A Sermon for the Sunday Nearest July 6
The Rev. Cheryl Harder from Spirit of the Lakes
Ezekiel 2:1-7
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-6
Psalm 123
God -Give us each the strength to listen to your voice and to follow your words and to trust that you will be right there with us as we do your work.
The Ezekiel reading really screamed at me as I was writing my sermon. It paralleled what happened when total ministry was first brought up as an option at our church- "They are a nation of rebels - impudent and stubborn " …the reading goes on to say that the word of God would be put among them and a it was up to them if they listened, but not to be surprised if they didn't, because "they are a nation of rebels." We were a nation of rebels.
My mom was involved in the first team - as was Linda. It didn't go smoothly - I remember some not too nice things being said about Bev "the Rev" Hosea - who in this case was the prophet that was sent to us.
It's important to remember what a prophet really is. Not a future teller, but a speaker of the truth and one who calls the people into judgment. At the time of the Ezekial writing, prophets were not honored in any way or anywhere. They were rejected, despised, stoned and killed -- all because the truth of God is so hard for us to accept. Although we didn't kill Bev - she did become rejected. Doing what the prophets of God call us to do is so difficult because it requires sacrifices of self and radical obedience to God that can be costly and unpleasant as well as unpopular.
Today's Gospel story calls us to listen for the true prophets of God, whether or not they are familiar to us-despite who spoke the word, despite how difficult the message may be for us to take. This is a call for us to be courageous enough and open enough to listen to the prophets among us and to heed the word of God they reveal.
Bev the Rev was sent from the diocese to "seed" total ministry she spoke the truth to the peoples of all three churches (Holy Apostles, St Andrew's, and Christ Church) . She told them that their options were limited. They were three small congregations that were once thriving, but now didn't contain enough people to support a full time priest. In fact at that time I recall having Communion only once per month, otherwise the services were lead by lay readers
…What the churches were full of were dedicated hard working people that were proud of their tradition and proud that they had been able to keep it going as well as they had….and they did keep it going for a number of years…Each person taking on roles within the church, sometimes, most of the time - it was the same people doing multiple tasks…although it was tiring, most never complained, in fact would take on more as it became necessary.
Thank God that the word from the prophet was heard and listened to about 20 years ago in 3 small churches at the head of the lakes…Thank God that those small armies took up the sword and armor of Christ and plodded forward, because of that courageous group, I have the privilege to stand here - here in Eveleth (Virgina) - here at the lecturn - here at the altar - although I am not worthy - I am willing.
Total ministry is so unlike the gospel reading….we are rasied up from our congregations, our fellow parishioners see the gifts that God has given us, and they help us bring those gifts out. There is nothing like standing in front of your friends that see you as worthy and worshiping with them…. St. Mark tells us that Jesus could do very little good in his hometown -- could not perform deeds of power (just heal a few sick people). Jesus was amazed by the lack of faith held by those in Nazareth.
We have to have faith to do what God is requiring of us God will save us - God will provide all the life giving and life saving values that bring us joy and happiness. God can and will connect us with love and grace and forgiveness. However, God's power goes unused if we are not faithful enough to accept what God has to offer.
I am certain that Ezekiel and Paul and Jesus said over and over again, "It is just too hard! And people do not like us challenging the status quo! l can't do it!" That is what God usually is asking us to do, you know, …to challenge the status quo …to challenge people's thinking.
We have bad days when we think we aren't doing anything special - but if we impact one life - if we make a difference to someone on a "bad day" think what can happen on a good day. Just imagine what God can do with us on our good days . . . If we listen - if we heed the call