Homily for Easter 5, Year C, 2010
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Thornhill, ON
The Rev. Daniel F. Graves
Text: Acts 11:1-18
“Who was I that I could hinder God?”
--Acts 11:17
Peter had some explaining to do. When he returned to Jerusalem from his journey amongst the gentiles, word spread quickly that he had baptized some of them. The leaders of the early Church in Jerusalem were scandalized. The Church, to that point, had been made up of Jews who had followed Jesus, yet had continued to keep the laws of the Torah. Thus, when Peter returned to the Holy City, he was not met with open arms, but with bewilderment, consternation, and anger. He had violated the Law of God, by not ensuring that the new Christians he had baptized were first circumcised according to the Law of Moses.
Peter had some explaining to do. He told the Jerusalem brethren that while he was staying in the city of Joppa, in a trance or dream, God gave him a vision in which he was commanded by God to kill and eat all manner of unclean animals. These would have been animals that the Law of Moses prohibited men from eating. This dream or vision would have been more akin to a nightmare for Peter, for it was asking him to forsake the laws and traditions of his fathers; indeed, it was commanding him to act in a manner contrary to sacred Scripture. He pleaded with God, “By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” The vision was repeated two more times until he was awoken from the vision by three men from Caesarea (who were gentiles) who asked him to come with them to certain house. When they arrived, they were met by a man who also had a vision. In his vision, an angel told him to send for Peter and that Peter had a message for him that would tell him how to be saved. Peter must have been dumbfounded, for there was only one message that Peter had to share as he travelled about. His message; that Christ Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, gives forgiveness and life to all who believe in him.
Peter stood there, before these gentiles; people who begged him to share God’s message with them. When Peter received his vision he had just finished preaching that God shows no partiality, but did he really believe it. Did he believe it enough to put away the Law of Moses? Did he believe it enough to let it challenge his entire understanding of his religion and faith? Did he believe it enough to let it change the Church? And as he pondered these things, and as he began to share his message, the message of Christ raised from the dead, the Holy Spirit fell upon that house. Then he realized that God truly shows no partiality and that God is ever and always doing a new thing.
Thus, Peter returned to Jerusalem with some explaining to do. But was he afraid? He was not. For as he unfolded this tale of radical inclusion in the kingdom of God he offered this word of wisdom to his brethren back home, “If then, God gave them (that is, the gentiles) the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” Indeed, who are we that we can hinder God? To this, the brethren in Jerusalem responded, “Then God has given to the gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”
In Peter’s openness to being changed, God did a new thing. God forever changed the Church. However, the reality is this: God would have changed the Church with or without Peter. Peter had a choice to be part of God’s plan, and he took it up. Wisely, the brethren in Jerusalem saw the wisdom in Peter’s decision and joined him in faith and journeyed into the unknown.
Baptism is always a time of journeying into the unknown because that is what a leap of faith is about, is it not? We have tasted the Spirit of God working in our lives. That is why we come to be baptized, and why we bring our children to baptism, because we know that the Spirit of God is alive and working with a reconciling love that transforms us and transforms the world. In baptism we say “yes” to being a part of that plan, but in doing so we take a risk, because we do not know what that “yes” will mean for us. We do not know where it will lead us or what will be asked of us, we know only this, that God will forever be with us, wherever we go and whatever we do. Our trust is in the fact that God is doing a new thing as each new Christian is baptized.
That risk is felt not only as we begin our faith in the baptismal journey, it is felt again and again as we journey through our lives as Christian people. This certainly was Peter’s experience. Peter and the rest of the Jerusalem disciples thought they understood the faith. They thought they understood what God was asking of them. They thought the Church they knew was the Church that would always be. Ah, but God was doing a new thing!
This is at once the most frightening and the most exciting thing about the Christian faith, God is always doing a new thing. It is frightening because the world we have grown to love will not always be the world it once was. It is frightening because the Church is called to change and grow with each generation and it will not always be the Church we have come to know and love. It is frightening because the things we once thought unclean, have been made clean by God. It is frightening because the person I am today is not the person I will be tomorrow.
But! It is exciting and hopeful because God is doing a new thing! It is exciting and hopeful because the world we have grown to fear will give way to a new and glorious day! It is exciting and hopeful, because the Church that has excluded and hurt others by its unwillingness to embrace and change and hear the prophetic voice of God will come to hear that voice and be transformed! It is exciting and hopeful because we now learn, like Peter, that things (and people) we once thought unclean have been sanctified by God as good and holy! It is exciting and hopeful because the person I am today is not the person I will be tomorrow.
And this is why I have hope for the world, and for the Church, even in the midst of so much uncertainty, and yes, so much conflict.
I have hope for the world today because as I look out at four new Christians, babes in arm now, but ever and always children of the living God, I am not afraid, for I see God doing a new thing.
I have hope as I look about this worldwide Anglican Church, and all its conflicts over whether or not we should bless same-gender unions or ordain women as bishops. I am not afraid, because I see God doing a new thing.
I have hope as I look to this very community here, with so much change, and yes much grieving over the losses we are facing and will face in the not-too-distant future. I am not afraid, because I see God doing a new thing.
Peter had some explaining to do, and he explained it very well saying, “God is doing a new thing, who am I that I could hinder it?”
Who are we indeed, if we think to hinder the work of God; it is but for us to join in, with these new Christians and their sponsors when asked if we shall follow him into the great unknown of the future, with a resounding “yes” and the proclamation, “I will, with God’s help.”
c. 2010, the Rev. Daniel F. Graves
Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The People Who Walked In Darkness
Homily for Proper 3, Year A, 2008
Sunday, January 27th, 2008
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Thornhill, ON
The Rev. Daniel F. Graves
Texts: Isaiah 9:2, Matt. 4:18-22
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. --Isaiah 9:2
During the days of the prophet Isaiah, darkness covered the face of the earth -- the darkness of human despair as an invading army walked over kingdom of God’s chosen people. Imagine if you will, families separated, people uprooted from their homes, young men killed attempting to defend their homeland, and all of it seeming so senseless. And while it might be explained that the collapse of their world was the result of their impiety, the cause no longer mattered. Now they were overwhelmed by a deep darkness – a darkness that brought despair and crushed all hope.
I wonder if we, too, sometimes feel as if a deep darkness has covered the face of this world. Tyrants walk the earth, masquerading as angels of light, all the while exploiting the weakest and frailest amongst us. And perhaps more problematic than the wrath of tyrants is the powerlessness and indeed apathy to which we succumb in the face of systems of domination. Do we not feel powerless to challenge the powers of this world and do we not feel powerless to make changes? Even if we have worked for good in our lives, how discouraging it is to see evil apparently get the upper hand. And surely, as the psalmist fears, we too must fear that we shall fail to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
The people of ancient Israel felt this way, but Isaiah brought them a message – a message about a new day dawning, a new light shining. He told those who lived under the cloud of deep darkness -- in a land in which the light of goodness had long been absent -- that they shall see a great light. Indeed, they were liberated, released from their slavery and captivity. A disciple of Isaiah lived to sing the song, “Arise, shine for thy light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” A light shone forth and the truth was made manifest, that God does act in history and does act for his people.
It was true then and it is true now. The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. As Christian people, we know that the light of the world is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As Christian people we know that the light has shone in the darkness and the darkness has never been able to overcome it. We know that the light of Christ is the light that shone in creation and is the light of all human beings. And we know and believe that even if we walk in darkness, a light shines upon us.
Did those first disciples of Jesus recognize the light? Did Simon, Andrew, and the sons of Zebedee catch that glimpse of glory in the man who called them from their nets and boats? As simple peasants who lived their lives in a world of Roman occupation and domination, they knew something of darkness. They knew the feeling of powerlessness and they understood the apathy of living under oppression. They knew what it was to walk in a land of great darkness, and they may certainly have understood the words of Isaiah as applying to their lives, to their world. So, what was it about this man Jesus and his words, “follow me”, that inspired them? What made them put down their nets? What made them see in him, the words of the prophet fulfilled? What made them glimpse the light?
“I will make you fishers of men.” With these words he inspired them. Inspiration in its truest sense and meaning is no mere pep talk, but the gushing in of the Spirit. With these words he breathed into them hope. With these words he breathed into them longing. And with these words he breathed into them potential – their human potential fully realized in Christ. If they would follow him, journey with him, dwell with him, then they would become who they were created to be. They had been on the right track, they knew they were fishermen, God had given them the gifts they needed; they had just not realized what their catch would be. As Jesus came to them by the seashore, their futures opened before them and they truly became themselves. And in this moment, they were no longer powerless, scared, hopeless or apathetic; they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be partners with the living Christ in the breaking through of the light. The people who walked in darkness saw a great light.
Jesus stands at our seashore, be it Bay and Bloor, Yonge and John, or Jane and Finch -- Jesus stands and calls us from our darkness. It may be hard to believe while tyrants walk the Earth, but God brings new life into the world. As all seems lost, a baby is born. When the sky seems darkest, a new light appears, shining in the East. Those who watch and pray will recognize the light as the light that can never be overcome. When all seems lost, hope is born in the midst of us, and in the midst of our toil, as we cast the nets of our work, we behold the glory of God.
Can we be inspired? Shall we answer the call: “Follow me?” Shall we lay down our nets to take up the work of the gospel? Shall we be fishers of the people who have walked in darkness? Shall we share the light given to us in our baptism? Shall we, with Christ, overcome the darkness even as it appears to have won the day? We will, with God’s help, for the Christ walks with us in this task, never leaving us alone but lighting a path along the way with a light that has not, nor ever shall be never be overcome.
Copyright 2008, the Rev. Daniel F. Graves. This sermon may not be distributed, either in whole or part, by any means, without the express, written permission of the author.
Sunday, January 27th, 2008
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Thornhill, ON
The Rev. Daniel F. Graves
Texts: Isaiah 9:2, Matt. 4:18-22
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. --Isaiah 9:2
During the days of the prophet Isaiah, darkness covered the face of the earth -- the darkness of human despair as an invading army walked over kingdom of God’s chosen people. Imagine if you will, families separated, people uprooted from their homes, young men killed attempting to defend their homeland, and all of it seeming so senseless. And while it might be explained that the collapse of their world was the result of their impiety, the cause no longer mattered. Now they were overwhelmed by a deep darkness – a darkness that brought despair and crushed all hope.
I wonder if we, too, sometimes feel as if a deep darkness has covered the face of this world. Tyrants walk the earth, masquerading as angels of light, all the while exploiting the weakest and frailest amongst us. And perhaps more problematic than the wrath of tyrants is the powerlessness and indeed apathy to which we succumb in the face of systems of domination. Do we not feel powerless to challenge the powers of this world and do we not feel powerless to make changes? Even if we have worked for good in our lives, how discouraging it is to see evil apparently get the upper hand. And surely, as the psalmist fears, we too must fear that we shall fail to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
The people of ancient Israel felt this way, but Isaiah brought them a message – a message about a new day dawning, a new light shining. He told those who lived under the cloud of deep darkness -- in a land in which the light of goodness had long been absent -- that they shall see a great light. Indeed, they were liberated, released from their slavery and captivity. A disciple of Isaiah lived to sing the song, “Arise, shine for thy light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” A light shone forth and the truth was made manifest, that God does act in history and does act for his people.
It was true then and it is true now. The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. As Christian people, we know that the light of the world is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As Christian people we know that the light has shone in the darkness and the darkness has never been able to overcome it. We know that the light of Christ is the light that shone in creation and is the light of all human beings. And we know and believe that even if we walk in darkness, a light shines upon us.
Did those first disciples of Jesus recognize the light? Did Simon, Andrew, and the sons of Zebedee catch that glimpse of glory in the man who called them from their nets and boats? As simple peasants who lived their lives in a world of Roman occupation and domination, they knew something of darkness. They knew the feeling of powerlessness and they understood the apathy of living under oppression. They knew what it was to walk in a land of great darkness, and they may certainly have understood the words of Isaiah as applying to their lives, to their world. So, what was it about this man Jesus and his words, “follow me”, that inspired them? What made them put down their nets? What made them see in him, the words of the prophet fulfilled? What made them glimpse the light?
“I will make you fishers of men.” With these words he inspired them. Inspiration in its truest sense and meaning is no mere pep talk, but the gushing in of the Spirit. With these words he breathed into them hope. With these words he breathed into them longing. And with these words he breathed into them potential – their human potential fully realized in Christ. If they would follow him, journey with him, dwell with him, then they would become who they were created to be. They had been on the right track, they knew they were fishermen, God had given them the gifts they needed; they had just not realized what their catch would be. As Jesus came to them by the seashore, their futures opened before them and they truly became themselves. And in this moment, they were no longer powerless, scared, hopeless or apathetic; they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be partners with the living Christ in the breaking through of the light. The people who walked in darkness saw a great light.
Jesus stands at our seashore, be it Bay and Bloor, Yonge and John, or Jane and Finch -- Jesus stands and calls us from our darkness. It may be hard to believe while tyrants walk the Earth, but God brings new life into the world. As all seems lost, a baby is born. When the sky seems darkest, a new light appears, shining in the East. Those who watch and pray will recognize the light as the light that can never be overcome. When all seems lost, hope is born in the midst of us, and in the midst of our toil, as we cast the nets of our work, we behold the glory of God.
Can we be inspired? Shall we answer the call: “Follow me?” Shall we lay down our nets to take up the work of the gospel? Shall we be fishers of the people who have walked in darkness? Shall we share the light given to us in our baptism? Shall we, with Christ, overcome the darkness even as it appears to have won the day? We will, with God’s help, for the Christ walks with us in this task, never leaving us alone but lighting a path along the way with a light that has not, nor ever shall be never be overcome.
Copyright 2008, the Rev. Daniel F. Graves. This sermon may not be distributed, either in whole or part, by any means, without the express, written permission of the author.
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