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Trinity Episcopal Church Hattiesburg, Mississippi Epiphany 3 January 21, 2006 Go To Trinity's Home Page

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19:1-14
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Luke 4:14-21
Collect of the Day
From the Revised Common Lectionary as Adapted for Use by the Episcopal Church
and Authorized by the 74 th General Convention of the ECUSA

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:14-21)

God is God, and we are not
The Rev. Dr. Bill Stroop
(Revised 23 January 2007)

     When you were a child, I’ll bet that you dreamt about what you wanted to be when you grew up. Perhaps your dream was to be a fireman, sliding down that slippery brass pole, climbing on that big red truck, and rushing to the scene of a three alarm fire, where you extinguished the blaze, rescued the cat, and saved the neighborhood! Maybe you wanted to be an astronaut like Sally Ride and plan a space mission, roar into the sky, conduct experiments and return, being one of the few people to see our blue planet from space. Was your imagination stimulated by reading about a famous doctor, or watching TV medical dramas? Did you imagine yourself working feverishly in the emergency room to save a young car accident victim?

     When I went to college, I was pretty sure I wanted to become a physician or a scientist of some kind. That decision was based on what everyone had told me when I was growing up plus some early successes with regional and state science fairs, and various smelly and downright dangerous chemistry experiments – one of which nearly got me expelled from high school. The movie, October Sky had special appeal to me, because it captured that sense of curiosity guided by imagination and fueled by unbridled enthusiasm. When I got to college, I was overwhelmed with what there was to study, and the potential career opportunities open to college graduates in the 1970’s. During my five year tenure as an undergraduate, I professed wanting to be a scientist, a physician, a pharmacist, and even a lawyer, which I saw as a necessary thing to becoming a judge. In the end, it was a lot of disconnected circumstances that led to me eventually become a research scientist and a medical school professor. But the basic reason I entered that occupation was that it was natural. I seemed to have a knack for science and I loved to teach, and so, in the age when career counselors advised that “if it feels good, do it,” I just did it. My career path was that of least resistance, chosen without much discernment on my part. It was not until many years later that I had my own kind of epiphany, which has led me on an entirely different path for my life.

     In today’s Gospel, Luke provides us with his interpretation of how Jesus saw his own vocation and how God chose to manifest Godself as a human being. Perhaps more important, the narrative reveals much about how Jesus’ ministry was perceived by those he encountered.

     Jesus has just returned to Nazareth filled with the power of the Spirit, after having been tempted by Satan in the wilderness. At first the people of Nazareth respond to Jesus with wonderment, bewilderment, and admiration. In the synagogue, Jesus reads from Isaiah “a fantastic and otherworldly passage, clearly not about Nazareth but about some other place. And when he concluded, he startled them all by saying: ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ Was he talking about them? To them? Or was he talking about himself?”[1]

     When Jesus told his own townspeople that he would be God’s servant and would bring reality to the longing of the poor, the oppressed and those in prison, they were shocked. They first responded by silence, and then with rage. Jesus had done something unexpected. He not only announced that he had a special vocation, he had also used this comforting scripture as an indictment against his hometown – indeed against Judaism itself. He basically had attacked their sense of spiritual pride and religious self righteousness. Not only that, he implied that by releasing the captives and giving recovery of sight to the blind, the cultural and social familiar way of things would change. He had threatened the religious and social and cultural status quo.

     The hearers of the Luke’s gospel shouldn’t be surprised by what Jesus said. Simeon told us in the second Chapter of Luke that Jesus would be a light for all the nations: Gentile nations as well as Israel herself. Jesus himself said in the 43 rd verse of this Chapter, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of Godto the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” This meant that Jesus’ message extended beyond his own country, beyond his own fellow peoples. It included all people. This was too much for many loyal Jews to bear. They resented the fact that God’s favor was to be poured out upon others.

     What were Jesus’ intentions? As stated by Luke in today’s Gospel they were to (1) B ring good news to the poor; (2) Proclaim release to the captives; (3) Bring sight to the blind; and (4) Free the oppressed. To modern readers, these phrases are catchy, but pretty meaningless. What poor? Who are these captives and the oppressed, and what good are proclaimed words to them? The Gospel of Luke devotes a good deal to preaching the good news to the poor, perhaps more than any of the other Gospels. Indeed it is in Luke that we encounter the Magnificat in which Mary foresees that God will lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things. Luke’s preoccupation with the poor is not surprising considering that in Jesus’ time, 90% of the people inhabiting Judea were poor. Only 10% of the people lived in semi-prosperity or prosperity. This is vastly different than we can see in modern America today. Depending on where you work, shop, go to school, or recreate, you may never encounter people who are truly poor. Also, we enjoy freedom unlike many societies in the world. As a free people who have never been subjugated by any foreign government, we cannot easily empathize with “oppressed people.”

     Yet, in our society, there are people held at arms length by the majority for any number of reasons. Some women are denied equal pay for equal work; some children without rights of their own live in fear of abuse; the rich ethnic and cultural heritage of other races is dismissed by the dominant race; and the handicapped are often ignored when buildings or communities are designed; same sex couples find themselves and their relationships marginalized.

     So what are mere words to the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized? They are symbols that acknowledge their situation and prophesy change or at least the hope of change. It moves these individuals from the margins toward the center of our society, and forces those of us at the center to hear and respond to their stories.

     But Jesus’ message is not just a call for increased awareness and inclusiveness. It is also a call to action. Jesus calls to us from the scripture to serve not only as witnesses to God’s love for his creation, but also to serve as its stewards. We are all part of the body of Christ, each with unique gifts and talents that can, in harmony with other parts of the body, bring about the Kingdom of God right here and right now. Part of the Kingdom involves proclaiming “release” to the captives, and part of the kingdom requires that we provide liberty to the oppressed.

     I think our church, like many churches, is held together by those things we have in common; the values we share.[2] This is the conventional thinking about culture and community – whether religious or secular. We normally do not naturally choose those who are fundamentally different than we are. Perhaps that is because we have more difficulty understanding that which is different. When we look at neighborhoods and schools – especially private ones, clubs and civic organizations, workplaces and political parties, we can see strong common elements. When we look at churches, we certainly observe that our common allegiance to Christ and the way we worship fashion our common identity and binds us to one another. And our faith communities tend to be more homogeneous than we might like to think. It was that homogeneity that Jesus spoke to all those centuries ago.

     Paul’s advice was that we will grow best when we are influenced by things different from ourselves, not the same as ourselves. Paul’s use of the Body metaphor is the classic description of how different entities must work together for the good of all. Each part of the body – whether highly or lowly esteemed – benefits from the other parts. I think that we often feel we are shaped more profoundly by those with whom we agree about matters of faith because we feel safe and secure that we are “right” in our beliefs because they are shared views. But, I believe that the greatest growth comes when we meet people or deal with groups that question our presuppositions. Our similarities are not what hold us together, it is our differences that point to our need for one another.

     Often when we talk of unity and diversity – particularly within the church – we end up having commonness trump uniqueness, and we try to convert or change others, or go elsewhere looking for a place where others think like we do. Paul declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek. Paul isn’t saying that there are no Jews or Greeks, but rather that within the Body of Christ, it is not necessary to eliminate either one.

     Some have argued that if we carry this too far, we will lose our religious and ethical anchors; church will no longer be able to declare anything to be “right” or “wrong.” Some further argue that this sense of relativism will erode the vitality and purpose of the church. But the point is not that there is no objective reality. The question is whether it is possible for anyone other than God to unfailingly hold that objective reality. After all, God is God, and we’re not. And if we can remember that, then we will remember that the very best that we can do is act as moral, thoughtful, respectful, and caring beings to the very best of our ability, never claiming what we believe to be the final and ultimate truth. Only God can know that. And that is because God is God and we are not.

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Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Psalm 19:1-14

1 The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

2 Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;

4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,

5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure,
making wise the simple;

8 the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eyes;

9 the fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.

13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.

Luke 4:14-21

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Collect of the Day

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

[1] Lawrence Wood. “Acceptable words.” The Christian Century.124(1):17, January 9, 2007.
[2] Rebecca H. Grothe, executive editor. The Clergy Journal83(1):40-41, 2006.

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Copyright © 2007, William G. Stroop - All Rights Reserved.
18 January 2007

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