Delaying Gratification

PROPERS:          ADVENT 3, YEAR A    

TEXT:                 JAMES 5:7-11

PREACHED AT HOLY TRINITY, PENSACOLA, ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2019.

ONE SENTENCE:        The watchword for Advent is patience.         

                                    

            Each year, the season of Advent brings to mind a story from the days I was serving a parish in Starkville, Mississippi.

            I had been marinated, soaked in, and thoroughly indoctrinated in the Episcopal approach that Advent is a season of preparation and not an early Christmas celebration.  That was – and is – my approach.

            But, perhaps, I came on a little strong.

            One Sunday I preached a sermon that chastised the practice of premature Christmas celebrations.  I said that such early observances of the blessed event, coming on December 25^th, diminished the power of the Incarnation and the dramatic message of his birth.  I suspect, also, that my condemnation included too-early Christmas trees, lights, decorations, and other typical Christmas trappings.

            The intent was correct, I think, but the conveyance of the message was too much.

            As I stood outside the nave greeting parishioners after the service, one of my favorite members came up to me to shake hands.  She looked up at me and said, “Well, bah humbug to you, too.”

            She made a good point.  She and I have laughed about it many times.

            But, while the message was too strong, the point was on-target.  As we might say, the emPHAsis was on the wrong sylLABle.

            There is another source I would cite that makes my point – and also the point of the lesson from James today.

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            M. Scott Peck was a psychiatrist who became a very popular author.  Among others, he wrote “The Road Less Traveled” and “People of the Lie”.

            He had been an agnostic, but while writing “The Road Less Traveled”, he became a Christian and a very popular speaker at conferences.

            That book was profoundly important to me.  It was formative in my decision to enter the ordained ministry. Along with reading his book, I served as a staff member of a conference he led at Kanuga, the Episcopal conference center in the mountains of North Carolina.

            In “The Road Less Traveled”, Dr. Peck adapted many of the concepts of modern psychiatric theory to the Christian message.  One of those is especially appropriate today.

            He wrote that one of the hallmarks of psychological health is the ability to delay gratification – to see something, want something, and patiently wait for it.  A classic example he shared was eating cake:  eating the cake first, while waiting until the end to eat the icing on the cake.  I thought it was a pretty clear illustration.

            It applies to Advent, too.  We are to await the joys and delights of Christmas on the actual day, and the 12 days in the season which follow.  That is somewhat at odds with the practice of many stores to put Christmas items on the shelves in September.

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            The concept of patience – of delaying gratification – is explicit in the lesson from James today.  And the promise which invites patience is subtly over, under, around, and through the other lessons.

            James – presumed by many scholars to be the brother of Our Lord – is very direct in his instructions (which may even predate the writings of Paul).  He tells us:

“Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:7-10)

            James is speaking to us and advocating for a healthy spiritual practice.  He is also encouraging us – practically – to await the joy which will come in our welcoming of the newborn savior on Christmas morning.  And, beyond that, his advice reflects sound psychological health.  That is a trifecta.

            But what are we to do in the meantime?  James has some very practical suggestions as we wait.  Those suggestions do not include waging conflict with other forces – secular or religious.  They do not include the idea of rapping the knuckles of others who have different practices or traditions.  They are suggestions which highlight the practices of our faith.

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray.  Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.  Are any of you sick? They should call the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.  The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:13-16a)

            Yes, those words were written 2,000 years ago and half a world away, in a culture far from ours today.  But the wisdom is timeless. In preparation for Jesus’ coming – either in Christmas celebration or in an ultimate sense – we are called to catch our breath.  To slow down.  To turn inward.  To reflect. To pray. To give thanks.  To ask for guidance.  And, to reach out to those in need:  the hungry, the hurting, the lonely, the poor, the searching, and those who hunger and thirst for a kind word.

            If you are able to delay gratification and observe this season of preparation in a deeply-spiritual way, you will truly know the joys of the Lord’s coming.

Shining with the Stars of Heaven

PROPERS:          BURIAL OF THE DEAD, RITE 2   

TEXT:                 ROMANS 8:14-19,34-35,37-39

PREACHED AT THE FUNERAL OF E.B. “HAPPY” DEAS AT CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION, STARKVILLE, ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019

ONE SENTENCE:        The suffering of the present moment is transitory and the                                      love of God transcends our finite life.

                                    

            Some 2,600 years before the birth of Jesus, the author of Isaiah 53 peered into the future and wrote these words:

²He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
    and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
³ He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem…

⁷He was oppressed and afflicted,    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,    so he did not open his mouth.           (Isaiah 53:2-3;7)

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            Clearly, Isaiah never met Happy Deas.

            Happy was anything but a suffering servant, as described by Isaiah.  At this moment, I can hear the echoes of his boisterous laugh emanating deep from within his heart.  That is a blessing that will not soon depart.

            Our lives have been enriched by his countless stories, told with such relish, vigor, and animation.  After hearing his many stories, I must admit that my perspective has changed on a number of topics:

·      I will never dismiss electrical engineering students as calculating bookworms.  The creativity exhibited in pranks against fellow students is amazing.  I still laugh and retell some of those stories.

·      I will never see a vestry retreat in the same light as before. His commentary afterwards placed events in a whole new light.

·      The comradery of a close group of friends can transform life in ways that are unimaginable… and can provide a safe place to laugh and be one with a group.

·      Retirement is not some staid slice of life in which one puts up feet and vegetates. No, it was the time in which he gave birth to new ideas and initiatives, such as my favorite: Deas Woodworking Products, International.

·      The value of honesty:  One never doubted where Happy stood on an issue.  He would shuck the corn on any topic for which he had clarity and strong feelings.  There was no need to guess.

·      And, finally, the rootedness of faith.  Happy was born into the Episcopal Church, was nurtured at old St. Columb’s in Jackson, and continued his lifelong journey of faith wherever he and Babs went. He was a churchman to the core.

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            The last several years, though, were trying times for Happy – and, by extension, for Babs.  His health declined and he came face-to-face with his human limits.  That is something that each of us will face – either slowly or quickly.

            In such moments, when we look straight in the eye at our mortal nature, we can take comfort in the Apostle Paul’s words in his Letter to the Romans.  The words which were read today are perhaps the high point of the New Testament:

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing

with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager

longing for the revealing of the children of God. Who is to condemn? It is

Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God,

who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ?

Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril,

or sword?

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved

us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor

things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor

anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God

in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

            There are two points I want you to hear in this passage from Paul’s hand.  Keep them in mind for yourself, and keep them in mind for our brother Happy.

            First, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.  Once we are claimed as his, there is no impediment large or small, tall or short, finite or infinite, that can keep us from his loving embrace.  I believe that to the core of my being.  It is an essential part of the Christian faith.

            My second point relates to Paul’s early words in this passage, and it bears noting for Happy’s last years and his transition to eternity.  Suffering, though significant and hard, is limited.  It does not last. They are a mere transient shadow to the eternity of God’s kingdom.  We will ultimately know this truth, as Happy already knows it. “Weeping comes for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

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            Happy lived his faith.  He was unabashed in how he lived it. Because of that, I want to mention one last biblical passage, after a brief suggestion.

            Babs, on one of these clear, crisp, cold nights – it doesn’t matter if it is Advent or Lent – step out into the darkness.  Be like the patriarch, Abraham, and look up into the night sky.  See the countless stars that shine in the firmament.  Remember these words from the Book of Daniel: ^3 “Those who are wise^[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)

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            And Babs, as you remember, there was that time years ago when you and Happy bought that very expensive bottle of wine at a church silent auction.  You invited several folks over to share that bottle, with each of us having a small glass.

            In the future, we can lift that cup of wine, and give thanks for the gift of Happy’s life, and for his eternal presence in our hearts and lives – as lasting as the stars in the heavens.

Message Then and Now

PROPERS:          ADVENT 1, YEAR A    

TEXT:                 PSALM 122; MATTHEW 24:36-44

PREACHED AT HOLY TRINITY, PENSACOLA, ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2019.

ONE SENTENCE:        The key message of Advent, spanning continents,                                                 cultures, and millennia, is to be prepared.      

                                    

            There are few moments in my life which seem truly synchronous.  

            One was the first time I rode on a tour bus and entered the city of Jerusalem.  You have heard me describe it before, but the psalm today brings it back to me with renewed freshness.

            Our group had traveled uphill some 35 miles.  On the edge of the approaching urban area, we entered a tunnel, which went deep under the rising hilltop. You have heard me tell you of the countryside we passed through, heading from the Dead Sea rift to the hill country of Judea.

            As we entered the city from the east, our Israeli guide began to read the words… I was glad when they said to me… I recognized them immediately as the words of Psalm 122.

            He went on:

"Let us go to the house of the Lord."

2 Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself;

4 To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the Lord.

5 For there are the thrones of judgment, *
the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
"May they prosper who love you.

7 Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.

8 For my brethren and companions' sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.

9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, *
I will seek to do you good."

            Somewhere, during the reading of the psalm, we emerged from the tunnel into the bright light of day, with a vision of the ancient, walled Holy City off to our left.

            The words were remarkable, and they seemed so appropriate.  Every one of us on the bus had waited years – even entire lives – to be in the Holy City.

            The psalmist’s words harken back to an era many thousands of years ago; Perhaps to the days of the united monarchy, the 88 years during which David and Solomon ruled over the Israel and Judea.

            The current truth is much starker. Jerusalem is a city at unity with itself?  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem? Not hardly.  It is a deeply divided city.  It is the most fought-over real estate in the world – and has been for 3,000 years.

            The western part of the city is Jewish.  Even within that area, there is separation between the Hasidic Jews and the more secular bulk of the Jewish population.

            The eastern portion of the city is Arab – and predominantly Muslim (The terms Arab and Muslim are not mutually inclusive).  The Arab section is like many African American areas of American cities – economically deprived and neglected by the ruling powers.

            Although there are a few churches, there is no Christian area of the city.

            There is a cacophony of faiths here.  You see the Hasidic Jews walking intently, dressed in their solid-black suits and dark, snap-brim fedoras, with peyos, long-tendrils of curly hair hanging down in front of their ears.  There is the piercing, regular sound of the Islamic call to prayer, emanating from the minarets which dot the city.

            And within the small Christian enclaves, you encounter the various traditions – Roman, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Cyprian, Syrian, Ethiopian, Coptic and Anglican. In those precincts, you encounter wafts of incense and tones of ancient chants.

            It is a true melting pot.

            But, likely, it is a modernized version of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.  It was then that the Romans ruled.  The despotic and crazed Herod reigned as a proxy with an iron fist.  Peoples of many countries journeyed there. Various religions held sway.  A melting pot then… a melting pot now.

            Even today, Jerusalem is a world – culturally and geographically – away from us.  That is today. Imagine the separation we would feel if we entered that world 2,000 years ago.

            Yet, strangely, the same message of that day is appropriate today.

            Hear words from the gospel today again:

Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

            Even though we have just entered Advent today, the lesson is from Jesus approaching the cross.  He is mindful that he will not be with his followers – in a physical sense – very long.  But he is imparting to them words of wisdom – an approach to life.

            Be prepared.  That is his essential point.  Live your life anticipating that God may enter it at some unknown, unexpected time.  That is what happened in that cultural melting pot 2,000 years ago – amidst the drama, the intrigue, the brokenness, the grief, the conflict, and all the other aspects of brutality, oppression, life and death

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            God’s movement may be slow or quick; dramatic or subtle.  But one thing is for certain, it will come, if you are open to it.  You will see it when you look in the rearview mirror.

            Advent is a season for preparation, and for anticipation.  Do not be distracted by all the glittering objects and conflicting experiences of today. Nothing we know is more complex and contradictory than what was present in Jerusalem two millennia ago. Nothing is new under the sun.

            But, the message remains the same:  Be prepared.  God will come, at a time when you least expect it, but, perhaps, most need it.  And, ultimately, you will know it.

Contrasts in Understanding Royalty

PROPERS:          LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR C       

TEXT:                 LUKE 23:33-43

PREACHED AT HOLY TRINITY, PENSACOLA, ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2019.

ONE SENTENCE:        The model of Kingship seen in the life and death of Jesus                            `        is one of sacrificial giving, as opposed to the regal                                                  trappings with which we are familiar.

                                    

            This past Sunday, television streamers were treated with the opportunity to watch the third season of The Crown. Nora and I have now watched seven of the new episodes.

            The series, of course, is a speculative, fictional account of life inside Britain’s royal family, with special focus on the Queen, Elizabeth II.

            The first two seasons focused on the early years of Elizabeth’s reign.  She was played by a wonderful young actress, Claire Foy.  Now, the years have moved to the middle of her reign, and age has prompted the role of the Queen to be played by Olivia Coleman.

            It is a fascinating – though speculative – look inside one of the abiding institutions of history – the British Royal Family and the House of Windsor.  Every scene includes glimpses of wealth, privilege, power, duty, protocol, and massive, glittering palaces.

            As a general rule, the public is fascinated by seeing behind the curtain.  We love to view the royal family as we assume they exist.  We, as a public, did the same with the movie, The Queen, written by the same screenwriter, Peter Morgan.

            The overall image is one of glittering life – replete with scores of functionaries seeking to do the Queen’s bidding; opulent living conditions; and a life of supreme privilege.

            It is not new to British history.  It has been that way for hundreds of years.

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            When the 13 American colonies broke away from the British Empire in 1776, the founding fathers were staunchly anti-monarchical.  The colonists had cringed under the power of the King for many years, and they wished to create something different – which they did.

            The ultimate structure, which was begun in the Constitution, was aimed at valuing the voices of all people.  We turned decidedly away from kings and queens and all their pomp, power, ceremony, and divine rights.

            Here we are nearly 244 years later.  We still blanche at the idea of a king or queen ruling this nation of 50 states. But, we are fascinated with the institution which rules over the land of Great Britain.

            That aversion and attraction is interesting to me.

            And, now, we are observing the Last Sunday after Pentecost – also known as Christ the King.

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            There is a profound and significant difference between Jesus as king and the Royal Family, portrayed in The Crown.  One has been worshipped through ages while the other has been saluted for centuries.  One wears a crown of thorns, the other is bedecked with glittering jewelry. One is executed on a rugged, wooden cross, surrounded by thieves, spectators, and Roman soldiers.  The other walks into any public function as loyal subjects sing God Save the Queen.

            Truly curious – how we can apply the idea of royalty to both.

            The power… the potency… is in how the royal substance is lived.

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            Several years ago, I attended the annual diocesan clergy conference in Mississippi.

            We were fortunate to have a well-known author and teacher as our speaker.  His name was Rabbi Edwin Friedman.  He was a leading teacher of a psychological theory known as Family Systems.  His book, Generation to Generation, had been wildly successful.

            He spoke to the group of Episcopal clergy about his theories – most of which I subscribe to, within certain limits.  A primary point he made pertained to self-definition – the idea that we are each responsible for our own beliefs and behavior, and how we react or respond to a conflicted situation.  We are not, for example, responsible for the actions of others.  We are to clearly define ourselves – basically, being responsible for #1, ourselves.  My summary greatly simplifies a very complex approach.

            The idea of each of us being responsible for our own actions, and bearing no responsibility for others, troubled me.  It seemed to fly against the message of the gospel.

            I raised my hand to ask a question, and Rabbi Friedman called on me.  “How, then,” I asked, “do you deal with the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross?”

            He paused, thought for a moment, and then responded: “I am always interested in the portions of stories that people choose to emphasize.”  That was it.

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            My Bishop came up to me afterwards.  He said, “David, I had the same question.”

            The concept of sacrificial love – as embodied in the reading from Luke’s gospel today – is much more than a selected point of emphasis.  It is at the heart of our understanding of Jesus as king. To give and give and give again, what God has given thee.

            Jesus shows us, in his dramatic last act as a mortal, that the way to true kingship is through giving-of-self to others.  It is the core of the gospel, not a mere side note.

            Our attention is drawn to the British royal family because we love the glamor, the riches, the beauty, the majesty, and the drama of Queens, Kings, Princes, and Princesses.

            But our hearts and hopes are tied inextricably to the young rabbi, hanging on a cross outside the walls of Jerusalem.  In him, we see none of those typical royal attributes.  However, we see our highest aspirations and the model of perfect love – grace, mercy, forgiveness, lowliness of heart, true divinity, and sacrificial love, given readily for those who call upon his name.