Sin, Suffering, Sustaining, Saving

Suffering. This is a very real term. Suffering has been and continues to be a universal truth. Suffering is certain right along with “death and taxes.”  Suffering is the uniting force that everyone is a part of and bot one can escape from.  And I surely don’t have to convince you of this reality of suffering—all you need to do is talk a walk in your neighborhood, drive through the streets of your city, turn on your television, or look in the mirror. Indeed, you do not need to look hard or far to find suffering in this world or in your own life.

And since this is such a real and constast presence in our lives, we want to understand it. Great thinkers, philosophers, theologians, writers, poets, mothers wiping dirt-stained tears off their child’s face—all have grappled with the cause, meaning, or explanation of suffering because maybe then suffering could be contained or avoided all together. Why do we suffer? It’s a question for the ages.

In a sermon during his tenure as Minister at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached a sermon on the human condition.

There is something wrong with human nature, something basically and fundamentally wrong. A recognition of this fact stands as one of the basic assumptions of our Christian faith… Wherever we discover life, somehow we discover this gone-wrongness. Wherever there is a struggle for goodness, we discover, on the other hand, a powerful antagonism, something demonic, something that seems to bring our loveliest qualifies to evil and our greatest endeavors to failure. Theologians have referred to this over the years as “sin.” That is something that stands at the core of life, this element of sin. And whenever we think about man we must think of this tragic fact-that man is a sinner.[1]

We are sinners. All of us. Sin is the core problem in our lives and the core cause of our sufferings. Sin—inwardly or outwardly. Sin—individually, communally, systemically. Sin is our problem.

We don’t much like that word, “sin” though. It’s accusatory and harsh and so, we as a church, as a culture, as individuals—have devised ways to skirt around the issue. We’ve evolved as a people. We know better now. We’ve softened the language and psychologized the theology so we don’t feel so “bad” about sin. We’re so progressive. We’re so well-intentioned. We’re so “woke” that sin isn’t really a problem for us anymore. Maybe sin still exists metaphorically, or maybe sin exists for “those” people, but certainly not for me, right?...The greatest sinner is the one who denies the existence of sin within themselves.

If we peel back the protective layers of denial and expose the truth in ourselves—our thoughts, words, deeds, jerk reactions, racing thoughts, actions or inactions, our hatred or indifference of injustice towards marginalized people, our participation in the perpetual destruction of the Earth and its resources, the self-loathing that permeates every fiber of our being. When we peel back the layers, the truth about us is exposed: We are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves.

Sin is real. Sin leads to suffering.

And if this were the end, what a bleak and depressing reality that would be. If this were the only truth how could we ever have the strength to face another day, another moment, another breath in this life?

But, my dear Brothers and Sisters, this is not the end. We are not abandoned and left alone to succumb in our sin-sick state. For you see, Brothers and Sisters, we have a Savior. A Savior named Jesus the Christ, who, while we were still sinners, claimed us as Beloved, and died on a cross to rescue us from our sinful selves.

The Apostle writes, “God proves God’s love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom.5:8).

This is the reality and truth that we cling to. And it is because of this reality and this truth—that Christ died for us sinners—because of this that the Apostle Paul proclaims that we can boast in our suffering. And it is because of this truth and reality that Martin Luther wrote, “God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong [or sin boldly], but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world.”[2] Sin boldly. Boast in suffering. What odd concepts!

We boast in our suffering, not because we have to “smile through the pain” or as some sort of masochistic act. We boast in our suffering because God USES our suffering for good. Boast in our suffering because “suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope and hope does not disappoint” (Rom. 5:3-5).

 God knows your suffering. Jesus Christ knew suffering and God used his suffering on the cross to reclaim us and save us from our sinful selves. God does not promise to spare us from suffering, but God promises to walk with us as we go through it. God promises to use our suffering and indeed all of our experiences for God’s good in the world. God uses our suffering so that we, filled with the oomph of the Holy Spirit can be the hands and feet of God for the world and our neighbors in need.

Suffering is real. But so are God’s promises. The promise to give to the faith, courage, mercy and hope to endure whatever you face on your journey.  The promise to be with your from your first breath until you last, from this day until the end of days. The promise of resurrection into New Life.

Thanks be to God.

Amen.

May God bless you with discomfort,
At easy answers, half-truths,
And superficial relationships
So that you may live
Deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression,
And exploitation of people,
So that you may work for
Justice, freedom and peace.
 

May God bless you with tears,
To shed for those who suffer pain,
Rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand
To comfort them and
To turn their pain to joy
 

And may God bless you
With enough foolishness
To believe that you can
Make a difference in the world,
So that you can do
What others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness
To all our children and the poor.

Amen.

  --Sr. Ruth Marlene Fox

[1] The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., Sermon. “Man’s Sin and God’s Grace.” Montgomery, Alabama. 1954-1960. http://okra.stanford.edu/transcription/document_images/Vol06Scans/1954-1960Man'sSinandGod'sGrace.pdf

[2]Martin Luther. “Let Your Sins Be Strong: A Letter From Luther to Melanchthon” Letter no. 99, 1 August 1521, From the Wartburg. LW Vol. 15:2585-2590.

I am with you

Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 

Jesus, said, “Remember, I am with you always.”That’s a promise. And at times like these, it is a promise that I need to both hold onto as tightly as I can and proclaim this promise to you: “Jesus said, “Remember, I am with you always.” 

We live in challenging times. It’s a time of lament. It is a time to lament not being able to gather even to worship because of the danger of Covid19 which is still infecting and killing people; a time to lament the death of George Floyd at the hands of police; a time to lament the sin of racism; and a time to lament the destruction of hopes and dreams, and the burning and vandalism of businesses, a post office, a school and lots of buildings. 

In the midst of this time of lament, you may be wondering, where is the God who promised to be with you always? If this is your question, I invite you to take a look at the Psalms. The Psalms are considered the prayer book of the people of God and contain prayers and songs to God over the entire span of human emotion. 

Psalm 13, for example, begins with this plaintive cry, “How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever? Will you hide your face from me? How long shall I have perplexity in my mind and grief in my heart day after day?” 

We too have a lot of uncertainty in our midst and questions about what in the world God is doing.  So you might ask, “Where are you God when people get sick from the virus? Where were you when a police officer was leaning on George Floyd’s neck? Where were you when some people pretended to be protestors and instead of grieving, start fires in the community and smash windows and burn buildings?  It’s ok to ask these questions and more! The Psalmists did and so have people of faith throughout history. Questions do not scare or offend God.  Instead, God welcomes the conversation. So, whenever you feel like it is time to lament, I encourage you to take your questions, your concerns and your heartache to God in prayer.  Remember - God can take it. 

I can imagine a psalmist who is angry with God writing Psalm 13. Because, after asking God another question, “How long must this go on?” the Psalmist challenges God saying, “Look at me and answer me! After all, God, you don’t want people to say that you let me down, do you?” 

The challenge to God is swift and honest. But then…. something happens. God somehow answers that prayer. Because, despite all the heartache and all the complaints that have been lodged against God, the Psalm ends with these words: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart is joyful because of your saving help.”  Even though the Psalm is only 6 verses long, in those six verses, the Psalmist goes from lament and despair to challenging God to rejoicing and praising God.

But many of us aren’t there yet. We are still stuck in the despair of lament. And, while I would love to clap my hands or snap my fingers and get out of this season of lament and be able to say, “Aha! That’s what God is doing!” God doesn’t work like that. God doesn’t work on our schedule,  because even or maybe especially, in those times when our eyes are dimmed – maybe too full of tears -- we often can’t see God’s presence in our midst. And yet, God is with us – just as God promised.  It’s just that sometimes, we can’t see God’s presence, until we look in the rear-view mirror.

Earlier this week, I was in conversation with Charles Clomon, the trustee of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist. I asked him how he was doing and how their people were doing. He said that they were mourning the loss of businesses that people count on for employment, for groceries and for living their daily life. But, he said, he had grown up in the South, had experienced the pain of the 60s. Looking back, he was able to put the present time into context and so he said that we are at a time that is better than any other time before for tackling some of the issues of racism because, he believed, people are ready to listen.

I was encouraged by Mr. Clomon’s word of hope and I pledged that we would listen to hear his story and the other stories of the people at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist. 

Listening. Respect-filled listening can be powerful.   Bishop Desmond Tutu tells what happened in Rwanda with the Truth in Reconciliaton Commission.  Victims told their stories. Perpetrators listened. Those who did wrong to  their neighbor confessed. It was a holy and difficult process.  

I don’t know what kind of a process would work in our world today. But there is one thing that I do know: Jesus is with you and with you and with you, just as he promised.  And so, whenever you meet with another person, you are meeting with that person AND Jesus.  

That’s a powerful combination.

It is clear that we have work to do to show our love and care to our neighbors – our brothers and sisters, siblings in Christ especially those who have experienced hardship and pain because of the color of their skin, the place that their parents were born, their gender or something else. But the good news is this: Brothers and sisters, friends in Christ, despite the challenges of this world, know this:  Jesus is WITHYOUand has sent the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us – just as he promised. Thanks be to God! Amen. 

Pentecost

There is nothing better than a cool breeze on a summer night. But the wind in the Acts story sounds more like a tornado than a soft breeze off the lake. And we all know how unpredictable and unexplainable tornadoes can be – ripping up everything in its path from houses, barns and big trees while leaving a swing set in the neighbor’s yard intact.

The wind that came on Pentecost was indeed unpredictable – it brought tongues of fire.  

Fire. Fire can be wonderful source of heat and light – like a campfire you might gather round to roast marshmallows or sing Bible camp songs. But fire can also be dangerous – and out of control, like the fires in Australia, California and elsewhere that burned and burned and burned, destroying homes and forests and turning the air black.   Fire burns – and as it burns it destroys.

But in the book of Acts, no one rushes for the fire extinguisher or even a bucket of water because the divided tongues of fire didn’t burn, hurt or destroy. Instead, they brought people together.

The Spirit that came in on the rushing wind gave people from different cultures and places the ability to understand – in their native tongue – the message of Jesus. And notice – the spirit did not just land on one person, identifying a leader. It rested on everyone. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Peter  - a fisherman -  began to preach quoting  scripture and proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ love, forgiveness and salvation for each one. And the people believed.

This was a remarkable moment in time, and sounds like it would make a good ending to the story.  But it is not the end of the story. It is a new chapter in God’s story that extends to you today. For God’s promise is that “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams… even those who are slaves, men and women…” This is a statement not about what has been done already but a prophesy for the future, what God will do.

But here’s the challenge:  The Holy Spirit is impossible to measure or quantify or to contain. Jesus compares it to the wind, saying, “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 

So how do we know what the Spirit is up to?  The simple answer is that Holy Spirit does the work of God.  But that is like saying God does God’s work.  Turning to Martin Luther, who was wise in these things, said in the small catechism that the Holy Spirit “calls, gathers, enlightens and makes holy.” And, “abundantly forgives all sins – mine and all believers.”

This means that God, through the Holy Spirit, is actively engaged in your life, calling you through the Gospel – that is the Good News story of Jesus Christ and gathering us together – however we can gather – to worship God and be in community with one another.  The Holy Spirit is also enlightening you with God’s gifts  - every flower, the birds that chirp in the morning – even the crows, the spectacular sunrise and sunset each day, the wonder of all of creation and all of God’s created creatures… including people. The Holy Spirit gives it all to us including the gifts of intellect, creativity, beauty and wholeness so that we catch a glimpse of the wonder of God.  It means that the Holy Spirit is working on making you holy.

But…maybe you don’t feel holy. That’s ok. That probably means that you acknowledge that you’ve got room to grow. That’s why the Holy Spirit also ABUNDANTLY forgives our sins – those things that we do, say, think and imagine that are not in line with the way that God would have us be. Believe me, we all fall short.  

During this pandemic time, one Christian leader encouraged me and other pastors, to stop, hit the pause button and take some time to reflect on what lessons we could learn from this time of disruption  -- and from the Holy Spirit. I’ve begun to do this and think it’s helpful and so I invite you to press the pause button too: What are the things that you do just because you always do them? Are there any of these things that you or the Holy Spirit might want you to change?  What are the things that you used to do that you really want to return to? Are there things that you took for granted that you want to celebrate? Have you learned anything?

These are questions that can challenge us to grow in the way that we live and order our lives. And the Holy Spirit is there to help!

The pandemic is affecting our community and our world but not everyone is being affected in the same way. Some are inconvenienced; others are facing hardship or challenge or grieving from the loss of a loved one, a job or a dream or an opportunity. The question, for us as Christians, is how do we care for those who are grieving, hurting or in pain?

And the pandemic is not the only problem that we face as a community and as a culture. When we read the story of Pentecost, it is clear that the prophecy and promise are for all people regardless of what gender or culture or age or economic status or race or what country or club or tribe they are in or were from. But this week, many of us saw the video of the police officers kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, even while he begged them for his life, telling them that he could not breathe.  George died because they would not – until an ambulance came to take him away after he was no longer responsive. This kind of police brutality cannot be tolerated. Racism in all its forms goes against the will of God.

As people of God, we must speak up against this act of violence. This is not the way that God calls us to act and calls us to repent and calls us to pray. May the fire of God burn the sin of racism from our hearts and our minds and our actions. May the Holy Spirit blow into us a new and renewing spirit – and not only to us – but to all God’s people. 

Brothers and sisters, friends in Christ. We’ve got work to do so that all God’s people may be safe and not bullied because of the color of their skin or the origin of their parents or anything else. We’ve got some work to do. And we have a teacher. Jesus calls us to love our black neighbors as he loves us. The Holy Spirit calls us to stand with our black brothers and sisters in this time of pain and hurt and loss. 

Rob Bell, in his book, “What we talk about when we talk about God,” asks whether God has “a better, more inspiring vision for our future than we could ever imagine or is God behind, back there, in the past, endlessly trying to get us to return to how it used to be?”  Frankly, our past has not been great when it comes to loving our neighbor. But the Holy Spirit is leading us and calling us into greater love, joy, justice, equality and peace.

We’ve got work to do.  But we’ve got a great partner because the Holy Spirit is also called “The Advocate.”

The Holy Spirit is our advocate and the advocate for all who are hurting, all who are abused and mistreated. So even when bad things happen and fires rage and winds blow and illness threatens, and even we don’t know the best course of action, know this: We are not alone but God, through the Holy Spirit is with us, for us and ahead of us, renewing the face of the earth and beckoning us ALL to new life in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Living in a Liminal Time

When playing hide and seek, Lucy decides to hide in a wardrobe – a closet that stored old winter coats. Wanting to be really well hidden, she takes a step back and then another and another until she notices that the warm wool and fur of the coats suddenly feels more like evergreen tree branches. She takes one step further and she finds herself no longer in the wardrobe but in the land of Narnia. 

This is how C.S.Lewis’ Chronicles of Narniabegins. When Lucy is in-between the wardrobe and Narnia, in that place where the coats start to feel like tree branches, she was in what is called a “Liminal place.” 

Liminal gets its name from the word lintel, the piece of wood that you step over when you cross the threshold of a doorway.  A liminal time is when you feel like you are neither here nor there but in-between. That’s what this time of pandemic feels like to me. We are living in a liminal time, a time between what we used to consider “normal” and a time when the corona virus will be contained. We are in transition, not really knowing where we’re going and not able to go back to where we were. 

It’s a surprising time: Who would have guessed a year ago that we would be worshipping at home – either online or with a mailed bulletin? I certainly wouldn’t have – nor would I have guessed at the creativity that has sprung up as we seek to connect with one another via online worship, zoom, and with good old telephone calls. And it isn’t just us. People are reaching out more than ever. Verizon recently reported that customers are making 800 million calls a day now—double the amount on a normal Mother’s Day and sending 9 billion text messages.

The whole world is in liminal time, a time of uncertainty, a time of crisis. So what do we do?  We could just hunker down and wait. But the church has been on the verge of this liminal time for a while now and so maybe this is an opportunity to try new things. As Winston Churchill is often credited with saying, “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” That’s because, in a crisis, people are more open to trying new things – because we have to – and we are less afraid of failing. Not all experiments are going to work. But there is no shame in that! Who knows? Some of our experiments may birth new ways of being church together and reach people that we have not reached before. 

When Jesus was talking with the disciples about keeping his commandments, the disciples did not realize that this was Jesus’ last night with them. They did not know they were about to enter a liminal time – a time of uncertainty, of unknowing, a time in which everything that had seemed certain would be changed. God was doing a new thing, and like it or not, they were a part of it. 

Jesus tries to prepare them. He assures them that, even though they might feel abandoned, lonely and afraid, they could count on two things staying the same: 

1)     God loves them;

2)     They will notbe alone. 

But…Jesus does not hide the fact that some things are going to change.

Yet even in the changes, they will not be abandoned. They will have an Advocate. The Greek word is paraclete. Parameans “with” and cletemeans “walk”. So a Paraclete is one who walks with you, who is your advocate. Jesus promises that the Paraclete, who is also called the Holy Spirit, will accompany them – and us!. 

In addition to comforting the disciples, Jesus also encourages them to act. He tells them: keep my commandments.Again, some things remain the same - the commandments of Jesus haven’t changed for the disciples – or for us. Remember? The greatest commandment is to  love the Lord your God with all our heart and strength and might. And the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments were based on commandments given from the beginning of God’s relationship with God’s people.  Some things don’t change. 

‘In this liminal time, this time in which our routines have been disrupted and habits changed, uncertainty prevails and it is tempting to despair. But at times like this, it is good to remember what we can count on – what stays the same. What Jesus said to the disciples, I proclaim to you:  

1st:  Jesus loves you ; 

2nd: Jesus will never abandon youbut has sent the Paraclete, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit to walk with you; and

3rd: Jesus calls us into action!

What is this action? We are called to love God, our neighbors and ourselves just as Jesus loves us. This is what is core to our faith and to who we are as God’s people. 

I know this time is hard. Change is hard.  Yet, in this liminal time, we have discovered that we can adapt. It no longer works to “do it like we always have.” As a result, we are finding new ways to share the love of God and resurrecting old old ways. Creativity is exploding!  For example, we and our Wildfire partners are in the midst of creating a VBS at Home. It’s creative, it’s fun and we hope to engage parents and youth as well as kids. And that’s a good thing. 

In this liminal time, I invite you to hold on to both God’s promises that remain the same: God loves you and will never abandon you and, even in the midst of change, trust that the Holy Spirit will walk with us as God calls us into action to love and serve God and our neighbor as Christ has loved and served us. 

The hymn that we are about to sing proclaims those things that Jesus promises will not change – God’s love and the promise to be with you always. These are the promises you received at baptism: “I have called you each by name…I love you and you are mine.” 

And, because music has a way of staying with us, the song that we will sing at the end of the service will remind us we are called into God’s transforming mission even as things change. The ways that we can act now may be different than they were before the pandemic. But with Jesus calling and the Holy Spirit leading, God’s possibilities for you to share God’s transforming Good News have just begun. Thanks be to God. Amen! 

How can we possibly know the way?

How can we possibly know the way? Click here to read the sermon.

Abundant Life

There are a lot of sheep in the Bible. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob all had sheep. Moses tended sheep.  Even King David was first a shepherd boy and the 23rdPsalm is ascribed to him. There are sheep in the Christmas story. Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. And, in today’s Gospel, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd. 

In speaking about sheep, Jesus used an image that was pretty common in Israel then – and now. But…there aren’t many – if any-- of us that have raised sheep, at least not lately – but I think that a sheep can still be a good image for us and our situation today if we learned or remembered a few things about sheep. 

First, we tend to think of sheep as adorable stuffed animals.  But it turns out that sheep are much dirtier and more resilient than they are made out to be. When the Psalmist talks about “green pastures” I often imagine sheep in a field with lush green grass or sweet alfalfa.  But sheep can find nourishment in the green grasses that creep up along the sides of the rock that is sprinkled with dew or snow. Sheep can travel up mountainsides and down into valleys. However… they aren’t known for being very bright. Instead, they follow their nose from one green grass to another.  Resilient – but highly distractible – sheep need a shepherd. 

And so do we.  Like the sheep, we are resilient – and distractible. Like sheep, we don’t always make the best choices and like sheep, we too need direction, protection and care.  We need a Shepherd. And Jesus offers us that – and more. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 

Maybe life doesn’t feel very abundant these days. Separated from family and friends, we are getting restless to resume life as “normal.” We all yearn to be able to go to work, school, and other events. We long to gather together for worship and play without having to worry about getting sick ourselves and overloading the hospitals. 

And yet… What does it mean to have abundant life? 

In the 23rdPsalm, the abundant life is described as green pastures (remember what green pastures looked like? Maybe they were verdant or maybe they were rocky – but there was enough…especially when resources are shared). Abundant life was described as still waters – peace - as well as safety even in the midst of dark valleys. There is not only enough, there is an abundance, a fullness of life - because of the presence of the Lord. 

This is why Jesus came - that they – and we all - may have life with him. That’s what abundant life is – it’s life with Jesus Christ.  

Abundant life – with Jesus Christ - this is the promise that Jesus gave his disciples – and this is the promise that Jesus gives to you. And not only to you – this gift of Abundant Life, life with Jesus Christ, is given to you ALL. 

This is not a promise that you will have everything that you want. But this is a promise – from Jesus – that regardless of the situation that you find yourself in today or any of your tomorrows, your life will nevertheless be filled with the fullness that comes from Christ.

Again, this is nota promise that you won’t get sick. This is not a promise that bad things won’t happen to you or to those you love. But if and when you or those you love are ill, hurting or in pain – you will not be alone, even if your family and friends can’t be near. For Jesus Christ will be. 

For Jesus is with you when you use your gifts as a medical or care person – going into the hospital or nursing homes to care for the people despite the danger; 

Jesus is with you when you go to your job at a grocery store or other place that needs to stay open to serve people; 

Jesus is with you whenyou shelter in place so that you keep yourself and others from getting sick and overwhelming the medical teams;

Jesus is with you when you are feeling lost, alone or afraid. 

Jesus is with you if you get the virus or have to quarantine. 

Jesus is with you… no matter what. 

We do not know what will happen with the corona virus in the next days and weeks and even months. But we do know the end of the story – and so you and I do not have to be afraid.  Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is with you and will never forsake you. We know that Jesus came so that you, you all may have life, abundant life, with him.  That’s a promise. Thanks be to God.  Amen. 

Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane        Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran         May 3, 2020

Come Thou Unexpected and Surprising Jesus

Have you heard the news? I’m sure you have, after all it’s all anyone is talking about now-a-days. Normal feels so far away. Instead, all anyone can talk about or think are the recent events that have turned the world upside down, and in the process, shattering hopes and dreams for what could have been. It’s all anyone is talking about, now-a-days. People feel confused, scared, they are grieving and mourning, disoriented and in deep despair. Have you heard the news? How could this have happened?

These questions and these feelings may very well capture the zeitgeist of our current time amidst the COVID19 pandemic wrecking havoc on the world right now, but these questions and feelings also set the scene for the scripture reading today as we hear about two grieving disciples walking away from Jerusalem, lamenting the hopes and dreams they left behind.

You see, these disciples, these two people had been following Jesus, watching him perform miracles, listening to him teach and preach, sharing meals with him and the other disciples. But then the events of the past few days, shattered their way of life, turned their world upside down, left with nothing but dashed hopes, they decide to leave Jerusalem—what’s left for them there now anyways?

Along their journey, a stranger approaches them. It was Jesus, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. Jesus asks what they are talking about, to which they respond something to the effect of, “What? Have you been living under a rock?” But as they journey on the road together, the disciples share with new travel companion.

They continue talking and share the trauma experienced during the recent events—How Jesus of Nazareth was arrested, put on trial, beaten, mocked and whipped, how he hung on a cross, crowned with thorns, how he hung in shame and pain until finally, in agony, he breathed his last. They tell how he was then buried in a tomb before the evening of Sabbath, but then, three days later, earlier this morning, some women in their group had gone to Jesus’ tomb, which was empty, and then they saw a vision of angels declaring that Jesus was alive. These travelers knew the details of the events that took place, but that data does not add up to belief in and hope for the resurrection. Faith is not self-generated, so with nothing left for them in Jerusalem, they decided to leave.

Their new companion listens as these disciples share of their grief and loss—“But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel” they told him. But now, hopes dashed, they wander away from Jerusalem and all that could have been…

What are the dashed hopes in your life? What are you grieving? Our whole world is experiencing the trauma of the coronavirus pandemic and I know that this was not what any of us had anticipated for our lives in 2020. What are the dashed hopes in your life right now?

          Perhaps you are missing school and seeing your friends. Perhaps you’ve been looking forward to you graduation from High School, College, or Seminary. Perhaps a birthday, anniversary, or travel adventure has been postponed. Perhaps you’ve lost your job or you’ve been furloughed, or your hours have been cut, or you don’t know how much longer your business will be able to stay afloat. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the mounting bills or the dwindling food in the pantry. Perhaps “home” is not a safe or happy place to be, perhaps you have nowhere to call home. Perhaps you are in addiction recovery or struggling with mental illness and the isolation is causing old demons and temptations to pop-up again. Perhaps you or a family member is sick, and you worry if treatment will be available. Perhaps the task of getting though each day has become insurmountable.

“But we had hoped,” the disciples shared to the veiled-Jesus. Jesus listened to their grief and continued to walk with them on their journey.

Jesus hears your grief, too. He walks with you even when you can’t recognize him and He accompanies you on your journey even if you don’t know he’s there.

As the three travelers approached the village of Emmaus they invited their traveling companion to, “stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over”(v.29). And so Jesus, his identity still hidden from them, stayed with them for the evening. When he sat down at the table, he took bread, blessed it and broke it and gave it to them (v. 30). Immediately, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—Here in the flesh, here in their midst! Their eyes were opened and with exhilarating recognition they saw their Risen Lord, transforming their dashed hopes to burning hearts.

In times of grief and mourning, when hopes have been lost and the future is a frightening—in these times, it can be hard to recognize when Christ is among us. These travelers knew the whole story of Jesus, and indeed had personally witnessed the events of Holy Week, they knew the tomb was empty, and yet, their eyes remained closed to the Risen Christ. They lacked faith. This is not due to any fault of their own, because faith is not self-generated. You can have all the stories, all the data and still it wouldn’t add up to belief. Faith is a gift. It is created and given by God. Their eyes were opened when God showed up where God has promised to be—in the breaking of the bread, in the sacraments and the Word.

Faith is a gift that comes through a direct encounter with the Risen Christ himself. This faith, and this resurrection to faith comes through the action and presence of the Living Christ himself. That’s the most exhilarating and disorienting message of Easter—that there is no resurrection of faith unless Christ is really alive and continues to be active in our lives—showing up in unexpected and surprising ways.

In their hopelessness, grief, and doubt the Risen Christ showed up, walked with and listened to the travelers to Emmaus. He stayed with them, ate with them, and when he broke the bread their eyes were opened because here was the tangible sign of Christ’s presence where Christ has promised to be---in the bread and wine, water and Word.

Later on this morning, On April 26, 2020—the Risen Christ will again show up where he has promised to be, in the tangible sign of the Lord’s Supper—and it doesn’t matter if you are sharing this meal at the altar, on your doorstep, or via ZOOM—The Risen Christ’s presence is real, feeding and sustaining you with the gift of faith, opening your eyes to the gift of his presence.

And the Risen Christ continues to give this gift of faith again and again and again—

                   As he continues to meet people on the road.

                   As he continues to be present in Word and sacrament.

And as he continues to reveal himself in unexpected and surprising ways

So that your eyes may be opened to the gift of Christ’s presence, and that you may recognize the gift of life.

My dear brothers and sisters, Our Lord Jesus Christ is alive! He has been raised from the dead on your behalf and he continues to be with you, walking with you, giving you faith and food for the journey, continues to reveal himself in unexpected and surprising ways, again and again and again, as he turns our dashed hopes to hearts of burning joy. Amen.

The Walk to Emmaus

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[f] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad.[g] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ 19 He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[h] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[i] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ 25 Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[j] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us[k] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus shows up! And that's Good News!

How about some Good News today?  We need Good News. If you are like me, I’ve heard way too much news lately – and a lot of it has been bad.  So when a friend told me about “SGN” which stands for “Some Good News” I was eager to check out the new web-based show by actor John Krasinski. I love it.  Krasinski shows clips of ordinary people who are coping with physical distancing in some really creative and fun ways such as a man bouncing a ball over his house and then catching it with a hoop on the other side. Or a woman who practices basketball by throwing her laundry into the machine. And the heartwarming example of a man who, since he can’t be with his wife of 62 years, goes to her window in the nursing home and sings Amazing Grace with her.

In his latest episode, Krasinski hosted some health care workers from a COVID-19 medical unit in a hospital in Boston. They have been working hard – and some of them are not even able to go home to their families because of the risk to their families. But Krasinski and had a few surprises in store for them.  First, Red Sox legend David Ortiz showed up. Then he announced they – and the other medical workers were being given free Red Sox tickets for life. Finally, they were taken on a well sanitized duckboat to Fenway field. They had to themselves. But then, they were invited to toss out the first pitch of the season while Red Sox players, the Boston mayor and Massachusetts governor cheered them on from the video boards. Krasinski insisted that it was the least that they could do for those who are on the front lines treating those infected with the coronavirus. Wow. I would say his show is well named: That’s SGN - Some Good News. 

The Gospel is also about Good News. In fact, that’s what Gospel means. It’s “Good News!”  And the Gospel – like other “Good News" seems to surprise people and make them wonder – is it too good to be true? 

It was hard for the disciples to believe it when the women came and told them that the tomb was empty and that Jesus had risen. Some of them went and saw for themselves. Yep. Empty tomb. But, did they gather that night to have a Resurrection party?  No. They locked the doors because they were afraid. After all…even though the crowd loved Jesus – the authorities killed him.  What would the authorities do to them?  That did not seem like Good News. So, they went into hiding. 

But…into that room full of fear and anxiety… Jesus brings Good News – just by showing up.

The disciples were overjoyed. What Good News! But later, they tried to tell Thomas, who wasn’t with them at the time… he wasn’t so sure. To be fair to Thomas, he simply wanted what they had - he wanted some assurance that it was true. 

The next week, the disciples gathered again – this time with Thomas. But their happiness from the week before seems to have evaporated. Again, they are afraid. They didn’t know what to do. So, again, they went into hiding. This time, they locked the door. 

But Jesus shows up… again… and again brings the Good News of hope, healing and new life – for the disciples… including Thomas. But that’s not all. Jesus also brings Good news to all those who have not seen him and yet believe.  In other words – you and me.  

Jesus still shows up. In fact, Jesus has a habit of showing up in surprising times and places. Jesus shows up in the hospital, working through the doctors and nurses who are treating Covid 19 patients and all of the other people. Jesus shows up, working through people like John Krasinski who, in addition to showing fun videos and treating medical workers to baseball games,  is encouraging companies to do some good for people who are on the front lines of treating this pandemic. Jesus shows up as a friendly neighbor when we are lonely. And, Jesus shows up in the words of Scripture to continue to share God’s love and presence with us. 

Yes, Jesus still shows up and that’s Good News. Truly, I believe that Jesus is with us always – and especially at a time like now in which we can feel isolated and alone and discouraged. Jesus is with us. Always.

But sometimes, in the midst of hearing all of the other news – all of the bad news – really it can be overwhelming at times– I think we have to be intentional about looking for Jesus.  Because there is so much other stuff – so much distracting bad news going on… that we can easily not notice that Jesus has been here all along. 

So, I would like to ask you, brothers and sisters, friends in Christ, to be on the look-out for Good News. That’s right - be on the look-out for Good News – and be on the lookout for Jesus. Because, Jesus still shows up. But sometimes – it’s easy to miss what is right in front of us if we aren’t focused on looking for Jesus or at hearing the Good News. And then, I’d like to ask you to share your Good News, your sightings of Jesus at work in the world with me and, if you are willing – but only with your permission, I’d love to post your stories on our web or Facebook page. Because, frankly, at a time like this, we all need to hear Good News. 

Brothers and sisters, friends in Christ, this is what Jesus calls us to do – to share our Good news so we and others will have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts that are open to the amazing and surprising Good News of Jesus. Amen. Alleluia. Thanks be to God. Amen! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=Eg08rJGKjtA&feature=emb_title

Easter Extraordinary and Ordinary Blessings

The Gospel is from Matthew, the 28thchapter:

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, "He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." 

Easter

Extraordinary and Ordinary Blessings

The earth trembled. Suddenly as bright as lighting and as white as snow, an angel appeared and rolled away the stone from the tomb. Deeply afraid, the guards shook and then fainted, becoming like “dead men.” But the angel said to the two women, “Do not you be afraid.” 

Did the two Marys hear this as words of comfort? Or were they shaking in their shoes? But even if they were trembling, they listened as the angel – which means messenger of God - proclaimed,   “Do not be afraid. You are seeking Jesus – who was crucifed – who was dead and buried. But look!  The tomb could not hold him. He isn’t here. He has risen! So “Go and tell…his followers : Go to Galilee where they will see Jesus.”

What a transformation! The two women, who had been mourners on a seemingly hopeless journey of seeking a dead body in a guarded sealed-up tomb suddenly, after feeling the earth tremble under their feet, and seeing a dazzling figure and hearing a proclamation from the angel, became messengers of Good News. So off they go -- only to be surprised again – by Jesus. 

That first Easter morning, the women went from seeking to seeing, from mourning death to proclaiming life, from fear to joy. Proclaiming the good news, they were able to shout, “Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!”

Thinking about the extraordinary and transformation of that first Easter morning, I began to think about other transformational stories. Remember the story of Helen Keller and Ann Sullivan? Helen was blind and deaf at time in which no one who was blind and deaf from a very young age had much hope of a future. But her teacher, Ann Sullivan, valiantly persevered …until, one day… as Helen and Ann were pumping water, Ann signed into Helen’s hand the word “water.” Suddenly Helen understood. She suddenly “got” the connection between the symbols that Ann had been drawing on her hand and the concrete items they represented.  In that moment, Helen went from seeking to “seeing” through her hands and her life was transformed from being helpless and hopeless to being open to new life, hope and joy. Alleluia! 

This is a wonderful inspiring story – and I could tell others about people like Bonhoffer and Martin Luther and Martin Luther King and Dorothy Day – stories that uplift and inspire. But… on this Easter, I was most moved by an ordinary story of grace and joy. 

Carol Flom shared the story of her daughter, Maja who lives in Peru. Peru is enforcing extreme stay-at-home laws – people are at risk of arrest if they leave their house – even just to go jogging. As a result, feelings of isolation and all of its damaging effects are also at an extreme. Unemployment is high. Her apartment building has laid off everyone but one doorman who doubles as a security guard and a general fix-it man even in their apartments even though it isn’t part of his job. He looks out for them, making sure to sanitize the elevator and provides hand sanitizer. He’s truly gracious. 

Maja tries to return the favor saying, “Every time I leave the building to get groceries, I ask him what he needs.  He only ever asks for water.  I always return with water and a small something else, usually a pre-made meal of some kind like chicken and rice.  Today, for some unknown reason, I brought him these items and also a large brownie cake with festive sprinkles. 

He told me that today is his birthday and how did I know? I didn't.  He started to cry.  I started to cry.  We couldn't hug.”

It was an ordinary blessing. The earth did not shake. Lightning didn’t come from the sky. New worlds were not opened to someone born blind and deaf. It was just a large brownie cake with sprinkles… but it meant the world to her doorman. In the midst of all of the social distancing of this time…someone – Maja -  had shown a kindness to him on his birthday. And that was a blessing. 

On that first Easter day – the world was changed as Jesus transformed death into new life. That was the biggest change ever. And today we celebrate that transforming new life in Christ that we will receive.  

We also give thanks and rejoice for other transforming changes in our world, changes that bring hope and healing from braille to penicillin to vaccines for viruses. But for most of us, we are reminded of the love of God when one neighbor cares for another. These are usually smaller, more ordinary ways. But they are powerful.  For loving the neighbor and sharing the Good News of Jesus in words and deeds is how we proclaim Jesus. 

These smaller, more ordinary blessings remind us to celebrate each joy, each act of love. For these ordinary blessings help to make us more resilient, so at times like these when we face real fears and anticipate and imagine potential problems, we can remember – we do not need to fear. For Jesus Christ has promised to be with us – always. Always. And, like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who set off to do the work that they were given, and met Jesus on their way, we too can see Jesus in the midst of our ordinary lives -- as we live with joy and not with fear, proclaiming hope and new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen. 

The third verse of “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds”- sounds like a prayer: 

O fill us Lord, with dauntless love; 

Set heart and will on things above. 

Grant grace sufficient for life’s day;

That by our lives we truly say:

Christ has triumphed. He is Living 

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Amen. 

May your life be rich with Easter blessings – both Extraordinary and Ordinary as we celebrate the most Extraordinary blessing of all: Jesus Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! 

EASTER PLANS for 2020

Our plans have changed since the printing of our newsletter. 
ONLINE EASTER WORSHIP -  An online Faith-Lilac Way Easter Worship is available here http://www.faithlilacway.org/online-worship starting at Easter Sunrise on Sunday, April 12 at 6:30 AM and any time after that – you set your own worship time!

HOLY COMMUNION OFFERED in TWO WAYS on EASTER SUNDAY

We have cancelled the parking lot communion planned for Easter and adapted the doorstep communion to make it safer. In both cases, you are providing the bread/cracker and the wine/juice. If you don’t have wine/juice, it is fine to commune with just the bread/cracker.  PLEASE CONTACT US if you want doorstep communion! We will schedule a time for you.
 
OPTION 1) ZOOM Easter Communion Mini-Service at 8:15 AM and at 10 AM on EASTER SUNDAY! 

Prepare by:

1. Watch the Easter Worship first if possible (http://www.faithlilacway.org/online-worship)

2. Set up a worship space in your home. (Light a candle, set out bread/crackers on a plate; set out a glass for wine or juice for each person in your home).  

3. Connect to ZOOM

How to join the
8:15 AM Zoom Easter Communion Mini-Service click on this link:  https://zoom.us/j/6393510721

Listen with the audio on your computer 
OR
Call in number: +1 (312) 626- 6799
Meeting ID: 417 588 047# 
Password: 025391#

How to join the
10:00 AM Zoom Easter Communion Mini-Service click on this link:
https://zoom.us/j/707421011?pwd=QzRldFd3aVlaR1ROOEN3TFpLUEFIUT09

Listen with the audio on your computer 
OR
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 707 421 011#
Password: 061589#

OPTION 2) Blessings of Holy Communion at your doorstep! 
 
Prepare by:

1) Contacting the church office to let us know. Celeste, our new Admin/Communications Coordinator, will schedule a route and approximate times so that you know when we are coming. Contact her by: email office@faithlilacway.org or by phone: 763-537-4523. Let her know the earliest you would be open for us to come.
 
2) Set up a worship space in your home. (Light a candle, set out bread/crackers on a plate; set out a glass for wine or juice for each person in your home).
 
3) When Vicar Becca or Pastor Pam come, please come to the door or window (let us know where we should come).  Bring your bread and wine with you. Pastor Pam or Vicar Becca will stand OUTSIDE your storm door/window to say the Words of Institution, prayers and blessing)

What is a Christian to do in a Pandemic?

What is a Christian to do in a Pandemic?

Lazarus was ill. He was dying. But Mary and Martha weren’t worried – they knew Jesus. They knew he could heal Lazarus. So they called upon Jesus to come. 

But Jesus didn’t come when they called… and Lazarus died. Mary and Martha knew that Jesus had the power to prevent Lazarus from dying. IF only… he had come. So why not? Why didn’t he? They felt abandoned. They cried out of mourning but they also felt alone…. abandoned.. and hurt. Their call, their prayer, wasn’t answered. 

There are lots of prayers going up to Jesus right now. And as we seek to keep physical distance from one another – there are lots of people who feel alone and wonder – how long will this last?  

We wonder as we listen to the news from around the world, places like China, Italy, Washington state and New York City, places where the virus has spread rapidly… how hard it will hit here? We worry and wonder about people that we know and love. Will they be infected with the virus? Will we? Our hearts ache when we hear the sad sad stories of whole families that are infected. We worry about those who are being laid off. 

Like Mary and Martha, we may wonder: Didn’t Jesus hear our prayer?. Surely, Jesus could swoop down here like a superhero and just take care of it. We may feel kind of helpless, not knowing what we can do or when this will end.

The bubonic plague, also called the “Black Death,” killed somewhere between a third and half of the population of Europe in the 1300s. It re-emerged in the 1500s. Many people at the time thought the plague was caused by “bad air” – and so they fumigated their homes. Others, assuming that it was caused by the wrath of God, tried to “prove their faithfulness” by refusing to take medicine, saying that they would rely only of the power of God.   In the midst of all of the suffering, fear and anxiety, a fellow pastor wrote to Luther asking what was a faithful Christian to do? Specifically, he asked, “whetherone may flee from a Deadly Plague"”?  Here’s Luther’s response: 

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us.
Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it.  I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.
If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others.
If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above.
See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy..."1

Luther’s advice is amazingly timely. Translating into today’s language and time, and taking into account what we now know about how viruses like Covid 19 spread, Luther’s first recommendation would be the same: 

“Ask God mercifully to protect us” 

The second – Since we know this virus spreads by germs that land on surfaces, would be to wash our hands – often - and sanitize our homes, steering wheels, the groceries that we buy and other hard surfaces that we touch and others have touched. Give and take medicine that doctors have prescribed – but not “miracle cures” that we find on the internet.

Third – Martin Luther said, “I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.” This is the basis of the “stay at home” policy. Avoid getting sick so that we don’t overwhelm the hospitals and medical staff. 

Forth – Luther said, “if a neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person”.  Some of us – especially medical people – but also grocery stores, pharmacies and your pastor will remain open and available as needed. 

Like Luther, we do not need to fear dying from the plague, or from the corona virus because, as Luther so rightly said, “If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me.” So, like Luther let us live our lives as responsibly as possible, taking every care but not being afraid or anxious because, ultimately, our life is in God’s hands. And the best news is that through Jesus, God has given us the promise of eternal life – with him. 

When Jesus showed up at Mary and Martha’s house – four days too late to heal Lazarus – he did not answer the many questions of  “why” weren’t you here? “Why didn’t you heal Lazarus”? Why did you let him die? 

Instead, he revealed himself to Martha, and to us, saying, “I AM the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”This is the Good news for us too. Jesus proclaims eternal life to us and for us… even in our sorrow…our anxiety and our fear. 

And Jesus shares in all of our sorrows.  When gathered with Mary and Martha and the mourners at Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus was moved by compassion to tears.  Jesus felt their pain – and Jesus feels our pain. When we cry out in sorrow and grief, Jesus is with us, weeping too. 

This is very good - but it’s not the end of the story. Jesus surprised everyone by calling Lazarus back to life here on earth– ordinary life - and then calling the people around him, to “Unbind him” and let him go. 

Brothers and sisters – as I look out onto an empty sanctuary… thinking and praying for all of you, I yearn and I know you yearn, to be called back into “ordinary life,” too.  We hope and pray for a quick return to life without the fear of the corona virus infecting us and those that we love. 

And that day will come.  In the meantime, I urge you to trust in God even in the midst of the challenges that come our way. Jesus isn’t going to come like a super hero flying down to magically heal all of our ills but Jesus will not disappoint us. For we know the end of the story… and it is good. 

Jesus brings us both resurrection and life – ordinary life now – and one day eternal life with Jesus forever. THIS is Good News. THIS is the promise God that, in Christ has given and it is given for you. Thanks be to God. Amen. 

Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane

Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church

Sermon for Sunday, March 29,2020

1~ Martin Luther.   From Martin Luther, Works v. 43, p. 132. Letter "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague" written to Rev. Dr. John Hess.

What is a Christian to do in a Pandemic?

Lazarus was ill. He was dying. But Mary and Martha weren’t worried – they knew Jesus. They knew he could heal Lazarus. So they called upon Jesus to come. 

But Jesus didn’t come when they called… and Lazarus died. Mary and Martha knew that Jesus had the power to prevent Lazarus from dying. IF only… he had come. So why not? Why didn’t he? They felt abandoned. They cried out of mourning but they also felt alone…. abandoned.. and hurt. Their call, their prayer, wasn’t answered. 

There are lots of prayers going up to Jesus right now. And as we seek to keep physical distance from one another – there are lots of people who feel alone and wonder – how long will this last?  

We wonder as we listen to the news from around the world, places like China, Italy, Washington state and New York City, places where the virus has spread rapidly… how hard it will hit here? We worry and wonder about people that we know and love. Will they be infected with the virus? Will we? Our hearts ache when we hear the sad sad stories of whole families that are infected. We worry about those who are being laid off. 

Like Mary and Martha, we may wonder: Didn’t Jesus hear our prayer?. Surely, Jesus could swoop down here like a superhero and just take care of it. We may feel kind of helpless, not knowing what we can do or when this will end.

The bubonic plague, also called the “Black Death,” killed somewhere between a third and half of the population of Europe in the 1300s. It re-emerged in the 1500s. Many people at the time thought the plague was caused by “bad air” – and so they fumigated their homes. Others, assuming that it was caused by the wrath of God, tried to “prove their faithfulness” by refusing to take medicine, saying that they would rely only of the power of God.   In the midst of all of the suffering, fear and anxiety, a fellow pastor wrote to Luther asking what was a faithful Christian to do? Specifically, he asked, “whetherone may flee from a Deadly Plague"”?  Here’s Luther’s response: 

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us.
Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it.  I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.
If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others.
If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above.
See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy..."1

Luther’s advice is amazingly timely. Translating into today’s language and time, and taking into account what we now know about how viruses like Covid 19 spread, Luther’s first recommendation would be the same: 

“Ask God mercifully to protect us” 

The second – Since we know this virus spreads by germs that land on surfaces, would be to wash our hands – often - and sanitize our homes, steering wheels, the groceries that we buy and other hard surfaces that we touch and others have touched. Give and take medicine that doctors have prescribed – but not “miracle cures” that we find on the internet.

Third – Martin Luther said, “I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.” This is the basis of the “stay at home” policy. Avoid getting sick so that we don’t overwhelm the hospitals and medical staff. 

Forth – Luther said, “if a neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person”.  Some of us – especially medical people – but also grocery stores, pharmacies and your pastor will remain open and available as needed. 

Like Luther, we do not need to fear dying from the plague, or from the corona virus because, as Luther so rightly said, “If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me.” So, like Luther let us live our lives as responsibly as possible, taking every care but not being afraid or anxious because, ultimately, our life is in God’s hands. And the best news is that through Jesus, God has given us the promise of eternal life – with him. 

When Jesus showed up at Mary and Martha’s house – four days too late to heal Lazarus – he did not answer the many questions of  “why” weren’t you here? “Why didn’t you heal Lazarus”? Why did you let him die? 

Instead, he revealed himself to Martha, and to us, saying, “I AM the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”This is the Good news for us too. Jesus proclaims eternal life to us and for us… even in our sorrow…our anxiety and our fear. 

And Jesus shares in all of our sorrows.  When gathered with Mary and Martha and the mourners at Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus was moved by compassion to tears.  Jesus felt their pain – and Jesus feels our pain. When we cry out in sorrow and grief, Jesus is with us, weeping too. 

This is very good - but it’s not the end of the story. Jesus surprised everyone by calling Lazarus back to life here on earth– ordinary life - and then calling the people around him, to “Unbind him” and let him go. 

Brothers and sisters – as I look out onto an empty sanctuary… thinking and praying for all of you, I yearn and I know you yearn, to be called back into “ordinary life,” too.  We hope and pray for a quick return to life without the fear of the corona virus infecting us and those that we love. 

And that day will come.  In the meantime, I urge you to trust in God even in the midst of the challenges that come our way. Jesus isn’t going to come like a super hero flying down to magically heal all of our ills but Jesus will not disappoint us. For we know the end of the story… and it is good. 

Jesus brings us both resurrection and life – ordinary life now – and one day eternal life with Jesus forever. THIS is Good News. THIS is the promise God that, in Christ has given and it is given for you. Thanks be to God. Amen. 

Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane

Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church

Sermon for Sunday, March 29,2020

1~ Martin Luther.   From Martin Luther, Works v. 43, p. 132. Letter "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague" written to Rev. Dr. John Hess.