Homily by the Reverend Mitzi Noble
How can I love my neighbors, if I don't like them?
Since, we are on a weekly journey, if you did not hear the sermon last week, there are copies at the back of the Church if you desire to have one.
Last week, I was honored to hear from many of you and appreciate your guidance and comments regarding the Church at large and Emmanuel specifically. I will be available for a little while after service today as well. Again, I repeat, the Holy Spirit is among us with the promise of God's presence.
Matthew's Gospel is showing the intensity of Jesus' teachings as he nears Jerusalem. As we saw last week, the Sadducees were trying to challenge - actually trick - Jesus, by using the teachings of the Covenant and understanding of the Law, taught by the Jews, with whom, Jesus was one.
Today, the Pharisees get into the discussion after seeing how Jesus stifled the Sadducees. Today's Gospel shows the same trickery: Which one of the Ten Commandments is the most important?
When Jesus responds with wisdom and authority, they don't ask him any more questions. The words Jesus said to them have become known as the New Covenant. Last week, we looked at the First or Old Testament Covenant that God declared to Moses: You will be my people, and I will be your God!! An unbreakable promise from God.
The New Testament Covenant from God through Christ is what we call the Summary of the Law.
As Episcopalians, the words of Jesus in today's Gospel are so familiar from our Book of Common Prayer and worship liturgy. [BCP pg 851, Outline of our Faith or Catechism. (learned at our Confirmation)]. Read the Summary of the Law together.
As the weeks go by, we will be looking more into our Book of Common Prayer and how our prayers link with the Holy Scripture, our Worship, our Beliefs, increase our Spiritual growth, teach us how to reach out to help others, and keep us focused as Christians day by day.
"Prayer Shapes our Believing". (Title of a Theological Commentary on The Book of Common Prayer, by Leonel L. Mitchell; Morehouse, Pub.) Our Episcopal motto.
Many times, I am asked what Church do I attend. When I say I am an Episcopalian, some say:
“You don't use the Bible, do you? You are the Church that has to pray out of a book?” Or worse, “O, you are the Church that doesn't follow the Ten Commandments but say they are the Ten Suggestions?”
When I went to Seminary I wanted to learn good responses to those questions.
Jesus in his ministry called all the people to the faith. Loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves -- the words easily roll off our tongue-but to live this Covenant every day is not easy.
Jesus called the disciples and followers to be ONE PEOPLE out of many backgrounds, beliefs, races, jobs- not because they were the best educated, leaders, or the top of the candidates list for the job. We always were reminded at Seminary that probably even Jesus wouldn't get the job today when we were feeling low and unqualified to serve.
But, Jesus called sinners and saints to join him, just as he calls us today. Bishop Tutu answered a reporter who asked him: what theology did he follow and he said, "We are so busy living it that we don't have time to define it."
If we are willing to be open to Spiritual growth and knowledge of God in history, in the present and what God is asking of us for the future, I believe, we may all be amazed at what God can do.
Each week, I would like to introduce you to a witness through their faith stories.
This week, please meet The Rev. Dr. Margaret Guenther: Author, Teacher, Spiritual leader who guided thousands of people in faith. Margaret was a dear friend and mentor of mine who died this year still serving in Washington, DC, St. Columba's Church. Margaret led the Spirituality Department at The General Theological Seminary in NYC where I graduated. She wrote many books on Living with the Spirit. The Episcopal Church's Teaching Series has her Book on Prayer.
Margaret's books are fun, easy to read, simple, with a Spiritual Power that guides the reader through our Church and personal Life with Grace.
I will put some of her books of mine on the table at the Hospitality time. You may wish to order some for yourself. Her writings and spiritual focus will be a wonderful Advent discipline.
Margaret loved to tell stories of her little cabin nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near here and tell of sleeping on the roof summer and winter, joined only by the critters who were curious.
The Bible is full of stories and Jesus chose stories to teach the people then and now about God, and how to live our life of faith and how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Share your faith stories and seek the truth with each other.
A man recently shared his story of the first time he "Felt" something spiritual inside.
When he was younger, he attended an Episcopal Camp during the summer. They were having one of their usual worship services. His mind really was on what they were going to do after the service. They all were singing a religious camp song that led into another one that included some dance moves. He said, "Suddenly, I felt something inside." Then, we started the prayers. He said, “I found that I was listening and saying the words of the prayers as MY words – about me."
That one worship service opened him to be free to allow the spiritual feeling to be felt without fear or embarrassment.
Even at Seminary, many students said that sharing their spiritual experiences was the hardest thing for them to do.
Trust Not Fear, is the answer. Praying Shapes our Belief. Episcopalians put Prayer as our Centering and Strength.
As we prepare to come to the Lord's Table of Holy Communion, we are taught to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people. This we will do in the Prayers of the People.
Charity is from Love, even though at times we do not agree. That is why we call ourselves Episcopalians, because we are the Church where diversity is our oneness, humility and strength. That is why as we are sent from this place to take the Good News to the world, shouting "Alleluia!"
AMEN.