Epiphany 2013
The theme for the recent Diocesan
Convention in November was: “Behold, We Are Doing a New Thing.” It is a title,
that is not only appropriate (I think), but is also one which is a paraphrase
of a verse from the Book of Isaiah where God is promising to redeem the people
after exile. The whole verse actually reads, “Behold, I am about to do a new
thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the
wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isa. 43:19).”
Bp. Lee, in his convention sermon,
exposited the meaning of this verse by pointing out that change “is the only
constant in all physical reality.” He reminds us then that change is
inevitable, and is a part of the process and nature of life.
Change, however, is a profound
thing, and while we may not always perceive it right away, when it does happen,
it can upset our sense of equilibrium. This is why we should never be tempted
to change simply for the sake of change. However, as Bp. Lee has said, change
is a universal constant—so, for us it is how we meet change that matters most.
But again, as the verse from Isaiah
points out, even now this new thing is happening—“it springs forth” and yet
we’re challenged to even perceive it.
In the birth of Jesus—the
Incarnation of God—which we only just celebrated; we know that God was doing
something profoundly new. That’s not to say that God had not previously been
working and interacting with humanity to bring about redemption. However, in
Jesus, God was setting into motion a healing work that would revitalize and
renew that whole of Creation… Of course, at its beginning, no one really could
have perceived it. After all, this was just another unremarkable birth in a
backwater town in First Century Palestine.
Yet, there were these three
kings—or wise men—who came from the very general direction of East. For some
reason, these astrologers were perceptive enough to not only take note of this
birth—this event—but they also knew intuitively that this was a divine action.
But much like those who are perceptive, these magi were surprised to find that
Herod, as well as everyone else they talked to, seemed to have no real clue
about the importance of the birth of Jesus.
All the same, this birth—this
moment—this change was not really on anyone’s radar. And that is why it wasn’t
until after the passion and resurrection that any of it really made sense… It
was nearly imperceptible.
But, for what it’s worth, when God
does begin a new thing, we may wonder where we’re supposed to even look—which
is to say nothing of whether or not we’re even able to see that something new
is even beginning. However, it’s my sense that like the birth of Jesus, where
God begins the new work is nearly imperceptible; and if we don’t pay attention,
it may seem inconsequential, as well.
Considering again the theme of the
convention, however, I’m regularly surprised to find that the things that are
happening here at St. John’s are things that are happening also on the diocesan
level.
Regularly in Thrive, we talked about ideas and strategies which we have
either already used, or were ready to utilize. And here again, in the case of
the convention; much of the energy of renewal and renewed vision and direction were
apparent—something that I believe has been stirring here at St. John’s for some
time.
However, while we may feel and
sense this energy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we have perceived it.
Admittedly what God has dreamed for
us has not yet become completely apparent—but what I will say is that, whatever
it is, it won’t happen until all of us are ready to seek it out. In other
words, like the wise men, we know that something amazing is about to happen—but
we have to be willing to set out to see what it is for ourselves. It’s not
enough to simply be given a report.
It’s sort of like Moses when he saw
the burning bush. Rather than ignoring it because he was preoccupied with the
work of shepherding, he instead said, “I must turn aside and see this strange
thing…”
So friends, here we are at the
start of a new calendar year and most of us would agree that God has been
beginning some new thing at St. John’s. Once again we have the chance to begin
with a new slate; to start with a renewed interest in the work of the Church.
But what will we do with this new opportunity? What will we do with the changes
and chances that have come our way?
How will we—together—fulfil the
mission and ministry of this place with 2 fewer clergy people, but no lessening
of pastoral need? I know in some cases, people have stepped-up to help me out
with pastoral visits.
What opportunities in this new year
will reveal themselves to you, and how will you respond? Already we have a
couple of people considering joining vestry and altar guild who had not
considered these ministries before.
And more importantly, in the midst
of change, and new things beginning to happen; what will we do to better, and
more faithfully respond to God’s call in our lives? How will we choose to be
part of this new thing, which God is doing?
It’s likely that it will be
different from what any of us is used to—and that is certainly a change.
However, change is a constant in the physical world—but then so also is
Christ’s love for us, and God’s continued work of redemption. And as we heard
from Isaiah, with this new thing comes the promise of a way through the
wilderness and rivers in the desert. In other words, there will be a way, and
there will be provision—it’s just up to us to perceive it, and respond.
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