The Saints Go Marching On

In 1990, media mogul Ted Turner gave a speech.  It was well, more of a tirade than a speech.   He made his now-famous quip: “Christians are Bozos and Christianity is a religion for losers.” And when you think about the Gospel you just heard you might think that Ted Turner had a point because this gospel suggests that poverty, hunger, rejection and persecution are good things. Those who endure these things are "blessed."  It doesn't help that the word "blessed" can be translated, "Happy are those who are poor - hungry - hated - persecuted. "Why? Because these people who are treated miserably for the sake of Jesus and his kingdom are assured that their, "....reward is great in heaven. So here’s the issue In our "Show me the money,” world - Jesus' words sound like a ploy to keep people in their place. So Ted sees religion as pie in the sky and he wants his pie now. 

In matters financial we are especially blessed to have as the leader of our Vestry, Mr. Vance and Bob never tires of explaining that we must consider our investments for the long haul.  When it comes to money our portfolio is not about a quick fix, or instant gratification, or what you see is what you get. Now let me take a page from Bob Vance’s book and apply his notion to what it means to be a Christian.  Here’s my definition.

Christian people are those who trust their lives and well being to God for the long haul as opposed to resting their hopes in the short-lived gains and comforts of this present world.

Here’s where I need the scouts to help with my sermon.  Would you stand up boys.  Look.  Here I have two quarters. And in this envelope there is a dollar.  I am going to give you a choice.  What would you prefer:  5 dollars today or April 1st ten dollar?  That’s what I thought.  Only about 1 in 10 will hold out for the dollar in the envelope.  It can be hard to wait for good things.  But Christian people are those who trust their lives and well being to God for the long haul as opposed to resting their hopes in the short-lived gains and comforts of this present world.  Let’s take the long view and apply that to today’s Gospel.  At our Bible study yesterday, Dr. Ross pointed out that today’s Gospel is built upon a triangle. The first lower corner of the triangle are those who have got it all right now.  The gospel says “alas for you who are rich, you have your consolation now”.  And then on the opposite corner are the poor, the hungry, and those who weep now. The Gospel says they will be satisfied.   And where are we? We are at the top of the Triangle working to make the Kingdom come.  Because we trust God and because we are in this for the long haul, we are working to make the kingdom come.  And this is how Jesus Christ intended the good work of God's kingdom to get done. The basic idea of Christianity, of the church and of the communion of saints is that a whole lot of people doing something small for the kingdom of God can accomplish more than just a few people doing a lot.  You see if every person in the United States gave one dollar to accomplish something good, the amount raised would be equal to the biggest lottery winning ever. God simply needs every person of faith to do the best they can. That would change the world.  This is the latent power of the Communion of Saints. Every saint doing his or her best, all of us together, we can bring about the kingdom of God on earth.

Why bother?  There is an old Jewish story.  One rabbi and his students studied the sacred writings for a very long time and they carefully figured out every thing that had to be done to bring the Messiah to the earth.  They divided up all the jobs and then planned to meet in the forest at a specific spot in two years when all the preparations were complete.  The day finally arrived and they met in the forest.  But one person was missing.  Guess which one.  It was the old and wise rabbi.  Finally after four hours when it was too late, he showed up.   The students all cried.  What happened, where were you?  We were all ready for the Messiah and you did not come to do your part.  The old man explained.  I was on my way and I passed an alley in the street.  I heard a child crying in that alley and I had to stop and see.  I went back there and by the dumpster was a basket with a child who was hungry and crying.  I had to do something.   I had to go to the supermarket and get some food for that little one. I had to make him eat and take him to someone who would care.  Then the disciples turned and said Rabbi, Rabbi now we have missed the Messiah.  And the Rabbi turned and said, When one child that is hungry, the Messiah can wait.  This Jewish story tells me that we have a lot more work to do, and it says a lot to me about the kingdom, a kingdom that is not truly among us when one child goes hungry.

This is what the feast of all saints is all about—each of us doing our part to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth.  It is also a day to reflect on the hundreds and thousands who have gone on before us, trusting in the promises of Christ and preparing his kingdom. We are in a long line, a procession of people of faith who are rooted in the past and marching to the finish line.  Scouts I want to point out that you, especially you, are a part of that parade we call the Communion of Saints here on earth.  We all labor on for the kingdom of God.  And each of you has a job to do too.  Each of you must become your best self. Don’t say, don’t think, who me?  Each of you is called to be a saint, and don’t forget it.  The rest of the Communion of saints, those in heaven, are cheering you on.  Together with all the saints we sing a song of praise in the presence of God and together we pledge to make his kingdom happen on earth as it is in heaven.

So... are we bozos and  losers?

Not on your life.

Amen.