Sermons
We practice generosity, so that we might be more generous, even on the days that are hard. We practice graciousness, so that we might be more gracious, even on the days that are hard. We practice joy, so that we might be more joyous- even on the days that are hard.
Practicing these gifts, and others entrusted to us, won’t always be easy, that’s certain. There may be times we prefer to go and hide in sorrow, anxiety, and grief. But I’m confident the Holy One can hold us in our anxiety and in generosity, keep us in graciousness, even in the midst of sorrow, and invite us into joy even when full of grief.
It is easy to live with illusions. That we will live forever. That America is greatest country in the history of the world and will always be so. That the shiny and powerful objects we purchase and worship and carry with us constantly will protect us from the heartache of life. From time to time our illusions are shattered and we see reality—both frightening and liberating. Summer’s vibrant greens morph into autumn’s blazing rusts and oranges and reds—this year leading to the onset of an early snow and biting cold this past week. We wonder what is going on and whether we can endure. Yet we find hope in this sacred place. Solace in the poetry of the hymns. Sustenance in the bread and wine. Courage in the words of faith. Inspiration in the music and the silence. Support in the community. And resilience in the presence of Christ here among us. All we need is here—to endure and to persevere.
There will be times though that this work feels pointless, fruitless, especially when it seems like we are only headed for the end times, or our maybe we feel like our work will never have an end time, and we struggle to sabbath, but even in our most exasperated and exhausted moments we trust that the grace of God covers us all, like a delicious ice cream sundae, no matter our success or failure in life, God’s gives food to all.
