Sermon in the wake of the Arizona shootings
Posted on Sun, Jan 09 2011
translation of Jan. 9 sermon
The readings we have heard today tell us the story of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by the Prophet John. This is very important now that we are once again starting to read of the life and ministry of Jesus. After the accounts of the birth and childhood of Jesus, we begin here to read about his public ministry. He grew up in the home of Joseph and Mary, but now he starts his adult life.
Just as there were miraculous signs of the presence of the divine in his birth – with angels and stars – also at his baptism the Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove. Today I would like to emphasize the words God said to all who were listening: ‘ this is my beloved son, whom I have chosen.’ Because these words reflect what was written in the book of the Prophet Isaiah: ‘here is my servant whom I hold up, my chosen one, in whom I delight. I have placed my spirit upon him to bring justice to all the Nations. …It will truly be justice. He will not rest nor will he be discouraged until Justice is established on Earth. “(Isaiah 42: 1-5)
What it is this justice that Jesus, the chosen one of God, brings us? Justice is in which in our promises at baptism we swear to participate – to fight for Justice and peace among all peoples and respect the dignity of every human being. We promise to love our neighbor and proclaim the Good News of God in Christ by word and example. The justice God wants and sends us in Christ is when there is equality between all human beings because we are all equal as sons and daughters of God. Justice is accomplished when there is respect for all others in the world, without distinction of race, language or economic situation. The Good News of God in Christ is God loves us so much that he sent his Son to save us and to teach us and give us the example of his loving life.
This is good news. But today I must talk about bad news. Again I want to refer to our baptismal vows. The parents and godparents and if they are older, the candidates themselves, promise to renounce Satan and all the forces of evil who rebel against God and to reject the malignant powers of this world which God’s creation and God’s creatures. In Arizona yesterday we saw the forces of evil and evil powers in action. Six people, including a Congressman, a 9 year old girl who wanted to be involved in politics, and a federal judge, were shot by a young person affected by the climate of violence and hatred that exists in this country and the world now.
I cannot approach the altar without asking God pardon for the words and actions in our society which are taking us so far away from God’s love. As members of this society we have responsibility for the violence and hatred that surround us. There is a temptation to criticize and blame the right wing in politics. Those who seed hatred in their radio and television programs. Those who use images and words of hatred and violence against immigrants and against those in the Government who are supporting the human rights of the poor, elderly, children and people of all races and colors. Those who don’t care about the basic rights of health and education of all members of our society. Only God can judge them, but these people I call to take responsibility for their words and actions.
But if we want to change our society I think all of us also need to reflect on our attitudes and actions. I see in my life that I gradually withdraw from situations in which I think I am going to find people whose words and actions are critical to my family or my friends or my values of equality and love. I don’t want to put myself in situations that hurt my heart. This Christmas I didn’t want to be with people who say racist things to my bi-cultural family or behind their backs. It is reasonable to do this to protect them and me. But we need to reflect.
How often do we only go to parties, meetings or other events when we know that only people like us will be there? It is good to celebrate holidays and events of our culture in family orin community. But we also need to ensure we’re not isolating ourselves from others in the community who have a different culture and customs. And we must be very careful that we do not take advantage of the moments when we are alone with others who think like us to say violent or hateful things to those who do not.
Admittedly, most of the hatred comes from the other side and against us. I say us because my daughter and her husband and their family are Latino and my dearest friends are you and other latinos I know in this community and in other parts of the country and the world. Hatred and violence are all too often directed against immigrants and those who speak on their behalf. Against you, my family and me.
But we are Christians and are called by God to act in a very different way. We are called to fight for justice and peace among all peoples and to respect the dignity of every human being. We are called to love our neighbor. This is not easy. It is the work of a lifetime. The Prophet Isaiah makes us understand that ‘we will not rest nor will our spirits fail until justice is established on Earth.’
A small example of what I’m talking about was our bi-lingual service on Christmas Eve, the 24th. It would have been easy to say that the English-speaking congregation does not know us, or understand us, and perhaps to fear that some may hate us. The same would have been true for them. But we made the effort to search for what unites us rather than for what divides us. We shared the miracle of the birth of our Savior. We shared the joy of children at Christmas. We shared the message of love and salvation. Our country and our community needs more encounters like this.
In this season of Epiphany is important to remember what a Congressman said this morning to the press which was that as a community we need to ensure that light will overcomedarkness. We are called by God to build a community filled with the light of God’s love. This should be our New Year’s resolution. This must be the promise we renew today: to persevere in resisting evil; to love our neighbor as ourselves; and to respect for the dignity of every human being.
Amen.