Sermon: Seeing is Believing, John 20:19-31
Second Sunday of Easter
30 March 2008
John 20:19-31
Seeing is Believing
Today is international Assistant Minister Sunday. Yes I know–the pew leaflet doesn’t indicate this high ecclesiastical holy day. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to find mention of International Assistant Minister Sunday in print at all. But I assure you, all around the world, churches today are celebrating.
I know this, because it happens every year. After the business of Holy Week during which ministers must find the time to write the Easter sermons, after waking up early for Easter services, and fretting over every aspect of a glorious Easter Sunday, ministers figure its time to take a Sunday off. “Ah hah, next week, why don’t we ask the Assistant Minister to preach?”
Thus, the Sunday following Easter–International Assistant Minister Sunday.
[I will say, the fact that I'm preaching this Sunday is mostly due to scheduling issues in April--Fraser does a good job of treating me as a colleague--but as circumstances dictated, here I am, preaching the Sunday following Easter.]
So I’ve anticipated preaching on this Sunday for years as the text for today is always the same: “doubting Thomas.” The basic ideas for a “doubting Thomas sermon” is pretty simple.
The safest bet is simply to re-tell the story, and emphasize Jesus’ words to Thomas at the end. Here’s what I should say:
Thomas–silly Thomas–missed the party. He refused to believe his friends who told him they had seen the resurrected Jesus. Stubborn Thomas said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails on Jesus’ hands, and put my finger in the mark, I will not believe.” So the next week, Jesus–being a pretty nice guy–showed up again and enlightened old doubting Thomas. Thomas put his fingers in Jesus’ scars and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God.” Then Jesus said, “Because you have seen me you have found faith. Happy are they who believe without seeing me.”
And so the sermon should be on believing without seeing. It should probably be hard on doubting Thomas, encouraging all to believe even without seeing.
I’d be perfectly happy giving such a sermon. I’d emphasize the importance of faith, the assurance of Jesus’ presence following the resurrection, and the need for solid Christians in the world today. I would preach that sermon on International Assistant Minister Sunday but….
But, I don’t think that sermon is fair to poor old Thomas. But, I don’t think that sermon is faithful to the scripture text. But, I don’t think that’s what Jesus had in mind. … Continue Reading
An open letter to Hillary Clinton
Dear Senator Clinton,
I’m twenty-five years-old and an avid follower of politics. In state or national elections, I’ve never voted republican. I am a firm believer in the democratic process, and–contrary to many my age–do truly think most politicians have the country’s best interest in mind. But I’m writing you because, for the first time in my life, I’m beginning to lose hope in our political system. And I’m very sorry to say, it’s of my most humble opinion, that your campaign is dragging the country down.
Until only a few months ago, I expected to vote for you. After defending you against many a Republican friend, after deriding the sexist political system in many a feminist theology course, I thought you were the answer to the travesties brought on by the current administration. But as the campaign progressed, I began to be put-off by the tenor of your campaign. Still, though, I heard the candidates out and did my research.
In early days, I considered voting for Governor Richardson–he seemed truly to be the best qualified, though his gun policy scares me a bit. Later, I was sad to see John Edwards go, for I share his vision for tackling America’s poverty. But then I started reading more on Barack Obama, read a few speeches, watched videos, and began to be inspired. Still, though, part of me mourned the possibility of not having a female president, and I tried to stay open–my heart favored Obama, but my head said Hillary.
So it pains me that we have come to this juncture in the campaign, but here we are. For a time I thought an Obama-Clinton ticket would be ideal, but the more I see your end game, your me-or-nobody attitude, your just plain meanness, the “dream ticket” now seems scarred, even dirty.
What finally made me completely turn, what made me now even root against you, is your dealing with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright furor. What have we come to when John McCain and Mike Huckabee show their basic decency and,if anything, lend Obama their support, while you and your campaign pull out all the punches. I know politics is messy, but that’s just not right.
It’s really a shame Obama came along when he did. He’s got skills–reminds me of another Clinton. He’s got policy–reminds me of you. But he’s also got something extra, something intangible, that makes me believe in this country’s future like I didn’t even think I could.
But now I look to the future, and I just get discouraged. I don’t see you conceding, rather I see you pulling the party apart, angering those who once respected you, and disenchanting the young enthusiastic base of the party. And I’m beginning to give the conspiracy theorists more thought: are you trying to kill the Democrats’ chance of beating McCain so you can run again in 2012? I don’t want to go there, but considering your crazy-slim chance of winning the nomination at this point, don’t you think it’s time, for the sake of the party, to step aside?
I’m sorry it’s come to this. Genuinely very sorry, but here we are. I think it was your husband who said with regret in his voice, “Democrats fall in love; Republicans fall in line.” No matter what happens in the new few weeks, the party will need huge healing. We’ll meet McCain bruised and battered. With you in the race till August, we’ll neither fall in love nor in line. Senator Clinton, for a stronger America, please concede.
Sincerely yours,
Adam Copeland
image by glwilson
A dreaded question
Post holy week, what do I get to do but fill out scholarship applications. Oh joy. (Yep, the crappy dollar, upcoming car purchase, and Megan’s looming med school applications are on the horizon.)
Well, I was answering away tonight when I came to this question about my “present devotional life.” I’ll admit, I freaked for a moment. My devo life is far from what I consider the stereotype a scholarship committee might be looking for: sequestering oneself in a study and reading the Greek New Testament for twenty minutes. But I answered honestly anyway. I’m not sure the check will be in the mail, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to put my devo life into words.
9. Describe your present devotional life.
I am currently taking steps to move from a narrowly construed private devotional life to a more holistic and relational devotional life. I pray daily and attempt to read the daily lectionary texts, but I am also expanding my understanding of devotions to include blogging and commenting on pastor’s blogs, regular exercise, staying informed on world events, and intentionally developing personal and professional relationships. Though private prayer and study is vital to a healthy ministry, I also want to make sure my devotional approach is deep, broad, and relevant.
image by Rassing
Two silly questions surrounding the Rev. Wright furor
I’ve been annoyed enough at the talking heads to address two questions that keep popping up with two answers that never make the networks. Here’s my quick takes:
If Obama knew of Wright’s controversial nature, why didn’t he leave the church?
This question reveals a pretty sad understanding of church: an organization one joins or leaves solely because of one preacher (or one sermon). The church is not a social club to boycott if the Word raises hackles. The church is a community of believers–the body of Christ–called together by God and seeking to worship and serve.
Membership in a particular congregation should be about that congregation as a whole–the relationships with other members, service in the community, opportunities for spiritual growth and discipleship, proclamation of the gospel in word and deeds–and overall, focused on worship and serving the Triune God.
It’s always good for ministers to remember that the particular church in which they serve was there before a certain minister arrived, and will be there following.
How could Wight say, “God damn America”?
News flash: Christianity isn’t politically correct, or even politically sensitive. I wish God would damn America’s sins–of homelessness and poverty, of unjustified war and privileging the rich. Turns out the gospel does not equal America. Of course, as a policy we’d be better seeking ways to further God’s kingdom rather than dole out God’s damnings. In a Wright-re-done Lincoln’s famous quote, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is damning America; my greatest concern is that I might be damning only what God would damn.”
Of course, the more positive and more helpful way to put Wright’s phrase “not God bless America but God damn America” is David LaMotte’s “God bless the people of every nation.” But that’s for another sermon.
Update: Check out Jim’s post today here. Similar stuff, but another perspective.
Easter Photos
I just put up some Easter photos on flickr. Nothing too special, but you can at least see the sun at the 7:30 am service by the seaside. Also, some photos of St. Columba and the Easter cross.
(To see all the photos click on the chicks or just click here.)
Sermon: St. John of Chrysostom Easter Sermon
A short sermon, mostly from a preacher much wiser than me–St. John of Chrysostom–for the 7:30 am service at the coast. The service will be chilly, but will it be wet?
Easter Sermon
Early this morning, in countries all over the world, congregations gather to celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead. From the seaside of Ayr, to the deserts of Africa, from Florida’s gulf coast to Iraq’s dusty battlefields, Christians gather to celebrate the resurrection.
In Adams, North Dakota, Megan’s home town, farmers will wake up early and drive their muddy pickup trucks to the only church in town. There the Norwegian immigrants will sing the Easter hymns of their grandparents, gathering for coffee in the church basement following the service.
In Israel/Palestine, Christians will line up at check points, queuing for a chance to show their credentials and arrive in time for the early service. There Christians will gather, a short distance from Jesus’ tomb, still empty, and worship our God who is faithful still.
In Atlanta, Georgia, a congregation will greet the sunrise on the top of a parking deck overlooking the skyscrapers of the metropolis.
In Beijing, China, small groups of faithful followers will gather, quietly celebrating the empty tomb, refusing to cease from worshiping their God despite the government threats.
Not all, but some of these Christians, will hear these words, perhaps the most famous Easter sermon ever given.
St. John of Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople in the 5th century, was nick-named the “golden-tongued” for his eloquent preaching. On Easter mornings from his day until now, this Easter message has celebrated the resurrection. It is only right, then, for us to celebrate with words of St. John, celebrating the savior of the world, of Christians in every time and place.
A portion of St. John of Chyrsostom’s Easter message:
Are you God’s friend and lover?
rejoice in this glorious feast of feasts!
Are you God’s servant, knowing God’s wishes?
be glad with your Master, share his rejoicing!
Are you worn down with the labor of fasting?
now is your payday!Have you been working since early morning?
you will be paid fair and square.
Have you been here since the third hour?
you can be thankful, you will be pleased.
If you came at the sixth hour,
come up without fear, you will lose nothing.
Did you linger till the ninth hour?
come forward without hesitation.
Even if you came at the eleventh hour?
have no fear; it is not too late.God is a generous employer,
treating the last to come as he treats the first arrival.
God gives to the one and gives to the other:
honours the deed and praises the intention.Join, then, all of you, join in our Master’s rejoicing.
You who were the first to come, you who came after,
come now and collect your wages.
Rich and poor, sing and dance together.
You that are hard on yourselves, you that are easy,
celebrate this day.
You that have fasted and you that have not,
make merry today.The meal is ready: come and enjoy it.
The calf is a fat one: you will not go away hungry.
There’s hospitality for all, and to spare.
No more apologizing for your poverty:
the kingdom belongs to us all.
No more bewailing your failings:
forgiveness has come from the grave.
No more fears of your dying:
the death of our Saviour has freed us from fear.
Death played the Master: but he has mastered death.Isaiah knew this would happen, and he cried:
“Death was angered when it met you in the pit.”
It was angered, for it was defeated.
It was angered, for it was mocked.
It was angered, for it was abolished.
It was angered, for it was overthrown.
It was angered, for it was bound in chains.Death swallowed a body, and met God face to face.
It took earth and encountered heaven.
It took what is seen and fell upon the unseen.O Death, where is your sting?
O Grave, where is your victory?
Christ is risen and you are overthrown.
Christ is risen and evil has fallen.
Christ is risen and the angels rejoice.
Christ is risen and life reigns.
Christ is risen and not one dead remains in the tomb.Christ is risen indeed from the dead,
the first of all who had fallen asleep.Glory and power to him for ever and ever!”
Alleluia! Amen.
Presby Meme 5
It’s not that I like to be known as a Presbyterian nerd–really, I push inter-denominational conversations more than most (e.g. the whole Lutheran college thing and Lutheran seminarian spouse), but here I am participating in a Presby Meme made up by even a bigger Presbyterian nerd. “Thanks” to Shawn for the shout-out.
* in about 25 words each, answer the following five questions;
* tag five presbyterian bloggers and send them a note to let them know they were tagged;
* be sure to link or send a trackback to this post
1. What is your earliest memory of being distinctly Presbyterian?
Fuzzy, but probably having to do with Montreat Conference Center clubs. Though I later worked on summer staff, for some reason I hated going into the Kindies classroom oh those 20 years ago.
2. On what issue/question should the PC(USA) spend LESS energy and time?
Beating each other up–this could apply to Amendment B, or satisfaction theory of atonement, or on why we’re losing members (in demographically predictable ways), or inclusivism/exclusivism. Call me naive, but isn’t there something in the Bible about mutual support and encouragement?
3. On what issue/question should the PC(USA) spend MORE energy and time?
We’re a rich denomination in the richest country in the world. How do we justify our wealth in a world in which people are dying from preventable disease and starvation?
4. If you could have the PC(USA) focus on one passage of scripture for an entire year, what would it be?
1 Chronicles 26:18 “At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.” Nobody is certain what this verse means. Without context, it’s complete gibberish. In context, it’s still murky. 1 Chronicles 26:18 could pop some humility into denominational discussions and remind us that being certain one is right is less important than accomplishing God’s work together.
5. If the PC(USA) were an animal what would it be and why?
Owl (aka “W-O-L”), in Winnie the Pooh, who is plenty wise, but also not altogether following what’s going on around him.
I’ll tag the following, knowing that Presbyblogging is so incestuous that half of them have probably been tagged already: Pomomusings, Erin, Meg, Dwight, and John.
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