Service Type: Sunday

Bible Text: Psalm 118:19-29, Matthew 21:1-11 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes | Devotional:
Admittedly each week I have struggled with preparing these devotionals. Many of you know that I like to work well in advance- often having sermons done a few weeks ahead and service outlines prepared months in advance. But lately I have been working more on a week by week model because I’ve had to adjust to the weekly, sometimes even daily, changes we are experiencing. For example, the liturgy for palm Sunday, including the Children’s story, was completed over 2 months ago, before we had any indication that our services would look like this . I even ordered an item from Amazon to use during the children’s time for this Sunday and modelled it for my family when they were visiting. I debated saving it for another time, when I can actually have a children’s time again- but then I realized how timely and important it was. So, hopefully you will humour me for a moment.

When I was younger I liked to read comic books. I still like to watch superhero movies. Have you ever noticed how most superheroes wear capes? Sometimes, I like to put on a cape and imagine that I am a superhero. (PUT ON CAPE) But not all heroes wear capes- we have learned over the past few weeks that doctors, nurses, hospital staff, grocery store clerks, gas jockeys, postal workers and sooo many more people are currently our superheroes. Capes or not.
You know in Jesus’ day many people wore cloaks- which were very similar to capes. Cloaks provided protection against the harsh winds and blowing sand in the desert as well as protection from the hot sun. But today we hear a very interesting story about how these people used their cloaks differently.

When Jesus and his disciples entered Jerusalem, a very large crowd gathered to welcome him. And some of them spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus, while others cut branches from trees, and waved them in the air. This is because, whenever someone important came by, people would remove their cloaks as a sign of honour and respect. It meant that they recognized that the person walking by was more important then them. The people were greeting Jesus as a King. I take off my cape and lay it before all of those people who are working hard to keep us safe, nourished, in contact, and healthy. Today they are my heroes. Just as Jesus is my hero.

On Palm Sunday we celebrate that Jesus is being honoured- and yet in the background we know that by entering Jerusalem, Jesus will also be taken into custody and eventually sentenced to death. Right now, however, the cloaks of the disciples provide a cushion on the colt and the crowd’s cloaks provide a carpet.

But just as not all heroes wear capes- not all heroes do extraordinary things. At the beginning of this passage Jesus instructs some of his disciples to go and retrieve a donkey and colt so that Jesus has something to ride on when he enters Jerusalem. The disciples are performing a pretty basic task. Thomas Long an amazing homiletic writer once said that when he took his ordination vow, “Will you seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination and love?” That he didn’t realize what kind of jobs that would entail. “Such language implies that ministry is a brave white-water romp over the cultural rapids toward global transformation in the name of Christ. Never once is it mentioned that serving people with energy, imagination, and lovee often boils down to stuff like changing light bulbs, visiting people in nursing homes who aren’t quite sure who you are, making a breathless Saturday afternoon run to the florist because you forgot to pick up palm branches, and as Jesus’ disciples found out, finding a suitable donkey at the last minute.” Oh, what I wouldn’t give to go back to those “basic” tasks. But Tom Long’s point is that essentially sometimes discipleship and ministry involves chores and running errands. If any of you need errands run for you- please let me know- we have a long list of people ready to help. Right now- that is what our palm Sunday looks like- doing basic tasks to help us stay connected and sane.

Once the colt or donkey is retrieved, our hero rides into town with shouts of hosanna and blessing. Jesus is treated as a king. However, our king rides on a donkey; our king proclaims the words and deeds of God. Yet, as we chant hosannas, we know the future: the sayings and deeds of our king’s life will culminate in the whole city seeking his death. At the outset I didn’t know how I was going to incorporate this devotional into our current situation but then as I read some commentaries and as the Spirit guided me it struck me that I often have expectations on what this Sunday will look like and this year those expectations would not be met.
In many ways, the crowd in their celebrations and shouts had expectations of what Jesus would do- they thought he was about to wage war on the oppressive Roman empire. They thought he was going to be like the Messiah as predicted by the prophets, coming in as a conqueror. Instead he came not only on a donkey, but died on the cross as a common criminal. Their expectations of Jesus were not met. This story causes us to reflect on what we celebrate in our lives, but also on what happens when our expectations are not met.
We also heard today the complementary psalm for this gospel lesson in which Psalm 118:27 says, “The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.” The Gospel author incorporates this sentiment into the story of Jesus’ festal procession up to Jerusalem. This is often a day of celebration- we would normally have the children wave branches as we sing the hymn that Carol Anne sang. But it doesn’t feel all that festive today. Maybe it even feels a bit basic- yet that is part of our discipleship and ministry. Perhaps today as we gather in our homes we actually feel the true sentiment that would have been felt by Jesus. Jesus knows where this is leading him. Not all heroes wear capes- some wear a crown of thorns. Amen

 

Bible Text: John 11:17-44 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes |  

Devotional:

Friendship has been on the top of my mind of late. Each week I have made an effort to reach out to my church friends- to ensure that they are well and that they have what they need. In turn I have received numerous offers of support and prayer. It is clear to me that navigating this surreal time of social distancing and self- isolation requires friendship. In fact, I firmly believe that the only way we are going to get through this is by being friends, friends with our neighbours, whether you knew them before all this happened or not, friends with the cashiers, friends with our small business owners,  friends with our medical staff. I don’t mean for this to sound trite, yes I mean we should be friendly but also companions, because we are walking through this darkness together.  I hope that this comes across as being vital- the friendships we had and form now will be what gets us through this.

In today’s Scripture passage we see how Jesus builds friendships. If I was to do a children’s story on the passage I would ask who are your friends. And I would say how I’m pretty lucky to have a friend named Mike who, when I’m sad he helps me laugh, when I’m mad he helps me remember what is really important, when I’m hysterical he patiently waits until my temper tantrum is over before saying a word. I hope we all have  a friend like that. But in today’s reading Jesus’ display of friendship helps us to understand not only the glory of who Jesus is but also that we have a friend in him.

Jesus’ friendship with Lazarus and the miracle that follows foreshadows his own death and resurrection. This story is helping us prepare for what we will read and study in the coming weeks. However, one of the most striking verses in this fairly lengthy story is the short verse 35. In the NRSV it says, “Jesus began to weep” other translations shorten it even further and tend to say, “Jesus wept.” Notice how, Jesus does not begin to weep until he sees Mary and the other Jews weeping also. Now, I’m the type of person who will cry at a commercial if it’s sappy enough, so I can appreciate that when witnessing grief it is difficult not to weep. But in this story Jesus knows what he can do, Jesus knows what he will do- earlier on he essentially gives Martha a hard time for not believing in his abilities. He knows that things are going to work out and yet, he still weeps. Many psychologists and mental health professionals are warning us that the strange feelings we have over our social distancing is grief. We are grieving the lack of physical contact-but we know that these are necessary measures to helps us reach the time when things will work out.  I don’t think Jesus is weeping because of his own grief over Lazarus but because he sees the grief in Mary and the others and he knows what is in store for him. Jesus is weeping for us.

Along with Jesus’ weeping there are two other aspects to the story that, this year, seem to jump out at me. First is the bewilderment that takes place and the second is how disturbed Jesus is. Notice how Mary has a crowd who follows her- a crowd that is also grieving. Then as they see how deeply moved Jesus is, some say it is a demonstration of how much Jesus loved his friend Lazarus and others begin to question Jesus’ ability. They are confused or bewildered. Rev. Angus Mathieson examines the meaning of this bewilderment, “[this story] is about the reaction of people to the events related in this passage. Martha and Mary both state that if Jesus had been there, then Lazarus wouldn’t have died. And into that situation, into their bewilderment, and faltering understanding, Jesus brings himself. He brings clarity, and the light of the world will bring an end to their stumbling in the dark. His voices calls Lazarus forth from the grave, and calls us today.” We are bewildered and stumbling right now yet just as Jesus shouts out Lazarus’ name into a dark void and calls Lazarus forth into the light of his presence, Jesus is calling us. We are experiencing some dark times right now- but we must have faith.

Perhaps this is also why it refers to Jesus being “disturbed” throughout the passage. It is unclear whether Jesus is disturbed over the death of his friend or disturbed by the lack of faith in his friends. But also since this foreshadows his own death it must have been deeply disturbing to witness. You know, for the past couple of weeks I haven’t really felt like it is the season of Lent- in part because this experience is unlike any I could have ever imagined. But this passage brings me back to what the season of Lent is about. It is a time to recognize our own frailty- something I think we are all aware of right now. It is a time to acknowledge our need for God- also something I think many of us are aware of right now. But Lent is also a time to prepare ourselves for the glory of the Easter story. It has been really hard to think of Easter this year. However, here we have a precursor story that points to what is right around the corner. New life is identified in this story in the power of Jesus over the forces of life and the consequences of death.

I don’t know how we prepare for the next two weeks. It’s disturbing to think of an Easter Sunday without being surrounded by the usually rejoicing and celebration. However, what I do know, is that no matter our circumstances- we have a friend in Jesus who weeps with us, who walks with us in our bewilderment, who calls us forth from our darkness. And if there is some silver-lining in this whole experience it is that now is the time when we can display what friendship means. Now is the time to be the companions we have been called to be. Amen

 

 

Bible Text: John 9:1-12 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes | < >
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Devotional:
I received a criticism about last week’s devotional and that was, that they were disappointed that I didn’t do a children’s story. So, I thought I would combine the two in today’s devotional.
When I was a kid we used to spend a lot of time outside- literally playing in the dirt. And one of my favourite things to do was to make mud pies! All you needed was some dirt (today I am using brownie mix), water and pie plate. Oh, how simple things were back when I was young. We would mix the dirt and water into a pie pan and then “serve” it to the neighbourhood kids. Of course- in general eating dirt is a bad idea. I know that the BC health officer has told us to spend time outside but I’m not recommending that you go out and make mud pies and try to serve them to your neighbours. But you know, in today’s Scripture passage Jesus is playing in the dirt. He sees a blind man, gathers some dirt and spits on it to make mud. He makes mud pies and places them on the man’s eyes. Again, I can not stress enough that we must NOT spit on dirt and put it on someone’s eyes- DO NOT SPIT on people period, now or ever. However, Jesus was able to do this because this is Jesus we’re talking about and he was able to do something miraculous with his mud pies. Once the blind man washed the mud from his eyes- he could see!

But, that’s what makes Jesus so incredibly special. Jesus can do all kinds of miracles like this. He can turn something dirty like a mud pie and turn it into something amazing like helping a man to see. Often in the children stories I encourage us to be more like Jesus, be kind, be thoughtful, be faithful but in this story we are more like the mud pies. We aren’t perfect, we sin, we make mistakes, like the Samaritan woman from last week, we are “morally messy”. But Jesus’ touch can turn mud pies like us into miracles.

It is by being touched by Jesus that we can do pretty amazing things. In this passage, Jesus states that he is the “light of the world” and then demonstrates how he is able to provide literal light to a man who has been living in physical darkness. This passage is a little complicated because it begins with the disciples asking if the man was born blind due to sin. But you know, by asking the question about who sinned to make this man blind the disciples are also sinning in that, instead of treating this man as a human being they are treating him like a riddle. It is Jesus, who treats this man as a person. In fact, when the neighbours see that this man now has sight, their true colours are revealed because most of them did not acknowledge this man’s humanity-only seeing him as a blind beggar, they don’t even recognize him. Darkness has many forms in this story. Practical theologian Dale P. Andrews points out that while this man is physically blind, figurative darkness “rears its head in this discussion in the form of sin. The power of sin is that it enslaves a person for life.” If we were to read further into this story, as I hope we do in the near future, we would discover that by giving this man sight the religious leaders go spiritually blind.

Jesus saw this man’s need and knew how he could respond. Right now the idea of reaching out and touching- let alone spitting- on someone is not the appropriate response. Yet, we often have selective sight when it comes to the needs around us. What are we blind to, particularly in this strange time of self-isolation and social distancing? Just because we can not be together physically does not mean we should ignore one another. Think of the ways you can reach out-perhaps figuratively- to your neighbours, friends, and church family.
In this story Jesus is walking with his disciples slow enough that he notices what is going on. He is not only ready to respond to a question from the disciples about this man but to respond to the person in need. Covid-19 has caused our busy schedules to come to a halt and yet are we going at a slow enough pace to listen to people and to respond to their needs?
On line there are various prayers being shared to help us pray for the appropriate response in this pandemic. For example, Cameron Wiggins Bellm writes, “May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable… May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go… As fear grips our community let us choose love during this time.”
Jesus has touched all of our lives and given us the ability to find peace, joy and love and to be resourceful. Our job as a community of faith right now is to bring peace to a world that is panicking. We need to pray for the light of Christ to heal our blindness so that we can see where and how we can help. Amen

 

Bible Text: John 4:3-26 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes | Devotional:

Writing this devotional was one of the hardest ones I have ever had to write. This is in part because this passage has to do with Jesus travelling around the countryside- and travel isn’t exactly something people are planning on doing in the near future. In fact, like me, I think many of you have cancelled upcoming travel plans.  And yet, here is Jesus not only travelling but going out of his way to travel into a high risk area. Most Jews travelling at this time would have chosen to take a safer route across the Jordan to avoid travelling through Samaria, home of the Samaritans.

You see, there was deep-seated animosity between the Jews and Samaritans since 920 BCE. There was a lot of resentment, anger and hatred that had been passed down over the generations amongst both groups. For example, the Samaritans worshipped at their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which only a century before this conversation at the well had been razed by Israelites in the Southern Kingdom. This animosity resulted in many a conflict which made it an unsafe place for Jesus to travel, and yet, he not only backtracks but decides to go through Samaria. It would have not only been very peculiar to have a Jewish man travelling through Samaria but then he shatters another social convention.

A Samaritan woman comes to the well mid-day which is a very peculiar time for someone to be drawing water from the well.  The sun is blazing and so most people would not leave the house, even for water. It is, however, the only time this woman is able to get water from the well uninterrupted by the local gossips or critics. As I read in one commentary, this woman is “morally messy”. Jesus shocks her by initiating dialogue and requesting water. This initiates the longest conversation between Jesus and an individual ever recorded in the Bible! Just think of it, Jesus travelled into dangerous territory to have a long conversation with a morally messy Samaritan woman!

While Jesus is the one who initiates the conversation it is the woman who carries it on. While Jesus is the one who initially asks for water it is the woman who finds herself thirsty.  As soon as the woman asks for living water Jesus reveals that he knows all about her. Many commentaries call Jesus’ tactic “provocative theology” because it appears that even when Jesus tells this woman everything she has ever done he does not seem to take an interest in her sordid past. Jesus tells her what he knows not as a criticism but rather to demonstrate his prophetic abilities and to quench this woman’s thirst.

Notice how near the end of the conversation they begin to debate where true worship can take place and instead of disagreeing with her Jesus declares that true worship of God is not geographically defined but rather defined by God’s own nature, which is through the Spirit and truth. This is so important for us to hear this morning as we worship in our individual spaces. This is so important for us to hear, especially if you have opted to watch this at a later time. This is so important for us to hear if an elder is reading this to you over the phone. Today our worship is not about coming together in our sanctuary and praising and praying to God together. Today is about being together in spirit, a spirit of truth.

Jesus travels across all kinds of barriers and into all kinds of danger zones, high risk areas, so that he can give us living water. You may not be the ones who are travelling right now but Jesus is travelling to you. Jesus does not care about your past, and right now, Jesus cares more about your and all of our congregant’s well being, then our ability to worship together. But as we work our way through this pandemic, as we seek to be cautious but not panic ask yourself this week, “What am I thirsty for these days?” because Jesus travels great distances to quench our thirst and surrounds us with strength, companionship and grace. Jesus travels into dangerous territory so that we don’t have to. Amen

 

 

Bible Text: Genesis 3:1-7, Matthew 4:1-11 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes |

Now that I have lived on the West Coast for nearly 11 years I have adjusted fairly well to the seasons on this island. I expect rainy winters and I anticipate dry summers. It is a rather strange place to live where there are floods in January and fires in August. As someone who has tried their hand at gardening this is all too familiar too. We go from lush greens, even super soaked soil,  to dried up browns, with dry dusty soil,  in about a 4 month period. Right now we are in the midst of boasting about all of our spring flowers coming so much earlier than the rest of Canada but I know that come July I will be hand watering my garden every day for fear that I will loose what little crops I have tried to grow. Gardens and deserts are a part of west coast living. Today’s passages contrast a lush garden and desolate desert. Yet, what we will find is that while growth happens in both, transformation takes place in the wild.

I think when many of us hear the story of the temptation in the Garden of Eden we are brought back to an image from our Sunday School days of Adam and Eve standing by a single tree, the serpent wound up around the trunk, an apple in Eve’s hand and twigs or leaves placed in appropriate places.  Like Lucas Cranach The Elder’s painting from 1526 (PICTURE ON SLIDE). Despite the fact that Cranach was a very close friend of Martin Luther’s I would argue that there a few deeply theological and even anthropological inaccuracies in this painting. For example, what we didn’t hear in our reading this morning is that there were in fact two trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, as well as every other tree you can imagine. These two vital trees are referenced in Genesis 2:9. God did not say they could not eat the fruit of the tree of life but warns them that eating of the tree of knowledge would bring death. You see, both of these trees represent that which can only be God’s, immortality and morality. God allows humanity to eat from one of the two trees, as well as all the other fruit bearing trees in the garden, but not both. Adam and Eve have an abundance of fruits to pick from. Yet, every parent knows, the one sure fire way to ensure a child does something they shouldn’t is by telling them they can’t.

But this isn’t just about a painting this is also about the pre-conceived notions we tend to have about this story. This story is often called, “The Fall of Man” or the “Original Sin”, for centuries theologians and thinkers have interpreted this story using that language but do you know what words do not appear at all in this text? Sin, punishment, disobedience or fall, nor does the name of the serpent, its just a snake. Speaking of which, when the serpent tempts Eve it is tempting her to be like God. And because both the tree of life and the tree of knowledge are God’s alone when they choose to eat from the one tree they loose the right to the other. As a result, according to this creation parable, humanity looses the ability to have eternal life in the garden but gains access to ethical awareness. Many would argue that it is indeed our conscience rather than instinct that separates us from the rest of God’s creation.

However, here’s the thing that really nags at me about this story. If we gained access to ethical awareness shouldn’t we be better people? I can think of a whole bunch of situations in which clearly people are self-serving, self-centred, self-involved, power hungry and greedy and I’m not just talking about certain politicians. I not only see it everyday but admittedly I live it everyday, consistently balancing whether an action will benefit me or not. By trying to play God we lost both the access to life in this abundant garden and our ability to be moral.  We are often tempted, not by snakes, but by power or money or success.

By contrasting the story of the Garden of Eden with the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert we learn both a lot more about what temptation truly is and who Jesus truly is. In fact the word “temptation” in the Gospel passage does not mean what we often think about when we think of temptation. When I am tempted it often means that I have been lured into eating, drinking, or doing something that will weaken me-the kind of temptation referred to in the Garden of Eden. However the Greek word in the Gospel passage is peirazein and it literally means “to be tested.” Often when we are “put to the test” it is not meant to weaken us but to strengthen us and that is certainly the case for Jesus. For this reason I like to use the term tested when talking about Jesus’ temptation.

Jesus is tested three times. First he is tested with regards to physical needs. He is hungry and the devil, who is certainly named in this story, encourages him to turn the stones into bread. Jesus passes this test by placing God above everything else. We talked a few weeks ago about fasting and I mentioned that the purpose of fasting was to ensure that God, not food or anything else, was the focal point of our lives. Jesus essentially says the same by implying that true satisfaction comes not from bread but from complete reliance on God. In the second test the devil tried to get Jesus to prove himself by performing a miracle and Jesus successfully passes this test by again placing God first stating that God should not be tested. The last test is different, in that the first two were about miracles, either stone into bread or falling from a pinnacle without getting hurt but this time the devil offers Jesus all the earthly kingdoms so long as the devil is worshipped. Once again Jesus passes the test by clearly stating that only God is worthy of worship.

Before I come back to the images of the garden and the desert I want to point out something important. In the story of Jesus’ testing the opening verse and the closing verse are vital. The passages begins with, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness.”  The passage closes with “and suddenly angels came and waited on him.” The entire time that Jesus was tested he did not do it alone. He went equipped with God’s resources. In all of our desert experiences we do not do it alone.

In both of these stories we hear about temptation yet, here is what matters to us west coasters who know about rainy winters and arid summers. The garden of Eden is described as a place of abundance. This is a lush garden in which you can eat the bounty directly from the trees. Whereas the desert is barren and the land is parched. And yet, it is in the garden, in this place of abundance that Adam and Eve give in to temptation- regardless of the fact that they can have every fruit available to them except one- they want that one, they want more. Yet in the desert, where there is nothing, where the land is desolate and dried up,  Jesus is able to pass each test by holding tight to God and by being transformed.

The word Comox literally means, “Land of Plenty”, we have a taste of the garden here. However,   I would argue that throughout North America and most of the Northern Hemisphere we deal with abundance and yet this is the place where churches are in decline, where self-serving attitudes are ripe, where fewer and fewer people are dependent on God and instead try to play God. Sometimes in our abundance we only want more.  Sometimes we need those desert experiences to bring us closer to what really matters.   We might live in the land of plenty but we are parched for God. May we consume some of that bread of life and cup of grace so that we too can pass our tests and turn to God whether we are in a lush garden or a desolate desert. Amen

Bible Text: Exodus 24:12-18, Matthew 17:1-9 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes |

A couple years ago I decided that I was going to try to see 200 different bird species in North America. Nearly all my trips that year centred around going to key birding sites from Whitehorse to Tucson. Birders are a strange breed of people- we spend most of our time with our are necks cranked upward, we shush people when we hear an unfamiliar call and we get excited about little brown birds that all look the same. Yet, the reason I began this year of intense birding is because I am struck by the oddity and beauty of some birds, whether it is the funny beak on the very common Surf Scoter or it is the bright red legs of an Oyster Catcher. I find it easy to be awed by some species, especially as you wait patiently for a Amercian Avocet to come out of the bull rushes or as you gather with a bunch of birders from all over North America waiting for the Citrine Wagtail to make itself known. Birding is a hobby that cannot be rushed and takes some practice but when you find yourself in a forest and a Western Tanager lands on the stump beside you- the awe you experience when seeing those vibrant colours is worth it. Well- at least for some of us. For others awe can be experienced in seeing a great piece of art, or after a long mountain climb, or while swimming in a river. But then there are times when something that once caused awe becomes ordinary. I remember the first time I nearly lost it when a Anna’s hummingbird came to our feeder- and admittedly I still get somewhat excited but I no longer feel awe. Capturing and keeping awe is a nearly impossible thing to do and thus experiencing true awe can also be a rarity. Today’s passages are about capturing awe or as many would call it, having mountain top experiences or if you’re a birder you might say, “seeing a lifer”.

Moses is one of the few people to have a literal mountain top experience with God. The setting is Mount Sinai, a location that will dominate the rest of the book of Exodus and even into the book of Numbers. In truth Mount Sinai takes over for the next 72 chapters until Numbers chapter 10- which actually tells me that eventually the awesome power of this mountain would have worn off and we hear that as the people grumble, turn away from and then turn back to God. However, while our passage this morning is not the first time Mount Sinai is mention it is certainly the most intense encounter. The mountain is not simply a designation of geography but is also meant to symbolize how God is present among the worshipping community, something that should bring us awe.

God instructs Moses to come up the mountain and wait. Moses leaves Aaron and Hur in charge of the Israelites while he sets out with his assistant Joshua. It would appear, although it is somewhat unclear, that eventually Moses leaves Joshua and continues to ascend the mountain alone. As Moses makes his way up, a cloud descends upon the mountain- which for most mountain climbers would cause panic and concern but in this case the cloud settles for six days and then on the seventh day God calls Moses. Before we go any further there is an important connection to make. Notice the strong links to the creation story in which God creates for the first 6 days and then finds rest on the 7th. This is likely quite intentional because the writers want  us to see how our worship of God is not like the rest of our weekly activities, precisely because God is with us in a special way when we come to worship. Perhaps there were times this week when it felt like you were surrounded by a cloud- maybe literally, or maybe in a cloud of confusion or a cloud of concern for a loved one or in a cloud of busy schedules and stressful encounters. But here in worship that cloud should be transformed into glory and awe.

Also notice how similar the words are in the beginning of our Gospel passage regarding the transfiguration. It says that six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John- possibly the first to be called and therefore charter members of Jesus’ disciples – and led them up a high mountain. These disciples will experience a worship like no other.  And I would argue that in both stories the details are not so much that Moses or Jesus and his disciples ascend mountains but rather that God descends to deliver a message. The central point of both these stories is the descent of God to the mountaintop into our world to meet, be seen and experienced by others-that is awe-inspiring worship.

But for Moses, those six days in a cloud are not enough, he then spends 40 days surrounded by a devouring fire on top of the mountain.  Forty days being the biblical shorthand for “a long time.” This tells me that meeting God- in an awe-inspiring way- can require time and patience. In a world where we want instant gratification, it is hard to imagine all of this time spent waiting around. Birding has taught me to be patient and wait in silence for that special call. Too often we expect everything to be instantaneous- but sometimes we need to be patient and wait. And an authentic encounter with God can not be rushed and the presence of God in this world is never casual.

This is made all the more obvious with the description of the cloud and fire. Note that Moses does not see God but rather he sees the glory of God. But then I think of the various images we have seen lately of the fires in Australia or the explosions of volcanoes or the frightening power of destructive weapons (OR SOME OTHER RELEVANT NEWS ITEM) and I wonder- if God’s glory were to appear on Mount Albert Edward in the form of a cloud and fire would we recognize the glory? We have become numb to images that used to draw awe because we are over saturated. I think that we have even lost our ability to capture awe in mountain top experiences or even worship. How do we recapture the wonder of encountering God?

The word transfiguration is one of the many strange words the church uses when a more recognizable word would work. Transfiguration literally means to be transformed or changed. The Good News translation, often known for its oversimplification, translates the transfiguration as “a change came over Jesus.” In Matthew’s telling of this story, the active hand of God is recognized in the transfiguration, transformation or change of Jesus.  Jesus is then joined by Moses and Elijah representing the Law and the prophets, of which Jesus is the fulfilment. And we know from our Exodus passage that Moses conversed with God, and if you know Elijah’s story you know that he too conversed with God. Now we see Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus which is a gentle pointer to Jesus’ divinity.

Peter then offers to build shelters- in part because he wants to capture the awe of the moment but then as Peter blabbers on he is  interrupted by the glory of God. Sometimes we need to be interrupted by the glory of God in order to be awed by God’s presence.

Notice how the glory of God is still represented as a cloud but instead of fire it is now a bright cloud from which a voice reiterates the words spoken at Jesus’ baptism with the addition of “Listen to him!” Thus helping the disciples recognize the authoritative nature of Jesus’ teaching- but this also causes the disciples to collapse in fear. Now that’s a truly awe-filled response to God’s glory. Matthew’s version of the transfiguration is a little different from the versions found in Mark and Luke in that when the disciples fall in awe Jesus comes and touches them saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”

In many ways Jesus’ words are the answer to the question, “how do we recapture the wonder of encountering God?” We get up, we do not fear, and we come down the mountain. God’s presence in our world is never casual but it also isn’t always in the form of clouds, fire and light. Sometimes it is in the ordinary. You know the Song Sparrow is one of the most boring looking little brown birds but it has a beautiful song to sing yet most don’t notice because they are busy not listening or not looking because they are seeking out something bigger or better. Take notice of the awe of God’s presence that is around us and be ready to be used by God to cause awe in others. Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Text: Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5:21-37 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes |

In 1939 Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg were working on a musical score for an upcoming movie. Five minutes into the movie the main character fails to get her Aunt, Uncle and the farm hands to listen to an unpleasant story involving her beloved dog. Her Aunt replies in annoyance, “find yourself a place where you won’t get into any trouble.” Which prompts this character to break out into a song about leaving the black and white dull world of Kansas.  The fascinating fact about this song is that it was originally cut by the movie’s producer, Louis B. Mayer (formally of New Brunswick) who criticized the song for “slowing down the movie.” When Judy Garland’s voice coach heard that the song had been cut, he became irate and stormed into Mr. Mayer’s office demanding that the song be put back into the film. “Over the Rainbow” not only became Judy Garland’s signature song but the Recording Industry Association of America ranked it as the number one song of the 20th century. Imagine, if it had not been for the vocal coach’s anger this song would have been left on the cutting room floor. I share this story with you not only because it is an interesting tidbit for you to share at your next dinner party but because this song sings of a place where bluebirds fly and dreams come true and trouble melts like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops (that’s where you’ll find me).  It’s a song about ridding the world of all the division, anger, and frustrations and it is a song that was saved due to someone getting mad that it was cut. Sometimes anger is a good thing because it causes an action or reaction. Sometimes anger needs to be managed so that it does not cause harm. Today’s complicated Gospel passage is about anger and the Deuteronomy passage is about the choices that God places before us and  delves into God’s anger when we make the wrong choice.

As the people of Israel stood on the edge of the Jordan river and looked across to the land upon which they would settle I often wonder, did some of them get rather annoyed or angry that Moses broke out into a lengthy 3 part speech? Did they feel like his address was slowing down their progress in reaching the promised land? This land, a land of milk and honey, was where their troubles were expected to melt away like lemon drops…or at least that is what they had hoped. However, Moses’ lengthy speech makes it clear that only by choosing to follow the law will they be able to prosper.

The Book of Deuteronomy is a reiteration of the Law as found in the Book of Exodus and we are approaching the final stretch. As I mentioned in the introduction Moses is delivering this speech to the second generation. The first generation nearly reached this same point forty years earlier but forfeited the land because they feared the risk of following God over the Jordan. The result of their lack of trust was that, even though this first generation experienced God’s liberation from Egypt, they were denied the land and instead were forced to wander in the wilderness, in part because God got mad. As this book draws to a close so too do their years of wandering in the wilderness. They have endured forty years of wandering and along the way God provided for them but now Moses is reminding them that this future that they envision will not be just handed to them on a silver platter. These people will have choices to make and their choices matter. This is Moses’ exhortation to choose life. Several motifs are used to underscore what a faithful life in the land will look like; loving God, walking in God’s path and keeping the law. Moses is reminding them of their covenant.

It is this covenant that the prophets will consistently call upon whenever the people begin to stray. God promises that if they observe the commandments, live according to the decrees, walk in God’s ways then they will live and become numerous and the Lord will bless them. However, if their hearts turn away and they are led astray they will not live long in this land. Throughout the centuries of the Israelites living in Canaan, there were numerous times when the prophets told them they made the wrong choice and are being led astray and God gets angry. But in many ways this anger is required to solicit the return to the right relationship.

In anger management counselling it is not about suppressing anger. Anger is a normal, healthy emotion but like any emotion sometimes it can have a negative effect- particularly if anger is harming yourself or others. Anger management is about understanding why we are angry, what is lying behind this anger, and managing our responses. Although, I personally like the statement, “I wouldn’t have to manage my anger if people would manage their stupidity”. But then perhaps that is getting at the heart of Jesus’ words.

Jesus would have been an outstanding anger management coach. The verses from our Gospel passage deal with complex interactions where emotions could easily escalate. And because emotions are complex so too is this passage. Commentators often refer to verses 21 and 22 and other similarly formulated lines as “The Antitheses”because Jesus begins by saying, “You have heard it said that….but I say to you…” Jesus points out the literal law and then contrasts it with the appropriate response to the law. These verses provide a specific illustration of the “fulfilling” of the Law of which Jesus speaks and to which he calls us to live. What is important however, is that these statements that Jesus makes are not antithetical to the Law. Rather Jesus shows concern for inner attitudes and motives as well as outward observable behaviour.

Clearly Jesus saw that some of his followers, certainly the religious leadership, had no problem criticizing others as fools, trading insults and getting worked up, calling other people’s behaviour, stupid.  He then points out that of course it is a crime to commit murder and the penalty for such a crime should be severe but what Jesus goes on to tell them is that words too can kill and if those insults hurt the other than the penalty for insults should be just as severe. Jesus teaches that how we interact with our neighbours matters. We can choose to live harbouring anger or frustrations or we can choose to make things right which only one leads to abundant life. Jesus’ advice is to lower tensions- and be mindful of what we say to others, whether in daily conversation or in what we choose to say about others. Jesus isn’t saying we can’t get angry- Jesus is saying that how we get angry matters.

In the here and now it is hard to imagine that we will ever reach a time or place where troubles and anger transform into trust and relationships. One only needs to look at comments from internet trolls who throw insults from the safety of their anonymity to know that words can have very harmful consequences.  It is even more difficult as we see how world leaders choose to name call and bully and they perpetuate the divisiveness by ramping up aggressive language. Jesus is clear that social interactions are best characterized by considerate comments and that there is no place for wild and unsubstantiated statements about others.  Jesus then takes it further by  raising the stakes and saying, reconciliation is a prerequisite not only for the kingdom of heaven but for coming before God in worship. We are not talking about some imaginary world over the rainbow but a future envisioned by Moses as he delivered his final speech and a reality taught by Jesus in his sermon on the mount. Yet, we are also painfully aware that there are times when our anger gets the best of us. The good news is that as we meet Christ week after week in our prayers and worship, in Word and sacrament, we thankfully receive grace and can begin again. Amen

Bible Text: Isaish 58:1-9a and Matthew 5:13-20 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes |  

Last year the Federal Government unveiled the new and “improved” Canadian Food guide. Gone where the days of the four food groups which had remained essentially unchanged since 1977. Instead the groups were reduced to three and the overall message was eat more plants and less meat and dairy, which resulted in a barrage of lobby groups up in arms. I also wonder, had the new food guide not suggested that we eat more plant based protein would we be in the midst of a plant-based fake meat food craze that no one could have predicted. And with all these fast food restaurants developing their latest version of beyond meat products we are essentially omitting the most important message of the new food guide which was to, “eat fewer processed foods”. There are very specific warnings about what not to eat namely processed and prepared foods that are high in sodium, sugars and fats- have you read the sodium levels on plant-based beyond meat products- you might as well eat a real burger! But that’s the thing about food trends they ebb and flow, diets come and go, some are re-branded from atkins to keto but we all know, it comes down to a balanced diet. Now, you might be wondering what does this have to do with being salt and light or with Isaiah’s warning about shallow worship but food or dieting actually comes into play in today’s passages. Isaiah’s warnings occur due to the fact that the people are fasting- but they are fasting to serve their own self interest not as an act of worship. And Matthew tells us to be salt but what happens when we are living in a high sodium world?

First let’s tackle the topic of fasting. Throughout the Bible God’s people fast. They abstain from food for a spiritual purpose and usually it is as a response to a challenging situation. For example many of the prophets invite God’s people to fast during a drought- in part likely because rationing was required but also in the hopes that through fasting their lives will become more in tune with God. Now Bibliecal fasting is not an end unto itself but a means of focusing the mind and body for a spiritual reason.  This kind of fasting has nothing to do with diet and everything do to with strengthening one’s self in prayer. The Rev. Ken Shigamatsu, a pastor from 10th St church in Vancouver is one the few modern theologians who has something to say about the importance of fasting, “Fasting can help us ensure that God, not food or something else, is the focal point of our lives. Fasting frees us to feast on God. In our hunger for food we grow to understand our greater dependence on God, and our physical hunger reminds us that we are sustained not by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” I will point out that the Bible doesn’t really command fasting rather it invites people to express their desire for God in a new way. And let’s be clear for many fasting requires a gradual learning curve and has serious health consequences so I’m not suggesting we all go on a fast- yet. But understanding the purpose and practice of fasting helps us understand Isaiah’s critiques. In this passage the people are indeed fasting but not for the right reasons. It’s as if they are fasting because it is the latest diet craze not because they want to improve their spiritual life.

Something that shouldn’t go un-noticed in the Isaiah passage is that it begins as a battle cry. “Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet!” The opening verse is calling the Israelites to battle- but it is not a battle against some external, approaching enemy but rather a wake-up call regarding their own behaviour. The people’s worship practices have become completely disconnected from social justice. This is a battle cry on complacency. And Isaiah, uses God’s voice to not only bring awareness but to call the people to fight against this internal enemy of self-servitude. That is not to say that these congregations don’t enjoy worshiping God. Isaiah says, “day after day they seek me, and delight to know my ways.” Yet, they delight only insofar as  their basic commitment requires and their actions do not reflect the actual responsibilities of worship or fasting or prayer.

The first half of this Isaiah reading is a clear calling out of behaviour that is self-serving and blind to the needs of others. At first the worshiper calls out to God noting how the community has gone through the proper acts of worship with appropriate piety and yet God still appears to be indifferent to their needs. The initial divine answer could not be more direct. It literally says, “ Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers”. This fasting is functioning to fulfill the needs or pleasure of the worshiper and thus is not being integrated into any activity outside the setting of the Temple. And if the worship does not inspire actions then it really can’t be called worship. I also appreciate the line, “Look, you fast only to quarrel and fight.” All of this self-serving fasting is just making them Hangry- hungry and angry.

But then the final three verses are clear in their instructions. They should fast in a way that connects worship with loosening the bonds of injustice. In fact, real worship is seen through the sharing of bread with the hungry and being present to real relationships, showing up and seeing the need in people- both friend and stranger. Only by developing real relationships-which often takes place over a meal- do we light the world and find healing within ourselves and with God. God promises that when our worship takes us beyond ourselves that God will show up.

Barbara Brown Taylor, another incredible theologian and sermon writer points out that the theme in this passage, as well as the Matthew passage is this, true wisdom inspires our faith into action. “We cannot be comfortable in our faith if we are not truly connected to a community, inspired by God’s spirit to express wisdom in mind, body and spirit…There is a real challenge in all the texts to nudge the comfortable church to open their eyes and hearts to those in need around them.”

The Isaiah passage is encouraging the congregation to change and through these changes of behaviour we are brought closer to the wisdom of the trinity. Through our actions, which are inspired by worship, we can truly bring flavour and light to the world. This is how we can be salt in a high sodium world. It is not about being flashy or over confident in our theology, its not about the pontification in the sermon or prayers, it is about how our worship inspires us to see the needs in others. Jesus’ message echoes the words of the prophets. When Jesus tells his disciples to be salt and light he is telling them to make the changes in their lives now that will reflect kingdom values. Churches or congregations don’t like to hear the word “change” and yet it is a fact of our individual lives that things are constantly changing, renewing, dying, and resurrecting.

If we no longer wish to flavour the world around us, then we have lost our saltiness and are no better than the congregation in Isaiah’s passage. Yet, last week we heard a message on stewardship, the theme for on 25th anniversary, and today’s passages continues the thread. It is about living the law, living the gospel, living worship by being salt and light so that the world might see where God is at work. That’s the best diet we could adopt, lots of living and lots of flavour.  Amen

Bible Text: Matthew 4:12-23 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes |

With the help of  June Kuhn, our church archivist, we were able to track down the very first sermon ever preached at Comox Valley Presbyterian Church. Now, this was before we were officially constituted as a congregation. As a result it comes from September 1994, when the first service at the rec centre took place.  It is a sermon that speaks to a congregation just starting out, an ambitious thing to do, in the mid-1990s when church attendance was, and continues to be, on the decline. Quite appropriately The Rev. D’Arcy Lade shared a little bit about his own story and how he eventually, but reluctantly, heard God’s call to ministry. While D’Arcy and I are not all that similar in theology or style,  I find the fact that we were both reluctant in pursuing a call to congregational ministry rather interesting. He and I would have had some great conversations trying to convince each other that we were indeed not only cut out but called to this vocation. In this very first sermon he references a term that I had never actually encountered before. He says that he is a “Jewel for Jesus”. He admits that at first he found the term rather silly, and not a very masculine term, for a man of his stature. But then he writes, “A jewel is a thing of beauty…a jewel is precious…a jewel is desirable…a jewel is sought after…a jewel is invested with worth by its owner…”  It was through this description of a jewel that D’Arcy realized that he was a “jewel for Jesus”, but he then encourages this new congregation to think of themselves as “jewels for Jesus” and while this was a sermon for a novice congregation, D’Arcy’s words are rather timeless.  As part of our 25th anniversary year the session has named stewardship as a top priority. Stewardship would have also been a top priority for the church 25 years ago and I can hear those words of encouragement in this very first sermon.  On our 25th anniversary I would like to quote from this sermon. Hear D’Arcy’s words and think of how they apply today- to our church 25 years later.  How are we to be jewels for Jesus and share that invested wealth. How do we hear and manifest Jesus’ call to be disciples. Hear D’Arcy’s words:

“I am a jewel for Jesus. But so, too, are each of you, “jewels for Jesus.” Believe me. Each of you is precious and beautiful and desirable and sought after by Jesus. Believe me. Because at times, like me, you may not want to believe it. You may laugh, uncomfortably, at the thought of being called a jewel for Jesus, as I did. You may not think of yourself as valuable because of a poor self-image or background. But, believe me, you are valuable! You are of immense worth! You have been bought at great price and invested with great beauty and called to share the wealth- just as I have. Believe it and feel good about yourself! Believe it as you look back over your story. Rejoice in the faith and the call each of you has by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

“”I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.” Says Jesus. Now we may or may not be outcasts as defined [by Jesus or the Gospel writers], but let us look not only at those Jesus associated with, but those He called elsewhere to do His work. [There was] Matthew, a tax collector, Simon, a zealot-a religious political revolutionary…there are some fishermen: Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. There is a Samaritan woman at the well, and there is the woman at the wall about to be stoned. There is devout, Christ-denying, Christian-persecuting Saul of Tarsus…There is you-whatever or whoever you happen to be! Why? Because something that doesn’t look like it is worth much is worth plenty!

“The followers of Jesus- those commissioned to do His work- are jewels! He sees in them a value that escapes the “moral minority”. He sees in them a value they do not see in themselves. He knows His love for them will transform their lives and they will be a sparkling and valuable testimony to Him and His grace and power.

“Jesus calls, not the righteous, but sinners, to gather at His Table. And who is without sin? Who is righteous? He collects His jewels about Him and in the process makes them holy and precious. They, in turn, give up their [old lives] to follow Him all the days of their lives. They acknowledge, both in themselves and in others, that what may look and feel like a lump of coal is but a diamond in the rough awaiting to take on the multifaceted brilliance of its Owner.”

I told you these words of D’Arcy’s were timeless. I also think that while those were words  spoken to a people who were just starting to establish a church, that despite the 25 years of being active and engaged in the community, we need to continue to think of ourselves as not only having worth but constantly being called to use that worth. Jesus was walking along the water, while the about-to-be called disciples were engaged in their regular work. Fishermen were likely at the lower end of the socio-economic scale due to the fact that their work was dirty, physically challenging, and demanded their time from sun up to sun down. Yet Jesus is not bothered by their grit and grime. In fact, Jesus doesn’t ask about their education or abilities beyond fishing. Jesus simply calls them to follow him.

When Jesus calls the first disciples in Matthew they immediately respond to the summoning but it comes at a cost. The cost of discipleship is reflected in the abandonment of possessions, they are no longer fishermen, the abandonment of goods, they leave their nets, and family, they leave their father. I know that this morning I am speaking to a largely retired congregation and so those costs are not exactly relate-able but I think about the cost of time, energy, resources and talent that so many of you share in continuing the work of this church and I think that speaks to the cost of discipleship. However, I am here to remind us that if we want to continue to be of worth, if we want to continue to be jewels, in Christ’s crown, we must continue to shine.

The Biblical meaning of stewardship involves a theological belief that we are responsible for the world and must take care of it- through our time, labour and financial resources. It is about hearing that call and words of Jesus and doing something abut it. It means commitment. Stewardship means formally committing to giving gifts of time, labour and resources to support the work of the church. And if we are all jewels then we have worth beyond our imagining.

The Rev. Les Barclay, was the one to give the sermon and Benediction at our service of constitution on January 25th, 1995. In an interesting turn of events I actually officiated at Les’ funeral 8 years ago while I was serving at St. Andrew’s, Victoria. While we don’t have a copy of his sermon we do have a copy of his benediction. He said, “As you form a new congregation of God’s people, believing in Jesus Christ, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit, remember your high calling as disciples of Christ…Offer worship that belongs to God. Grown in Christ through the Word and Sacraments. Share your Spiritual gifts for the good of all.” That is who we are and that is what we will continue to be as stewards of God’s creation, as disciples, as jewels for Jesus.  Amen

 

 

Bible Text: John 1:29-42 | Preacher: Rev. Jenn Geddes |

We have all been there. We have all been at a gathering of people, a dinner party say,
and as you are introduced to people, inevitably the question of, “and what do you do?” comes
up. For the most part this is an innocent question that is simply asking what does one do for
work but sometimes it solicits a more profound answer then what one does for employment.
There are numerous vocations in which one’s job is also entwined with their identity. I have
watched physicians, lawyers, and law enforcement all go through a similar experience to me.
Once the audience knows a doctor is in the house, she is overwhelmed with questions about a
weird rash or swelling. Once they know a lawyer is around they ask him questions about family
law even if his a corporate lawyer and when the attendees discover law enforcement is in
attendance the party stops. I can relate. But that is because what we “do” is both a part of our
person and our work. Now, depending on how long I have been talking to a person I can
usually see three phases to their facial expression when I answer the question, “and what do
you do?” First phase is slight surprise, second is feigned interest as I explain what a
Presbyterian is, and third is the realization that they may have said or used language that one
thinks is inappropriate to use around a minister. Often these three phases happen in quick
succession (really?! Hmmm. OH NO!). I try to then calm any concerns they may have by saying
something they wouldn’t expect a minister to say. But it is true that for many, what we do is part of who we are. The person and the work are tied up together.
The theme for the rest of the season of Epiphany is about the person and work of
Jesus Christ. But before we delve into Jesus’ person and work I want to point out the
significance of John the Baptist’s vocation in this passage. Although John did not know Jesus
personally, he was given a commission by God to work in a ministry that was preparatory for the appearance of Jesus. Today God calls us, as God called John the Baptist, to serve in faith and
hope. That is in part who we are as people and what we do as disciples. And if we are true to
God’s calling we too focus on the reality of God’s work in the person of Jesus.
I often wonder if there were moments when Jesus was at a social event, say a wedding
in Cana, and people asked him, “and what do you do?” and he took a deep breath and said,
“Well, I’m the Son of God” and then watched as the facial expressions of the other guests went
from surprise, to curiosity, to concern. Yet, in the Gospel of John, Jesus didn’t have to answer
that question because wherever he went people seemed to know exactly who he was and what
he did. Over the past two weeks, the Gospel readings have highlighted the “person” of Jesus by
defining Jesus through the actions of others. On Epiphany Sunday the magi identified Jesus to
be the king of the Jews and last week God declared that Jesus is the beloved Son of God.
Today, however, it is not only about the names of Jesus but what Jesus does with those names.
In this way, the Gospel of John differs from the other three Gospels. Within the stories
of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the identity of Jesus or rather the mystery of Jesus is gradually
unveiled to human beings as various people come to realize the power and authority of Jesus.
In those Gospels it is through experiencing the work of Jesus that people eventually come to
see him as the Son of God. The Gospel of John, however, takes a very different approach.

Right from John 1:1, he informs the readers of the deepest mystery of Jesus’ person- and
presents John the Baptist as knowing these mysteries. The Word, who has been with God since
the very beginning, was made flesh in Jesus of Nazareth- who is “the light” of humankind, and
the Baptizer, who is sent by God, bears witness to that light so that all may come to believe in
the light. In this past year’s advent devotionals I found a line that has touched me deeply, “God
became human to make our humanity like the humanity of God’s son. God’s Word is an open
door to the meaning of our lives. His every action is generous and self-giving.”This is who Jesus
is as the lamb of God, the Son of God, and the light to the world. This is the person of Jesus.
The Gospel text then turns abruptly to the “work” of Jesus. It is so abrupt that one might
think that these passages could be preached on two separate Sundays but it is important for us
to understand that the work of Jesus has already begun. Jesus takes away the sin of the world
and baptizes with the Holy Spirit. I was intrigued when I came across Jack Dean Kingsbury’s
commentary on this passage. Dr. Kingsbury wrote, “As the Light of the world, Jesus takes away
the sin of the world and baptizes with the Holy Spirit neither by shedding his blood (although he
does this, too!) nor by actually baptizing people but by “shining in the darkness” and
“enlightening everyone” with knowledge of God. As the Light of the world, Jesus “saves” in
John’s Gospel by revealing God to benighted human beings.” And Jesus starts with calling the
disciples. They are the first to be “enlightened” by the presence of Jesus and quickly witness
what Jesus does.
It is by what the disciples do that we are then taught what we should do. On the basis
of hearing John’s witness of who Jesus is, two of John’s disciples decide to follow Jesus. When
Jesus sees them following he asks, “what are you looking for?” which solicits a question from
them, “teacher where are you staying?” and Jesus replies, “come and see” and when they do
see where Jesus is staying the decide to stay with him. They “hang out” with Jesus which then
leads them into a deep and intimate encounter with Jesus which changes the course of their
lives forever. We are witnessing not only the story of what Jesus does, but how Jesus changes
people’s lives. Andrew brings his brother, Simon, to Jesus, Jesus renames him Cephas or Peter
and little does Peter know that he will become the rock upon whom Jesus will build his
community! Peter will become a witness and evangelist the likes of which the world has never
seen.
So what do we do with this knowledge? How does Jesus’ person and work effect our
humanity? How does the disciples’ response and relationship with Jesus affect our own
response and relationship? I think one of the biggest challenges for me when someone asks
me, “what do you do?” is that I assume that they assume I will then try to “evangelize”. It is a
term that has been abused and misunderstood for so long that it is a term we tend to avoid. I am
often ashamed of the kind of evangelism that is associated with Christianity, so ashamed by the
weaponization of prayer or the utilization of judgment that I am ashamed to say, I don’t
evangelize. Literally the term evangelist means, “to be a bearer of Good News” to be a witness
to the person and work of Jesus. And this is exactly what John the Baptist and the early
disciples do. Evangelism really means paying attention and giving voice to the light that is found
in the lamb of God, aligning our humanity with Jesus’ humanity so that we can become the
people God desires us to be by witnessing the light that shines in the darkness. That is true evangelism. That is who we are and that what we do. Amen