June 1, 2008 Sermon
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Proper 4 - A
Gen. 6-8; Rom. 1-3 Emmanuel, San Angelo
June 1, 2008 Allan Conkling
There is story about a guy who went out to play golf with his boss and some important business associates. Anxious to impress his friends, he bought new clothes, new golf shoes and a whole set of new clubs. When he got to the first tee, he addressed the ball, took a practice swing, addressed the ball again, and took his swing...and missed the ball completely. Totally embarrassed he set himself again, took a practice cut, looked at the ball, took his swing...and once again missed the ball completely. He looked over at his friends and said, "This sure is a tough course, isn’t it?"
Life is a tough course!
Last night and over the weekend most high schools in our area sent a new crop of graduates into the world, full of hopes and dreams but (from an old person’s point of view) without a clue as to what challenges await them once they cross that stage. Today we honor and send out our latest EFM graduates. Here too they will tell you that, even after 4 years of study and reflection, and a lovely certificate of completion, there is still so much they do not know.
And of course any time we baptize a child, the future is entirely open. Parents and godparents take on the daunting challenge of raising their child as a Christian.
Was there ever a time when going forth into the world was any easier? No I don’t think so. The river of life unlike the lazy Concho is always filled with raging currents, rising tides, eddies and dangerous whirlpools. One moment we seem to have things all under control, the next moment we are drifting rudderless with waves crashing over the bow, threatening to capsize.
Our nation, that that noble ship of state seems to be in perilous waters right now. We are crammed to the gunwales with every sort and condition of human animal each vying for their own space. Trying to find peace on Noah's Ark must have been bad enough and certainly quite gamey...but that was tame compared to what we as a country face now. Not two by two do we come together, but millions by millions; with millions more wanting to climb aboard. Forces of evil assail us from outside and even inside. What will come of us?
What's worse, none of our trusted institutions seem to be exempt from the forces of change. Things we have worked so hard for seem to fall like the foolish man's house build upon the sand. Even our Church is shaken. We try to shore up the walls and resist the advance of time, but eventually we know that all will be futile. That can make us angry and frustrated. We want to lash out and blame others. Or abandon it all.
So what can we do and where is our hope? Our hope is right here:
"I will establish my covenant with you," says God to Noah. "God justifies the one who has faith in Jesus," says Paul to the Romans.
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock," says Jesus to us all.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change. Though the mountains topple to the depths of the sea. Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult...The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."
Sure it is rough. Yes we are challenged. Who can be prepared to face the world? Who does not hope for the best yet fear the worst for the next generation? I know I did with my kids. Still we go forth, and still we send them.
Hold fast to the rock of our salvation.
Continue in the Apostles teaching...
Persevere in resisting evil...
Proclaim by word and example...
Seek and serve others...
Strive for justice and peace...
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Revised: 06/09/08