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Recent Sermons
Trinity 8 – Sermon: Mark 6 30-34, 53- 56
Have you ever felt completely drained, as though you were running on empty? Last year, during a particularly stressful period, I experienced this first hand.
Perhaps today’s gospel may seem a little dry compared to the dramatic readings we have had over the past few weeks. However, l believe it provides us with an important message about human flourishing which should concern us all. Many dramatic things happen in the sixth chapter of Mark’s gospel. Jesus is rejected in his hometown. He sends the twelve on a mission. John the Baptist is killed. Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on water. And perhaps the message about health and well-being stands out all the more because it is contrasted with such a period of intense activity.
My experience of feeling completely drained crystallised during a course about mental health provided by the Diocese of London last year. We were asked to explore stress in our own lives. The trainer explained that each person has what she called a stress funnel. Everyone has a different capacity in that funnel. However large our capacity, if the stress funnel is too full and runs over, we will become ill.. We were each asked to write down the elements in our stress funnel. Mine contained the following: retiring from my business, moving to another country, the huge busy-ness for clergy of Holy Week and Easter and the death of a close friend whose funeral I was due to take the following week. When I wrote it all down, it looked like quite a lot of things! And I realised that I needed to take some action.
This is what Jesus and the disciples are doing when he says : “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile.”. ‘For many were coming and going and they had no leisure even to eat.’ Jesus and the disciples must have felt inundated with the constant press of the crowds demanding his attention. Jesus was, just like us, fully human. He felt hunger and thirst, pain, sorrow, tiredness and stress, as we do, and needed to rest.
Jesus is neither upset nor annoyed that the crowds manage to find the ‘deserted place’ he’s heading to and get there ahead of him. He knows that they are interrupting his retreat because they are desperate to be helped and healed, and because they believe he can provide them with the relief they need. ‘He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd’.
Jesus’ reaction is not just about kindness and sensitivity. . He knows that these people are being denied justice and well-being in the domination system in which they live. It says in our translation that Jesus ‘ had compassion on them’ but this doesn’t quite get across the sense of the Greek word which is ‘splagchnizomai’. ‘Splagchnizomai’ means a really gut-wrenching feeling, something visceral. Jesus feels this way because people are vulnerable in a predatory world in which nobody cares much for human dignity. We saw the fecklessness of Herod Antipas in the murder of John the Baptist. Time and time again in Mark’s gospel we see Jesus coming up against the domination system of Rome, aided and abetted by local powerful people, including the Jewish authorities. What we see throughout this gospel is not Jesus criticising Jewish law – he was a devout Jew – but rather a domination system which ran roughshod over ordinary people. What kind of society places people in that position? Certainly not a society which values human flourishing.
Human flourishing is a multi-faceted concept which goes beyond mere happiness or satisfaction. It encompasses living a life that is meaningful and characterised by a sense of purpose and achievement. Strong supportive relationships and a sense of belonging within a community are vital. At a financial level, human flourishing means being able to meet basic needs and pursue opportunities. It means good physical health, vitality and energy. It means living in a safe, sustainable environment.
The concept of health and wholeness are integral to Mark’s gospel. As we’ve seen in the last few weeks, this goes well beyond physical restoration to reflect a holistic understanding of wholeness which includes spiritual, social and psychological dimensions. Healings in Mark are a sign of the in-breaking of the kingdom of God, addressing every aspect of human brokenness. Jesus is the ultimate healer whose mission is to restore wholeness to all of creation. His healings are acts of compassion which reveal his divine authority and the Gospel’s power to transform lives.
Following Jesus is a journey which is not just about physical healing, but about wholeness in its wider context through relationship with him. When Jesus heals people of their ailments, his acts are not just a symbol of the salvation he offers through belief in him. They are part of that salvation.
Salvation isn’t a word we use much in contemporary conversation, yet I think it should concern us deeply. Salvation isn’t something we can put off thinking about until another day; nor is it a wholly spiritual concept. It addresses the totality of human existence – physical, spiritual, emotional and relational. It’s not a one-off event that happens to us when we die, but an ongoing process of transformation; holistic well-being in our present life – which may or may not encompass physical health; and a future hope of being united with God in a state of perfect peace and joy in a resurrected body which will not grow old and decay as our earthly bodies do.
Jesus is saying that it’s OK not to be OK. This is not always easy for us to act on or admit to. There’s a very British response to a question about our health- ‘I’m fine thanks’ which can often be quite far from the truth. When I broke my elbow a few months ago, I was most definitely not OK for a while, and struggled to do the most basic things, like cut my food, squeeze toothpaste out of a tube and so on. I had to acknowledge that I needed help with these things. And my own vulnerability. . I visit people whose physical health is probably only going to deteriorate rather than ever improve. And I often find these visits inspirational. Many people in this situation are finding joy and fulfilment in their lives despite their physical limitations.
And of course there’s a responsibility of any church that conducts ministry in Jesus’ name to follow in his footsteps. Yes, it’s our duty to teach and learn the Word of God, to pray and to belong to our community. But if we are to have that same compassion that Jesus exhibited, we can’t be content with only preaching the gospel to the already converted. We must also attempt to meet the pressing social needs of others, even if few of these people ever become members of the church. In our Council away day a couple of months ago, it decided that we should offer some outreach to those who may be isolated or living alone. The idea is a community café which would be open to everyone offering tea, cake and company for anyone who would like to come along. Already there are 7 or 8 people from the Davida residential home who are interested. I have been involved with a similar initiative in my last parish and it brought joy and friendship to many people. But we can’t do it without helpers. I haven’t been knocked over in the rush so far. . So if you think you might be able to help with this, then please talk to me. We’ll need people to serve drinks, make or buy cake and talk to the guests.
Today we have explored the profound message in Mark 6 about the necessity for rest and renewal, the deep, gut-wrenching compassion of Jesus and the holistic nature of the healing he offers. We’ve seen that Jesus understands our human limitations and calls us to find rest in him. We’ve also reflected on the ways Jesus’ compassion challenges us to seek justice and support for those around us.
As we leave today, let us carry with us the assurance of Jesus’ unfailing love and care. He understands our struggles whatever they may be and is with us in every moment of stress and need. And we shouldn’t forget the call to extend that same compassion to others, supporting our community and contributing to the well-being of those in need. Together, we can create a space where everyone can experience the love and healing power of Christ.
Mtr Fiona Jack – Chaplain
Trinity 7 – 2 Samuel 6
We heard in the reading this morning about a death of one who touched the Ark of the Covenant.
What was this Ark?
The Ark of the Covenant we read in the old testament was the ornate, gold-plated wooden chest that in biblical times housed the two tablets of the Law given to Moses by God. It also contained a Jar of Manna and Aaron’s Rod The Ark rested in the Holy of Holies inside the Tabernacle of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem and was seen only by the high priest of the Israelites on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
The Levites (priestly functionaries) carried the Ark with them during the Hebrews’ wanderings in the wilderness. However it was only ever carried by priests with poles much as the effigies are carried through the streets on Fiesta Days here in Tenerife with no one allowed to touch the actual Ark o0n pain of death. Following the conquest of Canaan, the Promised Land, the Ark resided at Shiloh, but from time to time it was carried into battle by the Israelites. Taken to Jerusalem by King David, it was eventually placed in the Temple by King Solomon. The final fate of the Ark, despite the best efforts of Indiana Jones, is unknown. I fear that as it would now be some 3000 years old I doubt that the wood would have stood the ravages of time..Also the Manna would have perished.
Manna now there’s an interesting subject – a white edible substance found in the Dessert – modern science may have hit on a clue as to its origin. In particular, there is a scale insect that feeds on tamarisk, the Tamarisk manna scale insect the secretions of which are often considered to be the prime candidate for biblical manna. At the turn of the twentieth century, Arabs of the Sinai Peninsula were selling this substance as man es-simma, roughly meaning “heavenly manna”. Tamarisk trees were once comparatively extensive throughout the southern Sinai, and the honeydew produced by the Tamarisk manna scale is similar to wax, melts in the sun, is sweet and aromatic (like honey), and has a dirty-yellow colour, fitting somewhat with the biblical descriptions of manna. However, being mostly composed of sugar, it would be unlikely to provide sufficient nutrition for a population to survive over long periods of time, and it would be very difficult for it to have been compacted into cakes.
The entire Tabernacle complex—whose specifications were dictated by God, according to what we read—consisted of a large court surrounding a comparatively small building that was the Tabernacle proper. The court, enclosed by linen hangings, had the shape of two squares. In the centre of the eastern square stood the altar of sacrifice for burnt offerings; nearby stood a basin holding water used by the priests for ritual ablutions. The corresponding position in the western square was occupied by the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle was constructed of tapestry curtains decorated with cherubim. The interior was divided into two rooms, “the holy place” and “the most holy place” (Holy of Holies). The outer room, or “holy place,” contained the table on which the bread of the Presence (shewbread) was placed, the altar of incense, and the seven-branched candelabrum (menorah). The inner room, or Holy of Holies, was thought to be the actual dwelling place of the God of Israel, who sat invisibly enthroned above a solid slab of gold, Known as the mercy seat, that rested on the Ark of the Covenant and had a cherub at each end.
The High Priest, and he alone, was allowed to enter this Holy of Holies on the one day of the year and then offer to God the blood of the sacrifice scattering a few drops onto the Mercy Seat, This action was totally secret with only the High Priest there.
The remainder of the priests were in the outer area of the Tabernacle, Whilst the remainder of the Israelites were kept outside. I ponder as to whether they were satisfied by just being kept ‘away from the action’?
Have you ever been dissatisfied with a worship service? I’m sure not here in All Saints Church but maybe somewhere else. Today I want to talk about the “right” way to worship. But in case you get me wrong, I’m not talking about the method or form of words. There is no one right method of worship. Rather I’m talking about our attitude of worship. What makes worship meaningful for us? Let’s learn a little about our worship this morning from what we can read about David and the Israelites.
Let’s look first at Characteristics of worship –
In Old Testament times worship was corporate – whole house of Israel – worship can be done individually, but this morning I’m talking about corporate worship. In the Old Testament it was the nation; in the New Testament we look at the church. God designed a corporate dynamic to worship – we gather together to bring praise to God.
* Worship was initiated by a leader – we see David is here the one who leads the people in their worship of the Lord. God desires all things in the church to be done decently and in order. He does not want mass confusion, but to have structured worship. That’s not to say there can’t be spontaneity, but not chaos.
* Worship involved great energy – we read often they were celebrating with all their might – in a good worship service, you should involve yourself as a participant, not just a spectator. We don’t need to perspire, it’s not a football match, to have good worship, but neither do we need to avoid physical expression.
* Worship involved awareness of the presence of God – before the LORD – as they give their praise, they are aware of God’s presence. Far too often we come to worship and never meet with the LORD.
I recall couple of stories – a little boy knelt by his bed one Sunday night and prayed, “Dear Lord, I had a great time at church today. You should have been there!”, or sometimes we are like the Children’s Church leader – in telling her class about Solomon’s building the temple, the children were inattentive. Until, she mentioned that when the temple was finished the presence of the Lord filled the temple. The children got all excited. She soon discovered though, that their excitement was not the joy that God had come to dwell with man, but their delight in thinking about a huge building filled with presents from God.
–which would you rather have? The presence of God, or presents from God??
We also read that Worship involved singing – celebrating . . . with songs – praise is really a celebration. The Jews are a people who know how to celebrate. David was a gifted musician who wrote hundreds of songs. Everyone likes singing – we just don’t all like the same type of singing. One of the biggest areas of fighting in the church is not over who gets to teach Junior Church, or who encouraged the most people to come to All Saints, or who gets to sit in the back pew. It’s over the style of music we sing. Some think we should speed up the music and speed up the sermon. Others think we should slow down the music and still speed up the sermon!
Guess what – if you come into worship one Sunday and we’re singing songs that don’t move you don’t worry, Why?? Because your brother or sister in Christ might be moved to love God more and serve him by the music that doesn’t speak to you heart. Next week the songs that don’t minister to them might inspire your heart! Let’s not fight about music styles, but be one in the spirit!
It is okay to use a variety of instruments in our worship. Some people think there can be no instruments, or only just a piano or organ. Now I’ll be the first to admit, David never used a synthesizer or electronic keyboard – but if he had one, he wouldn’t have had anywhere to plug it in . However I’ve heard Assorted instruments = guitar, drums. Trumpets, bagpipes Harps etc all used to good effect so if any of you want to volunteer with a suitable instrument let us know.
David and the Israelites enter Jerusalem giving shouts of praise to the LORD. I’m not saying we should be shouting in the church service, but it is a shame that sometimes we get more excited about ball games than we do the eternal destiny of our closest friends. We need to care a little less about Spanish or English Football Teams (I know which I’ll be supporting) and a little more about the people of this Island and All Saints Church.
As to choice of hymns you will have noticed that recently we have been including in our services hymns that are not in the red books, the ministry team would appreciate your feedback on these. I also remind you of our ‘singalong’ we need your favourite hymns as soon as possible so that the music co-ordination team can find scores etc.
As many of you here will have been brought up with Church Services and worship as laid down on the old book of common prayer= Morning Prayer, Holy Communion, Evensong (Possibly the most moving service in its Sung form) I am pleased to let you know that a new version has been published to include prayers for our new King Charles III. This book still has all the ‘old’ prayers etc. However here in All Saints we have moved further back – at our Midweek celebration we have started using a Celtic form of Eucharist which I think is easier to follow and I would invite you all to come and sample our ‘new’ old Celtic service at 10:00 on Wedenesday.
I come back to Worship in general and repeat the question Have you ever been dissatisfied with a worship service?
I know I have – in a large cathedral with a huge organ and a big choir all hidden behind a beautiful carved wooden screen but no sound system. The congregation sitting in the Nave heard the singing and the music however they were not expected to take part. Just like a theatre audience or the tribes if Israel not allowed into the tabernacle and not join in with the service. I am minded of the recent Coronation of King Charles in Westminster Abbey – I’m sure that those seated in the Nave couldn’t see what was happening in the Choir and High Altar area. I think those watching on Television saw more of the ceremonial, On the other end of the spectrum I have felt most fulfilled with a service held in a small welsh village where the congregation was encouraged to join in all the psalms, chants, hymns and prayers. I only hope that here in All Saints Church we fall into the latter category. Amen.
Peter Lockyer – Reader
Previous Midweek letters/Sermons may be found on this link.
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