begun oversight of the parish altar guild, the Saint Mary’s Guild. Historically, the Saint Mary’s Guild met on Saturdays for the noon Mass, lunch, a group meeting, and some work time. At one point in the parish history the Guild was so popular that it was divided into different parts each meeting once a month – meaning that effectively part of the Guild met every week. We are reviving this practice: the Saint Mary’s Guild will meet the first Saturday of every month for the 12:10 PM Mass, lunch, a group meeting, and some work time sewing and polishing. It’s a great place to meet other Saint Marians and learn some practical skills. The doors are open and I hope we’ll see some new faces wander in. If you are interested in becoming part of any of our guilds (see http://www.stmvirgin.org/CommunityandFellowship for a list of them all) speak to one of the priests, and we’ll see what we can do to make that a reality right now.

Our music is another area in which we are open. There have been five different concerts and recitals in the last two weeks: all of them open to the public and most of them free. In addition to scheduled concerts, we also offer an organ recital every Sunday before Evensong & Benediction and before most Feast Day weekday Solemn Masses (the next on is Ascension Day, May 17). If you haven’t been to a concert or a recital this year, I recommend catching one before the season ends with the start of summer.

One of the challenges at Saint Mary’s involves growing our Christian Education program. I think our current format works, but there is more work to be done. Currently a class is offered following Solemn Mass on Sundays. The classes last for about 45 minutes (ending at about 1:30 PM) and cover a wide array of subjects. Mr. Robert Picken is currently leading a group through a class on hymns. In a few weeks Sister Deborah Francis and Sister Laura Katharine will offer a presentation on the religious life. Each Wednesday a group gathers after the evening Mass in Saint Benedict’s Study for dinner and a Bible Study. Each week one person supplies a full dinner, another supplies drinks, the next week someone else supplies food and drinks. The doors are open and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday class or a Wednesday dinner and Bible Study.

There are always new challenges and experiences awaiting us in our ministries at Saint Mary’s. How to open more doors for others to walk through is a challenge for all of us. Many doors are already open at Saint Mary’s. I invite you to consider stepping through some new door and to help us open even more doors for others.

Parks and Private Gardens

YEAR C, EASTER 5, SUNDAY: MASS:
PSALM 145:1-9; ACTS 13:44-52; REVELATION 19:1,4-9; JOHN 13:31-35

I had a conversation with my father yesterday about various types of Christians. We talked about how some Christians seems to value personal morals above almost every other aspect of their faith - sometimes including their faith in the resurrection itself. Likewise we talked about how other Christians sometimes value social justice above every other aspect their faith - again sometimes including their the resurrection. Neither of these values are necessarily bad, and I do think we all focus on certain aspects of our faith as a way of living the Christian life in the world. But what are we called to focus on?

Our Gospel today gets to that question very clearly: what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? How are we recognized as disciples of Jesus? The answer that Jesus offers is love of others. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Taking our love of Christ and letting it go forth from us to others is the essence of Christian evangelism and mission, and I beleive that we are living as disciples in the world when we do that. Taking the love of Christ and bottling it up to purify ourselves and others is all well and good, but If we aren't spreading love to one another, I'm not sure what value it really has for mission or evangelism. In fact, at one point in the Gospels, Jesus himself says that its not important what goes into a man, but what comes out of him that matters.

I have a beautiful roof deck outside of my aprartment. It overlooks part of Times Square and is covered with flowers and plants. Most of you will never ever see it or get to experience it. Compare that to Central Park. I think many people beleive that Central Park is made beautiful by the City, but the truth is that the Park is what it is because of the gifts, donations, and commitment the citizens give to it. In the 70s and 80s when Central Park was maitained by the city, it was ugly and dangerous. Now that it has been claimed by the people and given their attention and care, it is a place open for all people that makes my beautiful little garden ono the roof look plain and barren. My little garden is wonderful but nobody gets any enjoyment out of it other than me and my family and friends; the effort that I take to maintatin it doesn't do much for the public good. Central Park on the other hand is open to all through the efforts of many people. If I had to choose which I like better, I will always choose Central Park.

I think these images translate well to being a Christian in the world. We can value ourselves and try to become perfect Christians offering little to others, or we can value others and use the gifts that we have been given for others. I beleive that we are called to live as Christians for other people. How are we to be recognized as disciples of Christ? By loving one another and showing the love of God that we have expereinced to them.

The Basics

EASTER 4, FRIDAY: ACTS 13:26-33, PSALM 2:6-13, JOHN 14:1-6

Our readings today bring up what are, I believe, the basics of Christian faith. Saint Paul, throughout his letters and speeches, preaches Jesus Christ who was crucified and rose from the dead. The death and resurruection of Jesus is the starting point of Christianity. Every time Christians gather together we procalim the death and resurrection of Christ.

The good news is not just that Jesus died and rose. The good news is that we share in the resurrection of Christ. Jesus himself proclaims this good news, saying that he is the way, the truth and the life. It is Jesus himself who is preparing a place for all of us in his Father's house.

Throughout Eastertide we say the word "Alleluia". That word basically means "Praise God". I believe that the Gospel invites us to praise God for the love that he has shown us in the resurrection of Christ. I also believe that that joy and praise is something that we can share with others. This Eastertide I think we are invited to follow the example of Saint Paul and share the good news of the resurrection with others.

Studying the Bible

EASTER 4, THURSDAY: ACTS 13:13-25, PSALM 89:20-29, JOHN 13:16-20

One of the interesting things about Eastertide is that we read from the Acts of the Apostles as our first reading instead of from the Old Testament. Does this mean that in Easter the Old Testament is somehow less important? Not at all. Both of our readings today (and of course the Psalm selection) show exactly how imoportant the Old Testament was to Jesus and to the early church.

Paul's speech is essentially a short history of the Jewish people as narrated in the Old Testament, beginning with exodus, moving through the kingship of David, ending with John the Baptist and Jesus. He draws a single line united them all in God plan for our salvation. Teaching of this sort can be found all over the Acts of the Apostles, including speaches by Peter, Paul, Stephen and others.

Likewise, Jesus roots God's plan for our salvation, even the betrayal of Judas, in the prophesies of the Old Testament. Throughout the Gospels Jesus quotes the Olt Testament, teaches its meaning to others and even dies with verses of the Psalter on his lips.

I think one of the things that the church encourages all of us to do more of is stufy the Bible, Old and New Testaments. Saint Mary's offers weekly Bible studies, and I recommend them to you if you have time (Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM - with dinner). I also recommend simply reading through a book of the Bible over the course of week. Its not that hard and it can be very reqrding to know the Bible and what is actually written in it. OFten, making sense of what happens in the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles (and all of the New Testament) means knowing something about the Old Testament.

Important Decisions & Prayer

EASTER 4, WEDNESDAY: ACTS 12:24-13:5A, PSALM 67, JOHN 12:44-50

Our first reading tonight from the Acts of the Apostles offers an account of one of the most important decisions in Church history - the commision of Paul for mission. After his conversion Paul and Barnabas taught and ministered in Antioch, raising money for those suffering from a famine in Jerusalem. Our reading today begins when Paul and Baranabas return from Jerusalem after delivering the relief to the churches there. The decision, guided through the message of the Holy Spirit, to send out Paul for mission work is made during worship and fasting.

Without worship and fasting, Paul might not have been sent out. The community in Antioch might have thought he was more useful at raising money and teaching them. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit they were led to a decision that might have been very difficult to make otherwise. They sent Paul out into the world to do mission work. I think the results speak for themselves. Paul, filled with the Spirit, spread the Gospel of Jesus to the other side of the known world.

I know that not all of my decisions are made with such pious thoroughness and to be honest, if they were I would have made fewer mistakes in my life. But one decision that was guided by the Spirit was to pursue life in the church - a life which led me to ordained ministry.

I think that the example of the early apostles and prophets in the church is one that we can learn from today, both in our lives and Christians in the world and in our lives as Christians in the church. Prayer, at home, in church, alone, or in groups is essential for discerning the will of God in our lives. Prayer and calling on the guidance of the Holy Spirit often leads us to accept the challenges in our lives that we might otherwise find impossible. What challenge or decision in our lives is awaiting you and me? Whatever it may be, I think that we are called to pray over and through the great decisions in our lives.

Food

YEAR B & C, EASTER 4, MONDAY, DAILY MASS: PSALM 96:1-9; ACTS 11:1-18; JOHN 10:1-10

This past fall I led a Bible Study on Genesis. What people can eat has a suprising history. Adam and Eve and their descendants are allowed to eat vegitables and things that grow. It isn't until after the flood and when Noah and his descendants start eating meat. At the end of Genesis a different issue around food has arisen, the Egyptians refuse to eat with foriegners - this we find out in the story about Joseph and his brothers in Egypt. As the other books of the Penteteuch are written, what can and cannot be eated and who it can be eated with remains an issue. In the early church food continued to be an issue. Jesus tells his followers that what goes into a person is not a problem, rather it is what comes out. Still, early Christians refused to eat certain food that were sacrificed to other gods and in effect ostracized themselves from the larger community.

Today's first reading from Acts runs with this food imagery. Peter's vision of all animals made clean by God spurs him to bring the Gospel to the gentiles, a whole people he had considered "unclean". I'm not sure if we can ever be reminded enough to keep spreading the Gospel to new people. Again and again I think we can take a fresh look at the world we live in and see what new ways use to bring new people to Jesus.

Many sermons added from past years...

I figured out how to post things under their original date. So, I am cleaning up this blog and putting sermons on the date they were preached.

Also, I am in the process of cleaning up my hard drive. In the process I noticed I had 4 seperate folders with sermons in them. I've decided to post most (all?) of the sermons in there as a record of what I've preached. The first (from 2002) is my first sermon, preached at Saint James Church while I was in Seminary. For me personally, its interesting reading these old sermons simply to see what I said 5 years ago. Its also interesting to see what has changed and what has not since then.

Anyway, you can reach those sermons by clicking the various years to the left. I will add more as I move through the sermon folder on my computer.