Reading for Proper
12B:
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16
July 28, 2003
The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
In order to be faithful to this mission statement, the Episcopal Church in the United States meets every three years to discuss concrete ways in which to make restoration and unity possible. On Wednesday, July 30th, bishops, clergy, and lay deputies from all over the country, will meet for the 74th General Convention in Minneapolis. The theme of this national convention is: Engaging in God's Mission. Topics to be discussed include: Christian Hope in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Uniting Muslim, Jews, and Christians to work together for the healing of this world. War and Peace. Evangelism, Mission, and Youth Ministry. Ethical Implications of bio-technical advances. In addition to these important concerns, each diocese will cast a vote on whether to approve pending candidates to the office of Bishop. One of these candidates is gay. It is this issue that seems to be taking center stage rather than the greater mission of the Church.
There are those who believe that the Episcopal Church needs to be more inclusive, regardless of color, race, gender, and sexual orientation. They believe that whenever the Church appears to be less inclusive, less compassionate than the surrounding community, it must pause and reflect on why that is so. There are those on the other side of the spectrum who believe that there is only room at God's table for those who live a heterosexual lifestyle. They will be quoting a few minor Scriptural passages (taken out of context) to make their point.
As I reflect on the General Conventions of the past 30 years, I notice that three issues seem to arise over and over again, taking the center stage. These issues are: Revision of the 1928 Prayerbook, the Ordination of Women, and the blessing and ordination of gays. But as I read the gospels and the listen carefully to the words of Jesus, I notice that Jesus never mentions the topic of homosexuality, the Prayerbook, or the ordination of Priests and Bishops. Jesus did not focus on the polity of the Church, liturgical details, and genital compatibility. Instead, Jesus focused on the transformation of the human heart. He told us to love God and love one another, to feed his sheep, to strive for justice, and to make disciples. And yet, over and over again, the Church seems to get pulled off course and the "hot button" issues of the day threaten to divide the Church. What are we to do? In today's reading from the letter to the Ephesians, a disciple of Paul lays out for the Christian community, a way to avoid division and strife and to remain unified in spirit. To keep unity, he does not suggest that people use a political strategy or to force their viewpoint on others or to proof text Scripture. Instead, he suggests that people begin by developing virtue and character as a unifying strategy. Let's take a look at Ephesians.
The reading begins with a plea for unity: "I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peaceŠSpeaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into Christ, who is the head of the Church." [Eph. 4]
When we live in virtue, we are offering a tremendous contribution to the world, no matter how small we may think is our sphere of influence. A single flame can light the greatest fire. And when we live forthrightly, without motive for recompense, something transforming happens inside of us. We purify our mind, build strong character, and create good fortune. We find greater health and happiness and attract blessings. And most important of all, we grow in love. Cultivating your virtue is choosing, with deep and honest contemplation, at every crossroad, over and over again, to do what you know is right, to live up to your best, to honor your higher calling. It is the most difficult challenge anyone will ever face in life. Yet it is a challenge that can transform the world.
How can we create unity in the Church? How can the democrats and the republicans unify for the well being of this country? How can CEOs lead their companies with a unifying vision? How can families maintain cohesiveness? How can marriages sustain difficult times? How can relationships continue in spite of diversity? Embracing virtue and building up character create a foundation on which to maintain unity and peace within relationships. I think that in today's climate, embracing virtue and building up character is simply not a priority. People seem to be much more interested in making money and seeking pleasure. While parents make an attempt to work on character building with their own children, they do not emphasize enough, the importance of cultivating virtue as a way of making this world a better place in which to live for all people.
There are many virtues to consider. There are the "cardinal virtues" of temperance, courage, prudence, and justice. There are the theological virtues (which are not virtues in the narrow sense) of faith, hope, and charity. And there are Christian virtues which include patience, humility, forbearance, truth telling, and love. These are the virtues that are spoken of today. Let's take a closer look.
Humility and gentleness is the opposite of pride and self-centeredness. When we can acknowledge our own limitations, when we can realize that the world does not center around our own ego needs, when we can see the light of Christ deep within a person, then we are able to empty ourselves for the sake of others. This posture of openness, respect, and mild manner, sets the groundwork for listening to and caring for others. It promotes unity in the face of diversity.
Patience is the capacity for enduring pain and adversity with fortitude. It is the calm, self-possession in confronting obstacles and delays. Patience is one of the most practical of all virtues for it allows transformation to happen over a period of time without using force that can cause alienation. Bearing one another in love means being lenient in times of stress- slow to express resentment or retaliation; keeping in mind that we are all wounded and we all want to be loved.
Finally, speaking the truth in love, means that we clearly articulate our needs, our insights, and our reality. Speaking the truth in love means that our "yes" means "yes" and our "no" means "no." Speaking the truth in love means that when we make a mistake, we admit our error rather than make excuses or blame others. The truth will set us free.
In the year 257, Laurence, a deacon of the Church, sold church property and gave this money to the poor. It was a time of persecution for Christians when church property was being confiscated by the Emperor. Laurence was called to account for the treasures of his church. He assembled the sick and the poor to whom he had given the funds and declared: "These are the treasures of the Church." (For this he was roasted alive on a gridiron.)
When I think of the treasures of this Church, I think not only of the poor and the sick, but also of you who have committed your life to Christ. You are the children of the Light. You have been raised to a new life through baptism and are called to speak the truth in love, and to practice virtue in your daily conduct. Transformed lives make a transformed world!
In a few minutes, we will recognize those disciples (in this parish) who take counsel for the renewal and mission of the Church. These disciples include vestry members, delegates, deputies, and those who serve on various councils and commissions. Being a good leader and making difficult (but faithful) decisions, requires character and virtue and a commitment "to grow up in every way into Christ." So as you deliberate the future of the Church, please remember this: Unity (not uniformity) is the hallmark of the Church and all creation. Unity is to be maintained not by force, but by love. This love expresses itself in humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and by speaking the truth in love. So I beg you, to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Embrace these virtues, let your light shine, and grow up in every why into him who is the head, into Christ Jesus, our Lord and our Savior.
| Updated 8/23/03 |
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