“Do not be afraid, little flock”

Yesterday, there were tourists everywhere.  A voice in my head said, why not open the front door of the church so that folks can come in and be refreshed in our beautiful church.  Within 2 minutes a man was knocking on the office door and he needed help.  One of the most moving parts of being a priest is to be able to listen to the concerns in people’s lives.  This fellow was on the road and his shirt was soaked through and he told his story.  This man had his issues, it doesn’t matter really what they were, but the main thread that ran through his story and almost all the stories any priest hears is fear. 

 

And that is what the Gospel is about today: Fear.  Jesus says do not be afraid.  So much of our lives would make sense if we asked the question, “What are you afraid of?”

 

Fear enters in when we realize that much of life is a mystery and that we can’t master it.  We can’t master our health, our loved ones or even our own emotions.  Whenever we realize that we aren’t in charge we have fear.  No one wants to be called a chicken or a coward, so we hide our fear.  We’re good at that.  But hiding fear is like a game of bop the mole.  Fear raises its head somewhere else or in some other guise.

 

Jesus knows us so well and he says today “do not be afraid.”  Dave Barry once said, "All of us are born with a set of instinctive fears--of falling, of the dark, of lobsters, of falling on lobsters in the dark, or speaking before a Rotary Club, and of the words "Some Assembly Required." Jesus knows our own personal fears, even our most hidden fears.  And yet he speaks to us and says “Do not be afraid little flock us his little flock.  We just don't believe those words, "be not afraid little flock. In the midst of our fears Jesus tries to give us confidence: “It is my Father's good pleasure to give you his kingdom." In other words Jesus offers us a trade off.  I'll give you the kingdom, but you will need to give me everything else."  Did he mean lay it on the street corner and walk away?  Well, in some instances yes, but most likely no.  I am perhaps more than anyone, that those who are careful and dedicated to their financial well being have the power to be generous to the Church and to the poor.   I am aware of this because Nativity Church has burned through a lot of money this summer.  We put a new roof on Hunter hall which repaired our many leaks.  We also made the wise investment of replacing our deteriorating windows and because of their insulating value, these windows will soon pay for themselves. Even though these were necessary improvements, it is frightening to spend so much money.  IF Jesus is right in today’s Gospel, we should have confidence because we have expended this money on our Church to fulfill our mission.  We have expended money to guarantee that Nativity would be a house of worship for all people and for years to come.  By supporting Nativity Church, you have fulfilled our Lord’s command. For in today’s Gospel, Jesus said:

Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

 

  I commend you for supporting Nativity.  But we have more work to do.  We have to convert one of our bathrooms to a handicap accessible bathroom.  Our membership is changing and this is a top priority because it is an important step in building and growing our church. 

 

In the Gospel, Jesus bids us not to fear.  Jesus means that we not fear scarcity in our ministry here at Nativity Church. We are trained to think that abundance is not real or not plausible. But Jesus tells us that he has come to give us life and to give it abundantly. Yes we have our hurdles, but Jesus reminds us: From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. I urge to think and to talk among you about how we may complete the work God has given us to do to fulfill our ministry and vocation.  And I ask you to join me in the prayer that is on the back of the bulletin.  

 

O God, you have created all things by the power of your Word, and you renew the earth by your Spirit: Give now the water of life to those who thirst for you, that they may bring forth abundant fruit in your glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.