Reading: Is. 61:1-3
February 7, 2004
The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
There is a strong prophetic voice in our Judeo-Christian tradition which recognizes that another world order is possible. Let us reflect for a moment on the possibilities of this "other" world.
- Imagine a world where nation no longer lifts up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore. A place, where the oldest of enemies become the best of friends; where the wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard lie down with the kid, and little child shall lead them. Just imagine "peace on earth." (Is. 2)
- Imagine a world where humanity is at one, where there are no borders to protect or self-interests to fight for; where there is no discrimination between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, black or white, rich or poor, gay or straight. (Is. 2, Gal. 3)
- Imagine a world where the underlying principle of economic development is the golden rule rather than personal profit; where CEOs manage their companies for the glory of God and for the good of the public welfare rather than simply to please stock holders. (Is. 61, Lk.2)
- Imagine a world in which true religion informs politics; where the biblical imperatives for social justice and the dignity of every human being inform the decision making process of the various political bodies. (Isaiah)
- Imagine a world where healing and compassion become the dominant themes such that the blind see, the lame walk, the poor are fed, the oppressed are liberated, and all people are given the opportunity to live a full life. (Is. 35, Is. 65, Mt. 11)
- Imagine a time when we care for the earth as we care for ourselves such that the discouraged wilderness blossoms and flourishes and is restored to full function. (Is. 35)
If you can imagine this "other" world, then you can begin to grasp the meaning of today's reading from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah(3) was called by God to a special vocation; a vocation that concerned the renewal of a defeated and oppressed community. As a prophet of God, Isaiah spoke to the transformation of the public domain. Those who had been defeated, marginalized, and rendered powerless either by the economic pressures within the community or by the economic policies of nation states, would be given a new circumstance of well-being, joy, security, and prosperity. This rearrangement of economic power would occur in the year of the Lord's favor. Liberty would come about by the cancellation of debts. The change of fortunes for the dispossessed and powerless would occur because God loves justice and has called faithful prophets into service who concretely intervene into economic affairs.
It within this spirit of prophetic witness, that today we celebrate the life of the Rev. Canon William Ward McCabe. Ward was one of those faithful prophets who concretely intervened into economic affairs in order to bring good news to the oppressed, the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners. As a prophet, priest, teacher, and pastor, Ward was relentless in criticizing the captains of industry, greedy corporate practices, shameful business ethics, and capitalist abuses that destroyed the creatures the God. Not only did he call individuals to repent but he also challenged public institutions to repent of their corporate sin. Until his death at the age of 86, he uncovered and spoke out against those political policies and business practices that clashed with the biblical standards of justice. Because of his prophetic voice, fortitude, and unwavering devotion to the baptismal covenant, this world, this Church, and this community of faith, have been transformed by his light.
So where do we go from here? How do we keep his spirit alive? Ward did not want an Irish wake, a standing ovation, or even a eulogy at his memorial service. But like Edmund Burke, Ward believed that "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good people to do nothing." The best way we can honor the spirit and the life of our brother Ward, is to follow in the tradition of Elijah and Elisha. This means that we pick up and put on the mantle of justice that Ward left behind when he was taken up into heaven. It means we proclaim the good news in Christ by speaking the truth in love.
So as we close this chapter of Ward's life, I would like to leave you with a blessing that he wrote: "We are the people of God and therefore servants of his whole creation. So go forth into the world in peace. Return no one evil for evil. Instead forgive. Support those who are shy or hesitant. Accept a part of the burden of anyone who is in pain or feels overburdened. Give dignity to all people, remembering that the Holy Spirit enables us to do many things which we cannot do by our own strength or wisdom. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen" [A blessing by Rev. Ward McCabe]
| Updated 2/8/04 |
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