Holy Week, Year C
We want to see Jesus
These Greeks coming to Jerusalem – worshipers of our one God.
Perhaps they saw the procession
Heard the hosannas
Raised their branches in the air
Maybe they threw their cloaks down on the ground.
We want to see Jesus
We heard about the water turned to wine.
We met the woman who had touched his robe.
We encountered Lazarus, raised from the dead.
We want to see Jesus
We hoped he would become the King whose reign would last forever.
We have prayed he’d put an end to the violence and tyranny
We have seen, how he can move a mountain by feeding a multitude.
We want to see Jesus
And we join these Greeks seeking out this Jesus.
We long for an end to war and global terrorism We cry out for suffering in Haiti, Chile, Darfur
We become twisted by the increasingly bitter atmosphere
That seems to be running rampant in our culture.
We want to see Jesus
And so with the Greeks we approach Phillip.
We want to see Jesus.
…………………………………………….
The response they get perhaps is not the expected one. If we learn anything about this Jesus it may be that he often does the opposite of what we expect.
Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone.
But if it dies; it bears much fruit.
Those who love their life (in this world) lose it.
Those who hate their life in this world – will gain it all.
Those who love their life in this world are those who have gotten somewhere by getting one over on someone else.
Those who have made themselves stand out by stepping over another.
Those who have seen only the toothpick in their neighbors eye despite the unseen log in their own.
Those who hate their life - in this world - are those who won't stop until all are fed.
These are those who can't stand to see that not everyone has a seat at the table.
These are those who Speak up, Speak out, and Speak with those whose voices are not heard.
These are the ones who will receive the fullness of life.
……………………………………………….
Wesley Autrey, 50yr old construction worker was waiting for the downtown local at 137th street and Broadway in Manhatten; taking his two daughters 4 and 6 home before work.
Nearby a man collapsed, his body convulsing…stumbled to the edge and fell into the tracks between the two rails. Headlights appeared, had to think quick, he did, and he jumped.
Train brakes squealed Mr. Autrey’s heart pounded, laying on top of Cameron Hollopeter, pressing him into a space about a foot deep.
Five cars rolled over head before the train stopped, grease from the train smudged Autrey’s blue knit cap.
While Cameron had suffered a seizure, he had only bumps and bruises.
Mr. Autrey felt he hadn’t done anything spectacular, he just “saw someone who needed help, and I did it.”
…………………………………………………….
This is what God has done for us in Christ Jesus and it is who Christ has formed us to be – in his body the church.
………………………………………………………
Just as Christ died and was lifted up again, so too new life is given for all who believe – life everlasting and life abundantly.
God’s promise for us is victory over death in order that we might truly live
Our life is found as we give it away to others.
……………………
Autrey’s life has changed.
He was honored last year with a Carnegie Medal for heroism. He launched a foundation aimed at saving kids from the dangers of the streets.
…………………… not immune from brokenness, but held by graciousness.
Our lives are found in the service to others. Our lives are given through the service of others.
…………………………
You have been chosen.
Bears of light
Restorers of the breach
Oaks of righteousness
Pillars of faithfulness
You have been chosen, called, empowered, equipped, to bring salvation to the world.
In the name of Jesus.
Want to see Jesus?
Jesus is sitting across from you, next to you, right by your side.
Want to see Jesus?
I saw her bringing a plate to her mother over here.
Want to see Jesus?
I saw him holding the door for someone over here.
Want to see Jesus?
I see him smiling in the eyes of the children here tonight!
Want to see Jesus?
Jesus is here – for you and me - In you and me.
Amen.
1 comment:
Thank you for publishing this message. I missed it that night and heard many good comments about it and how it touched so many. I see Jesus in so many people at St. John's, in the neighborhood and around the world.
Post a Comment