The Gospel for this day: Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28
It’s been a week, hasn’t it?
Another week of listening to and reading the responses about the hate of
white supremacists, Nazis and members of the KKK, and the act of terror in
Spain. People spewing hate, because they
believe they have the right to spread their hate-filled rhetoric towards people
who they believe are inferior.
There have been articles and commentaries and photos all identifying
it for what it is: hate.
Some people have tried to make sense of monuments—should they
stay, should they go—
Some have tried to make sense of unmasked faces of people, mostly
young, angry white men, wearing polo shirts—who are they, do they deserve the
jobs they have—
Some have tried to make sense of the public responses from
government officials—a tweet saying that there is “blame on both sides,” and
vehement retorts saying our country fought wars against the Nazis—
and there simply is no way to make sense of any of it, when the
acts of these white supremacists, KKK members, Nazis and other radicals are
unconscionable, sinful acts against humanity.
Against God.
How does so much hate bubble up out of people? How have they been failed by family, schools
and society to fall into a mob mentality that vomits hate?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is quite explicit when he says “Do you
not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into
the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is
what defiles.” These are pretty direct
words that are used to remind listeners that words actually do matter. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but
words will never harm me,” is a myth.
Words can be the worst form of pain for anyone.
What is ironic about this is what came next in the Gospel. Jesus
tells the Canaanite woman that she is a “dog,” unworthy to receive the grace of
healing for her daughter because she is from the “wrong” group. Because Jesus believed in that early moment of
his ministry that the people he was there to bring back into the fold of God
were only people from the house of Israel.
They, and only they, were to be the recipients of God’s grace. And when he called her a dog—his words
mattered.
She wouldn’t let it go. She
called him out and told him he was wrong.
She told him that everyone deserves God.
That everyone is beloved of God, no matter in which house they
belonged.
He realized he screwed up. He
admitted his mistake. He healed the
daughter. He became a changed Jesus.
It was a turning point in his ministry. From this point on, Jesus understood that his
task was not to only bring the people from the house of Israel back into
relationship with God, it was to invite others into relationship with God. Others who came from different places, with
different experiences, with different understanding. Jesus needed this moment to be reminded that
we are all beloved children of God.
Stories like this one, where Jesus heals people, eats with people,
stays with people and teaches to people, who others deem undeserving, are found
throughout the Gospels and they continue throughout time. Over and over, the disciples also cure and
teach and learn how to accept the diversity of people around them while showing
them God’s love.
They model what is expected throughout time.
This, my friends, is what is expected, but is quite possibly the
one thing humans are incapable of doing.
After this week, it seems impossible to see where God was in the
hearts of the white supremacists, KKK members, neo-Nazis and all the other radicals
who marched and rallied and stood for un-holy and hate-filled ideals.
It is worth trying, but in times like this, it seems like hearts
have been poisoned by hate so deeply that it can only take a miracle for love
to conquer it.
Could there be a way to reconciliation and forgiveness with and
for those standing on the side of evil?
Is what they are doing only a fraction of who they are? Is it possible that they can be faithful
people of God and still rise up in hate?
You can ponder that idea.
Consider the people you know who are considered “different” or
“marginalized” or “unworthy” by society, and wonder if the individuals with the
ugly actions have any capacity to see through the eyes of love?
Could any of those rioters be friends of anyone but people like
them? Could any of them be people you
know? What would you do if they were
people you know?
While it is the call of Christians to stand for God, to do God’s
will, to act as a beloved community, it is not
the call to accept or dismiss the actions of those who cannot see the value of
every human being. The call is to
find ways to transform those who carry hateful beliefs, helping them understand
the true meaning of God’s love.
Do you wonder what that looks like? Turn to page 304 of your Book of Common
Prayer and let’s explore through the reaffirmation, the renewal of our
baptismal vows.
While it’s going to seem like we’re abruptly ending the sermon
here, you are invited to consider the rest of the service your call to
action.
Through the experience of renewing your baptismal vows, you may
find a deeper connection to the love of God.
You may find new tools to express how God is present in your life. You may find that these are the words that
others need to embrace so that hate and fear can be overcome by the true
meaning of God’s love. And then we will
pray, we will share the peace and we’ll share in the bread and the cup,
nourished for what comes next. Fed by
the love of God to share love to the world.
Again, please take out the Book of Common Prayer and turn to page
304. Hold onto that spot while we take a
few minutes to center ourselves in silent prayer.
(Note: we paused for 2 minutes of silent prayer before beginning)
Celebrant Please Stand. Let us renew our own baptismal covenant. Do you believe in God
the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, He was
conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He
descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the
living and the dead.
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion
of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the
life everlasting.
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellow-ship, in
the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into
sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in
Christ?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your
neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and
respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God's help.