Will you come and follow me?
Epiphany 3, Year A
The invitation Jesus extended to Peter, Andrew, John and James was an expression of a well establish practice. Thousands of years before God invited Abraham and Sarah into a relationship. In the relationship of God with Abraham and Sarah, God promised to be their god and Abraham and Sarah promised for themselves, and on behalf of their descendant, to be God’s people. While the agreement was simple and the relationship straightforward, Sarah and Abraham became confused and things got complicated. Abraham and Sarah grew impatient waiting for children and had doubts about whether God would give children. They dealt with their doubts and impatience by taking matters, better left to God, into their own hands. Later God issued 10 commandments to the descendants of Abraham and Sarah. God gave these commandments to clarify expectations and guide people’s actions. But impatience and doubts arose. The people’s doubts and impatience were exacerbated by anxieties. Conflicts between the 12 tribes; missteps by kings, queens, prophets, and priests of Israel; and threats from other nations made people anxious. Would God save them from enemies? Had the sins of some resulted in punishments for everyone? How were they supposed to maintain a relationship with God? Religious leaders addressed the people’s anxiety by layering laws and rules on top of God’s commandments. They did this to offer clarity and guidance. Unfortunately, the laws and rules failed to dispel doubts, manage impatience, or lessen anxiety. No matter how hard they tried, the people got confused. It was as if they were walking in darkness.
Jesus lived, worked, and walked along the sea of Galilee in territories assigned to 2 tribes (Zebulun and Naphtali) that descended from Abraham and Sarah. As he walked he saw fishermen. On one of these walks, Jesus invited four fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James and John) to follow him. He promised to be their teacher if they agreed to be his students and disciples. The relationship was simple. The terms were straightforward: instead of casting nets for fish, they would fish for people. The Gospel of Matthew says, Peter, Andrew, James and John immediately left their nets, boats, and relatives to go with Jesus. Matthew 4:19-22. Complications and confusion soon beset the disciples. Which people were they supposed to fish for? Who among them was great enough to be in charge when Jesus went off to pray or preach? How should they deal with religious leaders who accused them of violating laws? What response should they give to people who rejected Jesus’ teachings? The disciples left their homes, families, and businesses to follow Jesus. But by following Jesus was often like walking in darkness.
Through the prophet Isaiah, God proclaims
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a land of deep darkness--on them light will shine. Isaiah 9:1a, 2
This proclamation was made at a time when people were oppressed and humiliated by the military. Does this sound familiar, like current events in the news? These words were spoken long, long ago during an era of political instability and economic downturn. God conveyed this message to comfort the people. To remind people, then and now, to look for God. This message reassures people of God’s presence even in dire circumstances. God has both the will and capacity to shine light into darkness. God will always be with us. Paul wrote about God in his letter to the Hebrew Christians.
“God will never leave you or forsake you.” This allows us to say with confidence, “God is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone or anything do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
Christ Church has walked in darkness. The Vestry has wondered whether the Diocese would close the church. I have been anxious about where needed resources (people and money) would come from. Each of us experienced the deep darkness that comes when illness or death strikes people we love. We are people who have walked in darkness. We are also people on whom the light of Christ shines. To see God’s light, follow Christ, and maintain our relationship with the Holy One just two things are necessary: remembering; and looking. When darkness returns, and it will, remember and look. Remember that God is with you. Look for the light, the light of Christ.
The Strategic Planning Committee updated the motto, vision and mission statements of Christ Church. They also crafted core values. These offerings are tools to help us remember and look. To remember God is with us and to look for the light of Christ.
The motto: know God and serve God’s people.
Vision: We are ambassadors of God’s love, mercy, compassion, and acceptance.
Mission: welcome people as God welcomes us through worship, witness, works of justice, hospitality, and compassion within and beyond the walls of the church.
Please accept the invitation from the Strategic Planning Committee to look through the darkness for light. Help me and the vestry identify ways to deepen our knowledge of God so we can acquire the skills needed to serve God’s people. You have been ambassadors of God’s love, mercy, compassion and acceptance to Jon and Evelyn in the final days of their lives and to Thom, Diane and Nancy as they grieve the loss of parents.
Share your thoughts about how we can do the same for the people who attend recovery meetings, concerts, and book readings in the sanctuary and parish hall. We warmly welcome seasonal members and visitors, we you are invited to consider how we can demonstrate God’s welcome to people outside the walls of this church. As Jesus invited Peter, Andrew, James and John to be his disciples, the Strategic Planning Committee, Vestry and I invite you remember God’s presence and look Christ’s light. Remember and look both within this beloved faith community and beyond it.
