I was so happy to take the services at Calvary today—especially so because we have a baptism! Who doesn’t love a baptism—we get to make a new Christian!
But then I read the gospel for today. Oh boy, where’s the good news for a baptism in that? It’s not what I would call, uplifting…
At this point of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is a bundle of nerves ….he’s trying to get his disciples to know the reality of what’s going to happen once they arrive in Jerusalem. He’s trying to get his followers to accept that the only way Jesus’ mission on earth can be fulfilled is for him to be crucified, die, buried and then rise again after three days.
It’s a convoluted message he’s teaching and the disciples want
NO PART OF IT.
They expected a King in the usual sense of the word, not a King in the God sense of the word….so they’re resisting Jesus’ message, rejecting the truth and trying to distract Jesus from harping on his prediction of death. So Jesus gets blunt and reels off a litany of what should be done to those who don’t truly believe. It’s an interesting Gospel to remember when the Biblical Literalists of our world start proselytizing---they seem to ignore these lines about cutting off hands and feet if we stumble in the work of the Lord. Keep these verses in your pocket and engage in debate with one of those holier than thou people….it could be fun!
But seriously, what Jesus is doing is drawing a line in the sand---he’s saying, “being a follower of mine isn’t glamorous, nor is it easy, or safe.” Following the way of Jesus Christ makes us counter-cultural and annoying to those who’d rather keep the status quo of economic, racial and gender inequality in our world. Jesus is saying, “you can’t just talk the talk, folks, you must walk the walk…” and if you’re discovered to be doing a lot of talking without the walking? Well, then you’re a hypocrite and will have any number of horrid things befall you. Jesus’ words are harsh, but his message is clear. Don’t say you believe unless you do believe and are willing to do whatever it takes to bring my message of light and love and justice to all forever, no exceptions.
That’s what the Gospel is telling us this morning.
And really it isn’t a bad gospel to have on a day when we welcome a new Christian into the fold of this storied parish church. It’s good for Madelyn [who will be baptized at 10 am], her parents and godparents to know this thing about being a Christian ---it isn’t easy! It can even be dangerous. It’s good to know just what we will be promising Madelyn: a life rich with blessing, a life brimming with love and a life that, if lived into the full stature of Christ, will be one that will also include heartache, loneliness and at times risk. [now don’t think your off the hook at the 8---because as the congregation makes the promise to do all in their power to support Madelyn in her life in Christ, they are making those promises for you, too, in abstentia.] Yes, the entire parish family of Calvary—the 4 pm’ers, the 8 am’ers and the 10 am’ers---welcomes Madelyn today
and with her baptism you assume the great privilege of doing all in your to support Madelyn in her life in Christ.
Because you see, none of us can live this Christian life in a vacuum---since the days of Jesus, the Christian way has been a journey done in community. We need the support, the love and most of all, the PRAYERS of one another to do the work we are sent forth to do every week: to go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
This is why the reading from James, especially the second half of verse 16: pray for one another so that you may be healed is so poignant on this a day of baptism:
When we pray for others it’s not only good for them, it’s good for US. I urge you to pray for Madelyn, today and always. I urge you to pray for one another, today and always because not only do we all need prayers but the very act of praying for others strengthens our own faith, praying for others produces a peace in our soul unmatched by anything else, praying for others heals us.
How awesome is that?
Prayer is powerful, it is humbling and it is, frankly, astounding. I learned a great lesson about prayer a few years ago.
About a week before my ordination to the priesthood, I received a note from my godfather, The Rev. John Owens. Fr. Owens was an Episcopal priest who lived in Maryland, so he was a bit of a long distance Godfather for me growing up in Chicago. But in spite of the distance I always considered him to attentive, remembering birthdays, Christmas and the regular milestones of growing up. I only saw him a handful of times in my life, but heard from him regularly. In the note I received before my ordination, Fr Owens wrote this:
“My dear, I regret that poor health will keep me from being in physical attendance at the ordination but know that on that day, just as I have done every single day since June 15, 1961 (my birthday) I will pray for you.”
For 47 years my Godfather had prayed for me.
Every single day.
I have no doubt that his daily prayers for me continued until he died and continue now from heaven. I was astounded and humbled by his devotion.
Folks, pray for Madelyn, pray for one another. Pray for me and my parishes just as I and my parishes have prayed for you during this extended time of transition. Take your parish directory and each and every day as you say your prayers, take a page out of the directory and pray for those listed, by name. And then, prepared to be amazed, for not only will Madelyn and the other members of Calvary be strengthened through and by your prayers, so will you.
Prayer is an amazing thing. Do it, and be healed.
Amen.
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