Traveling Companion
Easter 3A
April 26, 2020
Grace, Waseca, MN
Luke 24.13-35
[Jesus] was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Obviously, food is important for our survival, but I think eating meals together is just as critical. As humans became social animals years ago, I’m sure eating together was important to that development. I can’t think of an important event that doesn’t involve food and eating together: birthdays, weddings, and funerals are just a few. Like many families, my family had traditions regarding food and eating. One of our values growing up was that all of us were expected to be at the dinner table every night. If we weren’t there, it had better be a good excuse, and there weren’t many of those. Cindy and I shared that value with our girls among others: birthday dinners are celebrated at a restaurant of the birthday person’s choice; we have set meals for all of the major holidays; and when we see movies together, we schedule them so we can debrief over dinner. (We even have a rule that the debriefing can’t start until we are seated and have our beverages.)
We have this figured out in the church as well. I think that the coffee hour may be just as important as worship and we do love our potluck dinners. It shouldn’t surprise you then that we can see the importance of meals for community by all the fights over them. For example, in the book of Acts there was a disruption because some widows were being shorted in the allotment of food. The Apostle Paul has to answer a question about if you could eat food sacrificed to idols. And Paul chastised some in the Corinthian church for gluttony. It seems the wealthy, who didn’t have to work, arrived early at the love feast, eating all the food, and leaving nothing for the poorer people who were working. The fights continued. During the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, the fight was about Jesus’ presence in Communion: was he really present or was it spiritual? These days, we still argue about who can take Holy Communion, how old they have to be, and how much understanding they need.
In some ways, we come by it honestly because Jesus was controversial about food. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, considered the lowliest of the low while also eating with the religious leaders who wanted to kill him. His disciples were chastised for picking grain on the sabbath and later admonished for not washing their hands before they ate. Jesus astonished people by feeding the multitudes with a few loaves and fish, but then disgusted many of them as he declares himself to be the Bread of Life. Finally, he says some startling things at the Last Supper as he claims the bread to be his body and the wine to be his blood.
So, it should be no shock that many post-resurrection appearances involve food as well, none more notable than the Road to Emmaus text. It’s still that first Easter and unbeknownst to them, Jesus comes and walks alongside two of his followers. (By the way, did you know there are some who believe the two were husband and wife? I’ve discovered a website that depicts this belief in art. You can click on it here.) After Jesus questions them about their discussion, the followers respond with a recitation of the events of the past few days, including the three most despairing words in any language: “…we had hoped…”
Jesus, with a verbal reproof, opens the scriptures to them. When they reach Emmaus, Jesus pretends to go further, clearly fishing for a dinner invitation, which is granted. He then agrees to stay with them. But in a surprising turnabout, Jesus acts as host of the meal, not Cleopas. And the meal looks a lot like Holy Communion. It has what is known as the four-fold shape: Bring, Bless, Break, and Share. In the breaking of the bread, their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus who immediately vanishes. Yet they are able to look back on their encounter with Jesus on the road and realize that he had truly been with them.
This text is bittersweet for us today because it sets in stark relief all of our hopes and expectations. We had hoped to be back worshiping, taking Holy Communion, and having Easter breakfast together. We had hoped to be attending grad parties, prom dinners, going to movies and eating out. We had even hoped to be saying goodbye to our loved ones and sharing memories over a meal. Fortunately for us, Jesus comes and walks along beside us in our despair, meeting us in our deepest needs.
Jesus is our traveling companion. That’s doubly meaningful since companion means “share bread.” In other words, companions are the ones with whom we share bread. There’s so much good news here. Jesus meets us where we are, opens himself up, and gives himself to us. It is good news that we don’t need to fully see Jesus in these moments and aren’t required to understand it when we do. As a way to help make this notion real for you today, I invite you to take some bread, break it, and remember where you’ve seen Jesus show up in your life. And if you are able, share that experience with someone else. My sisters and brothers in Christ, I see Jesus in each and everyone of you, in your faithfulness and in your love for others. Know that Jesus is your traveling companion. Amen.
For the video version of the sermon click here.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Sunday, April 12, 2020
"He’s Not Here: An Angel’s View of the Resurrection" - Resurrection of Our Lord A
He’s Not Here: An Angel’s View of the Resurrection
Resurrection of Our Lord – A
April 12, 2020
Grace, Waseca, MN
Matthew 28.1-10
From the angel at the tomb:
He’s not here. I’m telling you the same thing I told those two women just a few minutes ago: He’s not here. He’s not here, just as Jesus said to his closest friends and followers, he has been raised from the dead. As an angel, one whose job is to bring a message from God to God’s people, I’m telling you, too: He’s not here. God is on the move and nobody can prevent that, certainly not these soldiers who lie here as if they were dead. Indeed, though it often seems otherwise, the powers of this world cannot prevail against God’s love.
I think the two women, the two Marys, knew this and clung to this during these last three, horrific days. Yet, they were the ones who stayed with Jesus the whole time while his closest friends abandoned him. Right now, the women are on their way to those same disciples who are behind locked doors in fear. The women, too, were afraid and still are, but they are also filled with great joy at the news of the empty tomb. Now they are the first apostles, the ones sent by God, to tell their brothers that Jesus has been raised from the dead.
So, why are you here? I suppose it’s natural for you to come and see for yourself what has happened. After all, you are used to gathering together and being with Jesus on days like this and being with him. And it is part of being human to want to check things out for ourselves, to see what others see. But today, he’s not here and though that might be upsetting to you, maybe it’s a good thing. It’s a reminder that just as no tomb can hold Jesus, our expectations can’t hold him either.
Having observed humanity for thousands of years, I think I can understand your difficulty today. You are still stuck with Jesus on Calvary, feeling the effects of sin, brokenness and death. The news of the empty tomb, that Jesus is not here, is difficult to take in, let alone seem real. I wish I could tell you that there will be no more Calvarys, that pain and heartbreak are gone for good and that all will be well from here on in. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen for a while, when God deems it to be the right time to bring all things to completion.
But for today, do not be afraid, do not continue in fear. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified; he is not here. For he has been raised, just as he said. No, it’s not too good to be true, it’s too good not to be true. The good news is that you are now an empty-tomb people in a Calvary world and that just as Jesus has gone ahead to meet his followers in Galilee he will meet you wherever you are, wherever you need him. So, today, which hardly seems joyful, go with awe and joy holding on to Jesus where you meet him. For Christ is risen, he is risen indeed, alleluia!
Resurrection of Our Lord – A
April 12, 2020
Grace, Waseca, MN
Matthew 28.1-10
From the angel at the tomb:
He’s not here. I’m telling you the same thing I told those two women just a few minutes ago: He’s not here. He’s not here, just as Jesus said to his closest friends and followers, he has been raised from the dead. As an angel, one whose job is to bring a message from God to God’s people, I’m telling you, too: He’s not here. God is on the move and nobody can prevent that, certainly not these soldiers who lie here as if they were dead. Indeed, though it often seems otherwise, the powers of this world cannot prevail against God’s love.
I think the two women, the two Marys, knew this and clung to this during these last three, horrific days. Yet, they were the ones who stayed with Jesus the whole time while his closest friends abandoned him. Right now, the women are on their way to those same disciples who are behind locked doors in fear. The women, too, were afraid and still are, but they are also filled with great joy at the news of the empty tomb. Now they are the first apostles, the ones sent by God, to tell their brothers that Jesus has been raised from the dead.
So, why are you here? I suppose it’s natural for you to come and see for yourself what has happened. After all, you are used to gathering together and being with Jesus on days like this and being with him. And it is part of being human to want to check things out for ourselves, to see what others see. But today, he’s not here and though that might be upsetting to you, maybe it’s a good thing. It’s a reminder that just as no tomb can hold Jesus, our expectations can’t hold him either.
Having observed humanity for thousands of years, I think I can understand your difficulty today. You are still stuck with Jesus on Calvary, feeling the effects of sin, brokenness and death. The news of the empty tomb, that Jesus is not here, is difficult to take in, let alone seem real. I wish I could tell you that there will be no more Calvarys, that pain and heartbreak are gone for good and that all will be well from here on in. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen for a while, when God deems it to be the right time to bring all things to completion.
But for today, do not be afraid, do not continue in fear. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified; he is not here. For he has been raised, just as he said. No, it’s not too good to be true, it’s too good not to be true. The good news is that you are now an empty-tomb people in a Calvary world and that just as Jesus has gone ahead to meet his followers in Galilee he will meet you wherever you are, wherever you need him. So, today, which hardly seems joyful, go with awe and joy holding on to Jesus where you meet him. For Christ is risen, he is risen indeed, alleluia!
To view the service with the sermon click here.
Sunday, April 5, 2020
"Hosanna?" Sermon for Palm Sunday A
Hosanna?
Palm Sunday A
April 5, 2020
Grace, Waseca, MN
Matthew 21.1-11
Who are you in this text, the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? With whom do you most identify? Maybe you are one in the crowd who have been following Jesus. You’ve been with him for some time and see him as the “real deal.” You believe that he is the Messiah, the one coming into the world. Perhaps you’re one of the disciples who not only cheer, but faithfully obey Jesus’ instructions, trusting that it will be as you find it. Or, because you know the story, you might identify with cranky religious leaders lying in wait, upset at Jesus and the following he draws.
You could even put yourself in Jesus’ place, knowing that you have a firm hand on the events that will follow.
I like to think I’d be one of the disciples in the crowd, waving my palm and shouting “Hosanna!” right along with the rest of them. However, when I’m honest with myself, it’s more likely I’m in the city watching dispassionately, wondering how this is going to go. Partly, it’s because I’m wired that way.
Florence was an elderly member of the call committee in a previous congregation I served. She was in the gettin up there in years, but her mind was sharp as ever. In fact, she was well read and probably knew more theology than most pastors. I’m convinced that if she had lived two generations later, she could have been a bishop of this church or a teaching theologian or both. Her task on the call committee was to talk to the bishop about me and get a reference. In one of our many conversations she mentioned this, along with something the bishop said: “If you are looking for a rah-rah pastor to stir things up, don’t call Scott. But call him if you are looking for a steadying presence in the congregation.” Obviously, that must have been what the congregation wanted because I received the call.
Aside from the way we are wired, not many of us are in a “rah-rah” mood right now with the COVID-19 threat hanging over us. Even so, if I’d lived 2,000 years ago, I would probably have had a hopeful agnosticism toward Jesus. By that I mean I would be skeptical about Jesus being the Messiah, wary of getting too hopeful. I would have waited to see how things played out. Besides, there had already been people claiming to be the Messiah, who had disappointed the people. It would have been evident that his entry into Jerusalem indicated some kind of victory procession, but what was the victory?
We’d love for Jesus to come and obliterate COVID-19, but we know that’s not how God works. We also know that the cheers of the crowds that first Palm Sunday will turn into jeers in a breathtaking short time, going from “Hosanna” to “Crucify him!” We know that Jesus will overcome the powers of sin, death and evil, but in a way totally unexpected. Fortunately, how Jesus ultimately becomes the Messiah doesn’t depend on what I think or feel or do. The good news is that Jesus came into the world to be the king we need, not the king we want. He’s not the king we desire, but the one we must have.
For those of you who are able to be enthusiastic and wave imaginary palm branches today, God bless you and thank you, because you’re going to have to carry the rest of us. For those of you who are normally enthusiastic but can’t muster the energy, know that we who are steady will carry you. And know that wherever you are in the story and on your faith journey, Jesus meets you where you are and gives you what you need. For blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven. Amen.
To view the service with the sermon click here.
Palm Sunday A
April 5, 2020
Grace, Waseca, MN
Matthew 21.1-11
Who are you in this text, the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? With whom do you most identify? Maybe you are one in the crowd who have been following Jesus. You’ve been with him for some time and see him as the “real deal.” You believe that he is the Messiah, the one coming into the world. Perhaps you’re one of the disciples who not only cheer, but faithfully obey Jesus’ instructions, trusting that it will be as you find it. Or, because you know the story, you might identify with cranky religious leaders lying in wait, upset at Jesus and the following he draws.
You could even put yourself in Jesus’ place, knowing that you have a firm hand on the events that will follow.
I like to think I’d be one of the disciples in the crowd, waving my palm and shouting “Hosanna!” right along with the rest of them. However, when I’m honest with myself, it’s more likely I’m in the city watching dispassionately, wondering how this is going to go. Partly, it’s because I’m wired that way.
Florence was an elderly member of the call committee in a previous congregation I served. She was in the gettin up there in years, but her mind was sharp as ever. In fact, she was well read and probably knew more theology than most pastors. I’m convinced that if she had lived two generations later, she could have been a bishop of this church or a teaching theologian or both. Her task on the call committee was to talk to the bishop about me and get a reference. In one of our many conversations she mentioned this, along with something the bishop said: “If you are looking for a rah-rah pastor to stir things up, don’t call Scott. But call him if you are looking for a steadying presence in the congregation.” Obviously, that must have been what the congregation wanted because I received the call.
Aside from the way we are wired, not many of us are in a “rah-rah” mood right now with the COVID-19 threat hanging over us. Even so, if I’d lived 2,000 years ago, I would probably have had a hopeful agnosticism toward Jesus. By that I mean I would be skeptical about Jesus being the Messiah, wary of getting too hopeful. I would have waited to see how things played out. Besides, there had already been people claiming to be the Messiah, who had disappointed the people. It would have been evident that his entry into Jerusalem indicated some kind of victory procession, but what was the victory?
We’d love for Jesus to come and obliterate COVID-19, but we know that’s not how God works. We also know that the cheers of the crowds that first Palm Sunday will turn into jeers in a breathtaking short time, going from “Hosanna” to “Crucify him!” We know that Jesus will overcome the powers of sin, death and evil, but in a way totally unexpected. Fortunately, how Jesus ultimately becomes the Messiah doesn’t depend on what I think or feel or do. The good news is that Jesus came into the world to be the king we need, not the king we want. He’s not the king we desire, but the one we must have.
For those of you who are able to be enthusiastic and wave imaginary palm branches today, God bless you and thank you, because you’re going to have to carry the rest of us. For those of you who are normally enthusiastic but can’t muster the energy, know that we who are steady will carry you. And know that wherever you are in the story and on your faith journey, Jesus meets you where you are and gives you what you need. For blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven. Amen.
To view the service with the sermon click here.
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