Sermon: The Forteenth Sunday after Trinity: Baptism

Preacher:

Date:

Sunday 9th September 2012

Service:

Eucharist

Readings:

James 2:1-10

Mark 7:24-end

Baptism: Sunday 9^th September – James 2:1-10, 14-17; Mark 7:24-end

A couple of weeks ago, in preparation for baptism, I asked Catherine why we light candles, she replied: we can put them on birthday cakes and when we blow them out we make a wish.

She’s right of course. We’ve all done it. Though some of us might not want to admit how many candles we ought to have. Candles are a sign of celebration. Today, Freddie and Tobias and Catherine will all receive a candle which reflects God’s promise, or wish for them.  Lit from our Easter candle, the light they receive is a light to guide them into new life with Christ.  It’s a sign of God’s faithfulness, and presence with us.

We walk with them in the light of Christ and share God’s wishes for us.  His promise to us is revealed in the ordinary stuff of creation, in water and oil, bread and wine.  His purposes for us are heard in the words of Scripture and expressed in human action.  In taste and touch and sight we sense God’s love and peace and blessing.  We are invited into a new pattern of life rooted in God’s love.

Tobias, Catherine and Freddie rely on parents, godparents for their emotional and physical needs. Their lives will be shaped by those they’ve not yet me.  We are the body of Christ, their extended family. We are to encourage and support them – and Jane and Daniel, Katie and Chris, Annie and Graham their parents – as we walk in the light and love of God.

We glimpse the meaning of that love in today’s Gospel: its generosity, transformative power and radical inclusivity.  It’s the kind of love that is expansive, unsettling and life changing. 

Jesus’ had focused on preaching to the people of Israel. He called them to turn back to God’s ways and made manifest God’s kingdom.  He retreats from the crowds and seeks solitude.  But he cannot escape notice. A gentile woman bows before him, and appeals for help.  This encounter marks a turning point in his ministry.

Because of her race, gender, religious practice and proximity to a sick daughter, she would’ve been regarded as unclean.  She stands outside the scope of Jesus’ ministry up until that point.

Commentators try to lessen the shock of Jesus’ words by suggesting that he was provoking a response, joking or using the word dog as an affectionate diminutive. But the phraseology of Jesus’ response echoed the prevalent assumptions about who constituted the people of God. 

However, something about his tone or manner draws out of the woman a challenging, quick witted and confident repost.  Taking the logic of his remark to the next imaginative level, she observes that surely household the animals feed on the crumbs that fall from the table.

Yes, God’s children (the people are Israel) are the focus of Jesus teaching. In word and deed he fulfils the law and the prophets.  But his words are misunderstood, dismissed or fall on deaf ears.  Yet, those same words and deeds call out a response from humanity on the margins.  They are longing for healing and eager to engage. In them God fulfils his promise to restore men and women to wholeness.  The gift of abundant life emerges from hurt and brokenness.

The woman’s faith, trust and willingness to take a risk are met with healing and compassion.  Jesus’ ministry finds a different focus; his purpose is intensified.  In word and touch he fulfils the promise of Isaiah.  The eyes of the blind are opened; speech isunleashed. A daughter is liberated from darkness; the vulnerable are brought into community.

In this service we recall God’s love and faithfulness to us.  As water is outpoured we give thanks for the gift of life; for the power of God’s spirit sustaining us. We recall the utter generosity of God’s love and its power to forgive.  In Jesus’ life, death and resurrection we affirm that humanity is made in the image of God, that sin is defeated and that we are called to respond to the promise of eternal life.

The joy of that promise is made real for us today.  Together with parents and godparents we affirm our commitment to continue on our journey of faith – turning away from all that is selfish, destructive, mean-spirited and embracing the challenge to live in love.  Turning away from sin; embracing abundant life. It’s an exciting trajectory – from x-y.

We are challenged and transformed.  Today is not just about the words that we say; but the way we live.  Baptism is a gift of God.  It is an expression of our faith, and of God’s faithfulness. Catherine, Tobias and Freddie do not begin this life long journey alone.  Like us, they will rely on the encouragement and hospitality of this community of faith. It is our responsibility to share in joy, and curiosity; to celebrate their zest for life; to comfort them in disappointment.

Christianity is a practical way of life, and Christ is our teacher and guide.  He is our light. From him we learn what it is to love our neighbour as our self. The Gospel speaks of an expansive love, a breadth and depth of compassion which is compelling and inclusive. Likewise, we are not to show favouritism based on worldly distinctions; we are not to dishonour some by currying favour with those who have wealth or status or influence.  Such partiality in our behaviour contradicts God’s wish for us.

God’s promise is that we are loved and forgiven and sustained in the life by his spirit.  God’s wish for us is that we grow in that love in such a way that we meet the practical needs of our neighbours.  Tobias, Freddie and Catherine will be blessed by a variety of gifts, skills that you are only just beginning to discover; their individuality – the quirks of their personalities – will enrich and shape our common life. We journey with them. We promise to support them that they will share with us in the fulfilment of God’s kingdom: a kingdom where justice, compassion and joy flourish.