Sermons - Milagro Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

A sermon from Milagro Christian Church

“Out there” is unpredictable. “Out there” has sadness, and wars, and sickness, grief, loss, injustice. There is likely some danger involved. But we follow a dangerous God, a God who calls us to radical love and radical hospitality. And that can be dangerous.

In the directions to turn the other cheek and to give both our coats and to walk the extra mile, Jesus is providing an opportunity for the oppressor to see the error of her ways (or the errors in the systems) and to reject them – to repent, to turn around. And by telling us to love our enemies and pray for those we are angry with (or afraid of, or hurt buy), Jesus is also giving US a chance to turn around. To change direction.

It is our duty not only as civic minded folks but also as followers of Jesus to make sure that we stand in a position where we can hold all sides accountable. So if a church aligns with one candidate over another it has sold its soul to the Empire.

We must resist those forces that want to keep us separate from -- and afraid of -- one another. We must Resist the normalization of homophobia. We must Resist the normalization of misogyny. We must Resist the normalization of religious intolerance We must Resist the normalization of racism. We must Resist the temptation to ignore hatred. We must Resist the temptation to ignore injustice. We must Resist the normalization of division. We must Resist the normalization of fear.

But God tells us, “No, that’s not my name for you. I call you my child. My name for you is BELOVED. I am not disappointed in you. To the contrary, with you, I am well pleased.

Choose to be one more person in this world who cares about the common good, who doesn't vote only on self-interest, and who chooses to live from love instead of fear. And from that place of wanting to grow into a more loving person, trust that your love will pull more people in to give it back to you.

We bear witness to the fact that the world has indeed been turned upside down. That what was thought to be lowly is now risen up. That what was thought to be weak is now considered strong. That mercy and justice, not violence and fear, is the way to peace

In a conversation I had with a seminary friend, we discussed the idea that a number of people were told about the arrival of this new “king of Israel.” Mary, Joseph, the wise men, Herod. Each one free to act as they would to the news. Mary and Joseph responded to by being faithful. The wise men responded with wonder and awe. Herod responded with fear and threats. How are we going to respond?

We are on the precipice of hope and peace and joy and love. It is the waiting that is so difficult. We know this story. We know that redemption is right around the corner. But it’s not here, yet. But it will be someday.