October 19, 2008 Sermon
This page is offered for those unable to attend the service or who would like more time to study the message.
Proper 23 - A / Stewardship 1
October 12, 2008 Allan Conkling
Jesus loved to tell stories and teach in parables. He was a master. So I am always disappointed when I get to Matthew's version of today's Gospel. Luke’s version (Lk 14:16) is a parable of hospitality. It is simpler and probably closer to what Jesus really said:
Once upon a time someone gave a party and invited lots of guests. They all turned down the offer, so he went to the streets and alleys and brought in beggars and outcasts and gave the party to them. They were surprised and honored.
By contrast Matthew has taken Jesus story and turned it into a "Bridezilla" party that no one would want to attend! The King is made to be God: arrogant and prone to violent temper outbursts. People turn him down and he kills them! So much for God's love! The outcasts were invited, yes, but not before one poor fellow was bound hand and foot and thrown out, and for what? Not being dressed right. Of course he wasn't dressed right…he was a street-person!
I do understand that Matthew had his own issues with which to contend. The Roman Empire for one, had about as much regard as we hold for the Federal Government today... "Trust me, I'll take care of everything!" The nation had become selfish; its leaders corrupt; its people greedy and worldly. People had turned their backs on God and had become lax in their faith. They had forgotten those at the margins, and turned their back on the poor. Matthew was speaking prophetically when he says that many seem to be called but few seem to "get it" when it comes to their faith.
So what does all this have to do with us? Today at Emmanuel we are kicking off our annual Stewardship Campaign. In a bit you will hear Barbara Jackson talk about what Emmanuel means to her. Those who have been here for a while will tell you that this place is here today because folks have cared enough over the years to keep their priorities straight; to give sacrificially to return to God a portion of what they were themselves given. For that we are truly thankful. Moreover, it will be our gift to the next generation to leave this place as, or better than, we have received it. I don't want to be legalistic about Stewardship--I do want to stress our responsibility as Christians to keep our priorities in order. To be thank-full, joy-full as we pledge to the church. For what we are doing is releasing this church to be all that God would have it be.
If you are new to Emmanuel, or have not ever "officially" supported your church let me encourage you this year to "get on board." All indications are our nation and our families are going to be under financial, emotional and spiritual attack in the months ahead. There is as general feeling of malaise that is palpable. I feel like we are going to the polls in just a couple of weeks a bit like a lamb going to slaughter. If you are one of the investors (and we all are) who lost an estimated $2.4 Trillion on Wall Street last week, you know that things will probably get worse before they get better.
But here we march to a different drum. To invest in the Church, to re-dedicate your life to God and to the service of Jesus Christ is to invest in something that you know is going to be good. It’s better than stocks, and definitely more stable than a barrel of oil! I’ll tell you who to vote for...I want you to vote for the Lord!
Paul's letter to the Philippians (today’s NT reading) seems so profound. Make it your mantra:
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things...and the God of peace will be with you.
That's good stewardship. That is life.
Copyright © 2003 Emmanuel Episcopal Church. All rights reserved.
Revised: 10/27/08