Together is Always Better

 

SERMON May 17, 2026

John 17:1-11

 

TOGETHER IS ALWAYS BETTER

Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me,

so that they may be one, as we are one.” John 17:11 

“…so that they may be one, as we are one.” 

In the February 9, 2026 edition of the New Yorker magazine, the Talk of the Town section included an article entitled Minneapolis Postcard: Mutual Aid. It was a brief but stunningly powerful piece that told the story of an elementary school in the heart of Minneapolis that launched a small but powerful workforce in the face of three thousand federal agents who had descended as instruments of the tragically terrifying deportation operation: Operation Metro Surge. 

Minneapolis Postcard recounted the story of an assembly of teachers and parents whose goal was to respond to the impact of this violent and frightening intrusion into their community. An impact that directly affected the school’s many Hispanic children and their families. This committed band of volunteers day after day delivered essential aid to the students and families who had bunkered down in their homes as street raids and deportation focused arrests intensified. The families were “in hiding” hoping that they might escape notice and evade the likelihood of arrest and deportation.

For over a month the school became a distribution warehouse for food, jugs of milk, toys, bedding, hygiene kits, and other items necessary for these families to function while living in the isolated confines of their homes, terrified of stepping outside for even the briefest period of time. Daily, teachers and volunteer parents surreptitiously delivered needed supplies and amazingly in this short period of time an abbreviated in-home schooling program was developed and tablets for the children were provided by an unsuspecting and generous donor.

As the days and weeks grew longer and the events of Operation Metro Surge became increasingly dangerous and grim, volunteers began to exhibit signs and symptoms of fatigue and despair. Fewer and fewer were able to keep up the pace, yet the need persisted. 

It was on such a day of lagging enthusiasm that the students who were still attending school and helping with the home delivery project got busy and lined the hallways with colorful art and the slogan: TOGETHER IS ALWAYS BETTER. 

Together is always better.

The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and an incredibly wise and compassionate human being wrote frequently of a concept called ubuntu. In defining ubuntu he offered “Ubuntu speaks of the very essence of being human. You know when it is there and when it is absent. It speaks about humaneness, gentleness, hospitality, putting yourself out on behalf of others, being vulnerable. It embraces compassion and toughness.  It is to say, "My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours." We belong in a bundle of life. We say, "A person is a person through other persons."

Together is always better.

Editors of a recently published collection of essays entitled The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology amid Gaza examine the role of martyrdom in scripture. They define martyrdom as bearing witness and write “Jesus’ call is not centered on numbers of followers or physically/financially surviving as a community but bearing witness to the Kingdom of God…the call to bear witness is not an individual one alone, but always in community. Witness is to be practiced in and through deep relationships with others, as the whole body of Christ together. We are called to be salt and light as a community, even at a high price.” (The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology amid Gaza. Eds Munayer, John S & Munayer, Samuel S. Orbis Books, Maryknoll, 2025, p124) 

Together is always better.

The people of Minneapolis, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the editors of the Cross and the Olive Tree all agree, as do many others, together is always better.

I begin with these brief examples as a prelude to discussing how togetherness is demonstrated and brought to fruition so beautifully in the Book of Ruth, a book that a group of us have reflected on over the course of past three weeks. A book perhaps best known for Ruth’s stunningly beautiful vow to courageously accompany her mother-in-law on her return from Moab to Bethlehem.

Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” (Ruth 1:16-17)

Because of this quote, which is frequently used at weddings, the Book of Ruth is often simplistically perceived as the romantic story of a young, beautiful woman fallen on hard times who meets a good man, falls in love, gets married, and has a child. However, as we probe beneath the surface of the narrative of this “love” story a more complex set of issues becomes apparent: the mystery of relationships between women; the trauma of surviving one’s children; the pain of childlessness; the challenge of marriage and patriarchy; and the courage needed to cross borders and become a stranger in a foreign land.

As the story begins, we learn that Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons have departed their home in Bethlehem because of famine and moved across the border to the country of their fierce enemy, Moab. They settle there and their sons find wives. Elimelech dies an early death, followed by both of his sons, and the story now focuses on the three widows. 

In her grief Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and does so in the company of one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, who has refused to stay behind in her own country. Now it is Ruth who crosses a border and becomes a stranger in a land with a long history of antagonism towards Moab. Ruth is an ethnic stranger in a country that has traditionally rejected Moabites, a widow in a family-based culture, childless in a society that places high value on male children, and poor in a community that lacked a comprehensive safety net for widows without children.

She is utterly vulnerable and is referred to throughout the story as Ruth the Moabite. Without cease she is identified publicly as a Moabite, an unwelcome widow and childless stranger from a despised country. 

Despite these grim realities, Ruth never wavers from her vow to not abandon her beloved mother-in-law. Propelled by lovingkindness she refuses to be intimidated by stereotyping and discrimination. Propelled by lovingkindness Ruth perseveres in the face of multiple obstacles, challenges, and hardships. Through her courage and lovingkindness she succeeds in creating the lineage that gave birth to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

“…Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” 

The Book of Ruth encourages us to consider the power of lovingkindness as we face the critical issues of national identity and belonging. Issues that are so tragically evident in a world that continues to develop harsh stereotypes. Stereotypes that erect challenges, indeed barriers, to belonging. Stereotypes and challenges that punish those who look to us for safety and welcome. Stereotypes and challenges which prevent us from putting into action words so easily spoken. Words such as “love your neighbor as yourself,” and “all are welcome.” Stereotypes and challenges that run counter to the words of Jesus in Matthew 25: “I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

The Book of Ruth challenges us to consider our responsibility towards the stranger. The Book of Ruth empowers us to lift our voice in the public square where decisions that affect the lives of millions are being made. The Book of Ruth brings the need for serious consideration to the words of the Minneapolis school children: “Together is always better.”

In today’s reading from the Gospel of John Jesus, just moments before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, offers an incredibly loving and compassionate final prayer for his disciples.

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent… Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” 

This prayer brings to mind another quote from John: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

God loves us, all of us, unconditionally and always – forever. And through the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ, God has not only shown us his love but more importantly he has instilled that love in us. We as Christ’s disciples are called to love the world with God’s love. The love that has been instilled in us through the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ; through Christ’s love for us.

A tall order indeed. Especially in these times of extreme discrimination, brutally destructive violence, and wars that destroy the lives of so many innocent men, women, and children. Despite all the violence and hatred, we are called to love – love our neighbor, welcome the stranger, chose lovingkindness over laws that mandate violence and discrimination. We are called by our advocate the Holy Spirit to tread firmly on the hazardously narrow and challenging path that follows Jesus. The path that is witness to God’s love for the world.

Our love is the love of everlasting life. Love that we pass on to all those whom we encounter; to all those to whom we offer compassion and love. To all those whom God has placed before us to love.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe concluded his Easter message with these very same thoughts. He wrote, “we are called to be faithful in the face of grief, injustice, and anguish—even when the world is groaning with despair, and even when we cannot recognize Jesus standing right before our eyes. We believe, against all odds, that God has the power to turn death into life and despair into hope.  

This Easter, our world badly needs to hear this message. As we embrace our vocation to proclaim the resurrection, I pray that God gives us the courage to withstand the sin and violence in our midst and the grace to watch for Jesus in the most unlikely places.”

Ruth’s story is a story that reminds us that compassion and lovingkindness are powerful ways of bringing about healing and peace.

The Minneapolis school children compassionately and lovingly organizing aid for those who were isolated and suffering know that “Together is always better.” 

The editors of the Cross and the Olive Tree believe that “Witness is to be practiced in and through deep relationships with others, as the whole body of Christ together. We are called to be salt and light as a community, even at a high price.”

Jesus prays, “[Father] I made your name known to them, and I will l make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them… Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.””

That we may be one, unconditionally offering God’s unconditional love to the world. This is a powerful directive – can we face its challenge?

 

 

AMERICAN DOWNFALL

We have become a third world country. Violent kidnappings, vengeful harassment, and the alarming murder of innocent American citizens position America as a nation no different from our neighbor Haiti, currently considered one of the most chaotic and dangerous countries in the world. America has plummeted from the status of world leader to the ignominious position of being feared, hated, and rejected by our allies. Our nation’s goals no longer demonstrate a concern for the world’s well-being, but rather a concern for the accumulation of power and wealth. We consciously stand by and watch others suffer when once we rushed to provide comfort and aid to those in distress.

We tolerate the narcissistic rantings of a president who has lost his way and a congress that is too frightened to abide by their constitutional oath, their commitment to follow the rule of law and to protect an individual’s rights. Liberty and justice for all.

But above all, it is we the people who must hang our collective heads in shame. We have allowed this tragedy to evolve without significant protest and all too frequently in support of those who have the power to tear into shreds the character and integrity of a once great nation. We the people have failed America the great. It is our tragic loss.

The Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity, LCSW

561-271-2890/garritycpg@gmail.com –

Ft. Walton Beach, Florida 32547

Here Am I...

 

ADVENT REFLECTION

Dec. 14, 2025

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord:

let it be with me according to your word.”

Over the past two years, I have participated in many Zoom meetings with the Archbishop of Jerusalem and the diocesan clergy who serve churches in Ramallah and Nablus on the West Bank. The meetings, organized by the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations were and will continue to be important windows into the work of that Diocese and the massive challenges its archbishop and his clergy face as their communities struggle to regain a life that was abruptly put on hold on October 7, 2023.

These Zoom calls have been heart wrenching. Fr. Fadi, rector of St. Andrew’s in Ramallah, reported that the terror and profound grief experienced throughout the West Bank left all of its citizens “in shock” and in the midst of a deep economic and spiritual crisis. Fr. Fadi’s parishioners wondered aloud in the midst of their prayers for peace, “Why is God silent.” Tears and terror are ongoing, unceasing throughout both day and night.

Fr. Jameel in Nablus reported that his congregation members and indeed the entire community of Nablus proclaimed, “We all need hope”, but then quickly added, “Is there really any hope?”

By the end of each of these Zoom calls we on the U.S. side experience a sense of helplessness as we desperately seek ways in which to journey with these brothers and sisters, all members of the Anglican Communion. All God’s beloved children. These calls have been, and I am certain, will continue to be, profoundly tragic yet unexpectedly spiritually enlightening experiences.

Enlightening because despite the grim reality of their war-torn world Frs. Fadi and Jameel along with their parishioners continue to express a fundamentally deep faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. They display, even in the face of their shockingly grim circumstances, a commitment to Christ that is most incredibly moving.

This deep faith and commitment to Christ was emotionally expressed by Fr. Jameel when he responded to one interviewer’s question, “Will you all want to relocate when it is possible?” saying “No, we will never move. We cannot desert this Holy Land. We cannot abandon Jesus. God is asking us to stay here.”

“We cannot abandon Jesus. God is asking us to stay here.” Very, very powerful words that can only stem from the courage, resilience, commitment, and hope that is based on an extraordinary faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Today we hear the incredibly beautiful and quite wondrous story of a young teenager’s life changed forever by the appearance of the Angel Gabriel. Can you imagine how frightened this innocent unmarried young woman must have been? In a flash her simple and settled life was filled with the unknown. Luke tells us that initially Mary was perplexed. She was stunned and bewildered. Who is this apparition? What is happening to me?

The apparition is the angel Gabriel, a messenger sent by God. The angel sees Mary’s distress and offers calming words, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” The angel then announces that Mary will now become pregnant. That her child will be a son. That he is to be named Jesus and that he is to be called the Son of the Most High. That he will reign over a kingdom. A kingdom that will have no end.

Mary, still perplexed, wonders aloud, “How can this be for I am still a virgin.” The angel responds, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy.”

Can you imagine how frightened and confused this young girl must have been? How terrifying for an apparition to appear from nowhere and to inform you that God will send the Holy Spirit to come you and that as a result you will become pregnant. No marriage. No father. Just a baby who is destined to be, according to the apparition, the Son of God; the Lord of a kingdom that will know no end.

What if an ancient interviewer had asked Mary, “Will you leave this place? Would you prefer to escape from this terrifying new reality that has become your life?” Mary, overwhelmed, terrified, and confused would have answered, “No. Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to his word. 

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” Mary’s commitment to God in this one brief sentence echoes the words of so many others tested by God throughout biblical history; Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Moses, Hannah, Samuel, Ruth, David, Esther, and the Prophets to name just a few, and now most certainly the clergy in the Diocese of Jerusalem.  Men and women chosen by God to ensure that his Holy Word, will be a continual presence throughout creation. Men and women who face perplexing, confusing, and terrifying situations with courageous faith saying, God is asking us to stay here; to offer hope to all. God is asking us to ensure that his kingdom will know no end.

Mary’s obedience to God’s call should act as a hallmark for all Christians, the present-day stewards of Christ’s good news, the present-day heralds of God’s desire for us all to live a life filled with peace, hope, and love of self and neighbor, now and to the end of time.

As we encounter frightening and chaotic moments will we flee or will we as Mary say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to his word?” Will we have the courage to act on God’s call for us as we enter a new year which promises to be filled with many unidentified challenges? Both at home, and throughout our global community.

Today we are in the midst of Advent. Four weeks of prayer and reflection during which we anticipate the arrival, once more, of the Christ child, the Son of the Holy One. In just a few short days as Advent comes to a close, we will joyfully celebrate the incarnation of God’s Word, the birth of Jesus Christ, who will walk with and among us as we journey with him to Jerusalem, to the cross, and beyond.

In celebration we will sing many beautiful hymns filled with words of wonder and praise. The service will end, as always, with the 205-year-old hymn Silent Night. As we sing this final hymn, we will light our individual candles in a darkened nave. The candles, of course, represent the Light of Christ. By lighting them we are committing to bring the Light of Christ into the world.

Silent Night, holy night, Son of God, loves pure light radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Today, as our Advent candles shine brilliantly amidst their bed of evergreens let us pray that we will continue, as God’s community - as Christopher’s, to seek God’s command of how best to be radiant beams of Christ’s holy face, the Light of Christ in the world. How we will face the challenges of the unknown, of the terrifying and take our candles, our little stars of light, out of these four walls and into our community? To shine the light of hope for all those who live in the dark. To ensure that God’s kingdom knows no end.

 

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that, if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.   Thomas Merton

 

COMMUNITY

“The church is the church only when it exists for others…not dominating, but helping and serving.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 My very favorite thought in all of Scripture is found in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. “…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” (Eph: 1:18)

This one brief but exquisitely poetic phrase summarizes brilliantly all that I have been pondering in my mind over the past several months. Rather jarring thoughts that have emerged as I along with many others seek ways in which the church can adapt and become increasingly relevant in the complex global context in which we live.

In doing this work of discernment I have turned not only to the wisdom of scripture, but also to the compelling voices of several current day theologians who bring to the forefront the urgent need for the church, God’s community, to do the work of flinging open its doors and emerging into solid partnership with a world greatly disturbed but also a world seeking peace.

So…let’s have a look at what has been said by a select few about the mission of God’s beloved people, and importantly, what these thoughts might mean for the people of St. Christopher’s today.

Paul was in prison in Rome around AD 62 when he wrote his Letter to the Ephesians. He began with this exquisite phrase “…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened… you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” 

Dr. Kwok Pui Lan, Dean's Professor of Systematic Theology and Special Advisor to the Dean for Strategic Changes at Candler School of Theology, at It’s All About Love, a recent conference sponsored by the Episcopal Church, passionately preached, “Awake, Arise, Act!”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer just before his death in Flossenberg concentration camp wrote in his book, Ethics, “[The moral life is] an ongoing process of discernment that listens for and responds to the reality of Christ in the world.”

The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in a speech given at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Rally in London's Hyde Park, July 17, 1988, cried out to the thousands who had gathered to hear him speak, “Go forth to make the world a better place for you can make a difference. The task is daunting – of course, but it is a necessary struggle.” 

“Awake, Arise, Act…” 

“…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.”

And then, “Go forth to make the world a better place.” 

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reassures a small, ragged, and struggling community that in recognizing Christ as Lord their church becomes a spirit-filled community that brings the power and the presence of God to the world. A community that becomes the body of Christ and works toward the reestablishment of God’s sovereignty over creation. All are reconciled to God – ALL.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-4)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord…put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph 6:10-11)

Throughout Ephesians Paul underscores again and again the importance of awaking to and acting upon God’s call. The calling to which I, you, we have been called; enduring with love and patience the hardships encountered in going forth as God’s community as we participate in the creation of a better world.       

Dr. Kwok Pui Lan’s exhortation to Awake, Arise, and Act that rang through the convention center at the It’s All About Love conference and Archbishop’s Tutu’s passionate directive to “Go forth…” broadcast to thousands of South Africans suffering under the weight of apartheid both speak to the imperative of initiating long overdue acts of reconciliation. Reconciliation between the Episcopal Church, God’s beloved community, and the many peoples that continue to carry the burden of racism, discrimination, injustice, violence, and the agony of poverty. People who continue to be counted as “less than”, not fully human, unworthy.

Reconciliation that supports equality and justice for all. Reconciliation that brings about a community united by God’s love for all his beloved children.

These stunningly powerful statements demand that we St. Christopher’s Awake, Arise, Act, and Go Forth to make Jesus and his saving grace known throughout the world. They demand that as a community we partner with God’s world to share the love of Jesus; to bring peace to God’s eternal kingdom.

This work is not easy, but it is imperative if the Good News of Jesus Christ is once again to become the central guidepost of our lives.

Paul concludes his Letter to the Ephesians as he writes, “Stand firm…and fasten the belt of truth around your waist and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace…take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 10:13-17) 

Currently we are in the midst of our annual stewardship drive – Rooted in Love, Nurturing Love, Harvesting Hope. Whether large or small, your pledge is a way of saying, “I’m part of this community, and I share in its life and work.” Each pledge will support St. Christopher’s call to enter into God's kingdom work.

Awake, Arise, Act. Put on the whole armor of God and shoes for your feet that will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace…the word of God.

 

 Shalom, Clelia+

 

Is Anything Too Wonderful for the Lord?

 

 

Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? (Gen 18:14) 

In the past writing my monthly contribution for the Lantern has been an easy and joyful task. These monthly articles have given me the opportunity to share with you some of the many thoughts and questions that continually swirl in my daily reflections on the challenges and commitments that face us all as we strive, each in our own ways, to be disciples of Christ in a world that is fast spinning into a concerning unknown.

This month’s contribution, however, has been a definite challenge. Thoughts refuse to assemble easily and neatly onto the page as I struggle to grasp the fast-paced and concerning challenges that emerge each day in an increasingly troubled and chaotic world. In my confusion and concern I have held tightly onto Walter Brueggemann’s chapter, “Ministry Among: The Power of Blessing, in his recently published book, Grace Abounds.

In this chapter, filled with relevant quotes from the Old Testament, Brueggemann makes the point that “While blessing is [understood] as a life-force that produces generative, productive material prosperity that is intrinsic to life-processes themselves, blessing can be bestowed, transferred from one party to another in an almost palpable way. Here we move into a mystery of life that does not admit of scientific or technical explanation. We are closer to a sacramental expression of reality, whereby those who possess God’s life-force in abundance can share and distribute it among others who may be deficient in what is needed for life.” (p. 113)

Just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’, so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.’ For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed. (Gal 3:6-9)

Brueggemann goes on, “The purpose of blessing is not to enhance Israel, nor even to accent the importance of God. It is rather that the community should “work” as more and more people are included in the power of blessing, and so are freed of the dread, deathly force of curse…Thus I propose that “ministry among” consists, as it did for the for the ancestors, in being visibly available with the life-force of a viable future of shalom that will energize and evoke participation by others who still hold other ideological loyalties.” (p. 115)

The blessing of “ministry among” being the key life-force for those who are suffering is at this particular moment in time of critical importance to those of us who seek to identify a path forward. A path that leads to shalom. A path that offers blessing, the blessing that God bestowed on Abraham when he said, “All Gentiles shall be blessed in you.”

Now, more than ever before it is essential that we who are blessed enact our blessing through being “among” those who suffer, bestowing on them, transferring to them the blessing of God’s shalom, of Christ’s compassion, and of our commitment to follow Christ always and in all ways.

It is our call to be a blessing. To offer the blessing of being “among” those who suffer just as the incarnation gave us the blessed gift of Jesus “among” us. This being “among” is not easy and does not necessarily calm the nerves. But it does bring hope to those who suffer and in bringing hope to others, we begin to experience a spark of hope within ourselves, and that spark allows us to move forward continuing our blessed presence in the world. Despite all challenges that is our call – to be a blessing to all.

“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”
― Thomas Merton

Brueggemann, Thomas, Grace Abounds. Westminster John Knox Press, Kentucky. 2024

Does My Mission Glorify God?

 

Does My Mission Glorify God?

The Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity, LCSW – Deacon

A reflection on John 17:6-19, Jesus’ prayer for his disciples

Offered by the Rev. Fadi Diab

This month our Global Mission reflection focuses on the Rev. Fadi Diab as presenter in week seven of the post-Easter video series offered by the Episcopal Church’s Office of Global Partnerships (OGP): Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus: An Easter Journey with Palestinian Christians.   https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/global-partnerships/easter-video-series/?mc_cid=40559f7d83&mc_eid=de3b52ed71

Rev. Fadi Diab is rector of St. Andrew’s Church in Ramallah and St. Peter’s Church, Birziet.

Since the onset of the Israel/Gaza war on October 7, 2023, Fr. Fadi has been a key participant in various forums produced by both the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN) and the OGP. He has been and remains a constant, compelling, and passionate spokesperson for the Diocese of Jerusalem and has offered ongoing updates on the lives of not only Christians but all who live on Jerusalem’s West Bank. I am a huge fan of his and I think you will be too after viewing his reflection. It is Week Seven in the above referenced link.

Throughout this all too brief seven-week series, reflections offered by the Archbishop of Jerusalem and his clergy on the Gospel readings for the weeks following Easter are each in their own way stunning examples of deep faith and courageous theological and spiritual leadership in the midst of tragedy and terror. The series is hosted by the Middle East Partnership Officer for the Episcopal Church, Paul Feheley, a Canadian priest, who has become a good friend over the past several months as we share information and concerns about the Diocese of Jerusalem.

In reflecting on John 17:6-19, Jesus’ most beautiful prayer of concern for his disciples, Fr. Fadi assures us that “Jesus is very much concerned about his disciples, and we know that Jesus is very much concerned about his church today. About the faithful communities, especially the faithful communities that must go through difficult times.” Throughout Fr. Fadi stresses that Jesus continues to walk with us each day and through his relationship with the Father Jesus continually intercedes for us. Every day, even in the midst of pain and suffering and agony, we see God’s love. We see God’s care for people who cannot take care for themselves – the hungry and the sick. We see it in the arrival of food, medication, organizations supporting interventions that seek peace and justice, and of course through the many prayers offered, and the disciples who walk alongside us no matter what challenges they face.

As his reflection continues Fr. Fadi turns his focus to the role of the disciple and ways in which his congregations in their mission as disciples of Christ, despite their own fears and challenges, are finding comfort in compassionately reaching out to others in the community. Fr. Fadi concedes that being a disciple is challenging work. He tells us that “Once we decide to follow Jesus, we need to anticipate challenges, pushback…but that is the mission of the church, to come out of its comfort zone. To challenge injustice; to save lives…We need to continue to minister to those who are devastated...That is the mission of God. That mission is what glorifies God.”

Speaking of his congregants, Fr. Fadi reflected that, “At first they were frightened, angry, but as they began to reach out to others, educating them, revealing the truth, that is when they found their sanctity, the process of sanctification, through serving truth…That is how they consecrated themselves…It has really helped them to heal as they educate others, as they take part in revealing truth…to the world.”

Fr. Fadi concludes this brief, deeply moving reflection with a simple but powerfully thought-provoking charge:

“Our mission is what brings God’s glory. He is glorified in our mission. So, we need to ask ourselves does my mission glorify God?”

Our Constant Light

 

SERMON

Maundy Thursday - March 28, 2024

Several weeks ago, I preached on the gift of the good news proclaimed by Jesus. Good news that points us to the light of Christ. The light of Christ; a light that frees us from the exile of darkness. A light which makes possible our entrance into the kingdom of God’s love, forgiveness, and salvation.

Tonight, I preach about the disappearance of the light. The return to the exile of darkness that engulfs us as we anticipate the crucifixion of Christ. Tonight, the light of Christ will be extinguished. Seemingly eclipsed from our lives. Gone.

I first experienced this devastating eclipse of Christ’s light while visiting one of the largest Episcopal cathedrals in the United States, a massive gothic structure with a sanctuary that accommodated six choir stalls designed to seat 32 singers, chairs for 10 clergy, a 62 rank Austin organ, and a large free-standing altar covered by an intricately designed red and gold silk brocade Jacobean frontal.

The altar cushions displayed brilliant needlepoint designs. Lustrous silver candlesticks and candelabra held golden beeswax candles. Beautifully embroidered linens and multiple light-catching silver flagons and chalices added to the brilliance that surrounded this exquisite space.

The wall behind the altar was dominated by three stained glass panels that soared upward into the vaulted ceiling. These incredible pieces were placed above marble images of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and were framed by intricate stone carvings of assorted designs.

The entire area was bathed in glorious light. The light of Christ.

Throughout the service the incredible voices of the choir and the thrilling music made possible through the various ranks of such a versatile organ transported the entire congregation into a spiritual place well beyond our day-to-day realities.

As the Eucharist drew to a close the many lanterns scattered around the church were dimmed and the candles extinguished. Ever so slowly the priests, deacons, chalice bearers and acolytes began to “strip” the altar and the choir began to chant Psalm 22:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? And are so far from my cry and my words of distress.

O my God, I cry out in the daytime, but you do not answer; by night as well, but I find no rest.

Chalices and all of the other eucharistic vessels were reverently handed to Altar Guild members waiting at a small door that opened onto the sanctuary. The Fair Linen was carefully folded and gently handed to an acolyte. Then the candelabra, the frontal, the cushions, the Altar Book, the prayer books, and the hymnals quietly disappeared, one by one. The ceremony proceeded slowly, gracefully, and tragically. All the while the choir chanted Psalm 22 ever so quietly.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? And are so far from my cry and my words of distress.” 

And then, the chanting drew to a close. The lights dimmed to near blackout. The priest slowly removed the purple veil from the processional cross and then gently, reverently re-veiled the cross in black. At that point the church fell into total darkness and with the processional cross leading, the choir, the clergy, the chalice bearers, and the acolytes solemnly and ever so quietly processed out in silence. As the last in this long line of mourners passed by each row then joined the somber procession.

Out into the darkness went the cross; out into the darkness went the clergy; out into the darkness went the congregation – out into the darkness we all went, following Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane.

No words, no music; no light. The light of Christ extinguished.

I was not alone as I shed tears and felt a painful emptiness in my heart; an emptiness that I had never experienced before. I was not alone when I thought, “Christ is gone; there is no Christ – what will I do?”

In the dark sorrow of the Maundy Thursday stripping of the altar I believe that we, each in our own way, experience a sense of doom and desolation. Jesus has been betrayed; he will be scorned; he will be tortured; he will suffer excruciating pain; he will be nailed to a cross, crucified; he will die an agonizing death.

Tonight, the light of Christ will be extinguished. Darkness will fall upon us. Darkness will invade our hearts and souls. We will experience deep sadness and despair. The Light will have disappeared.

But when that moment of sadness and despair comes upon us, let us remember the words of Genesis 1, “… God said, let there be light; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.” (Gen 1:3-4).

Then let us remember John’s words when he spoke of the arrival of Jesus as God’s agent in the world, “What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

And finally, let us remember Christ’s words when he so wisely proclaimed, “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:15-16)

Christ’s light is God’s light, and God’s light is our light. An eternal light given to us at the beginning of time. An eternal light that pleases God. An eternal light passed on to us by Christ. An eternal light that as a beloved child of God, no matter what the circumstance, we shall carry with us always, in our hearts, in our minds, and in our souls. A light that we are called to shed on others.

This evening, Jesus’ time among us will come to an end. In a few short hours Jesus will ascend and once again be one with the Father. And we, if we have heard his message; have received him into our hearts; have been truly baptized by his Spirit, will follow him on this last journey into the darkness of the garden, through the agony of the crucifixion, and beyond.

In just a few short hours we, you and I, will be the bearers of God’s eternal light. We will be the lamp that gives light to the whole house.

And what then? How do we carry out this enormous responsibility cast upon us not only by Jesus, but also God, the Father. What is our job to be?

In tonight’s gospel Jesus tells his disciples, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will be my servant also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.”

Our responsibility, our salvation, Jesus tells us, is made manifest through being the good servant; through moving in and through and with God as we go about our day-to-day lives. Our words and deeds are to be embedded with the compassion, love, and forgiveness shown us so beautifully by Christ tonight as he washes our feet and feeds us with this last meal. A meal destined to become a sacred remembrance of our lives together.

We are destined to serve the world by pouring forth into the world Christ’s compassion, love, and forgiveness. Compassion, love, and forgiveness generated by the light of Christ that burns deeply and eternally in our hearts.

If, in some small way, we can accomplish this task of serving one another with compassion, love, and forgiveness as Jesus loved, served, and forgave us, I assure you we will be bathed in the light of Christ, God’s light given to us at the beginning of time. We will come to know the peace that passes all understanding; we will understand the meaning of our salvation; we will be true participants in the glory of the Easter resurrection.

Tonight, we follow Jesus on the first steps towards his death – and believe it or not, the star that lights the way, shines more brightly than ever,

I close with a prayer of the Kikuyu  in Kenya - I Have No Words To Thank You

O my Father, Great Elder, I have no words to thank you, but with your deep wisdom I am sure that you can see how I value your glorious gifts.

O my Father, when I look upon your greatness, I am confounded with awe. O Great Elder, Ruler of all things earthly and heavenly, I am your warrior, ready to act in accordance with your will.