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| FIRST READING: Daniel 12:1-3The book of Daniel is an example of apocalyptic literature, which is full of strange visions and symbolism. Arising during times of great persecution, apocalyptic literature is concerned with what God has revealed to us about the end time and the coming kingdom of God, when God will vindicate the righteous who have been persecuted. A reading from the book of Daniel: At [the appointed] time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
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SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:11-25Many religious people in the first century had questions about the religion of the early Christians. Hebrews explains how Christianity is based in the Judean religion but also how it is different. A reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Hebrews from The Message translation: 11-18Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. The Holy Spirit confirms this:
This new plan I'm making with Israel
isn't going to be written on paper,
isn't going to be chiseled in stone;
This time "I'm writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts."
He concludes,
I'll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.
Once sins are taken care of for good, there's no longer any need to offer sacrifices for them.
19-21So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.
22-25So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
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Homily for 11/15/09 - based on Gospel Mark 13:1-8 |
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In the gospel today Jesus and the disciples have just left the temple courtyard and are outside the complex. Jesus just finished his teaching that included looking out for what the church leaders are teaching to make sure that it rings true to what they do in their lives and is trustworthy, Also, he had just taught they we need to consider what God gives continually to us when we look to give back.
All of this is focused on our being in touch with God and not letting the world overwhelm us. So, now that his group has just exited the temple they forget the focus and loose the moment. They turn the topic to how wonderful and magnificent are the walls and size of the temple! Jesus has just told them important things to live by and they have let those things fly right out of their heads and let the world overtake them!
There are many times when I look around this historic church and think that we would be far better off without it. Don’t get me wrong: it is a beautiful place, and it holds lots of important memories for all of you. But, this place is just mortar, brick, wood and paste. In and of itself it does not promote ministry but presents the need for much maintenance to keep it safe and presentable.
All a church needs is a place to meet around the act of praising God: the work of worship. Actual ministry can be done in our communities without the obstruction of budget line items for fuel oil, snow removal, janitor costs and such. Whatever offerings are taken in can simply maintain the salary of the local shepherd of the flock, the ministry of the wider church through the ELCA and the rest be used for assisting those in need.
Jesus came to help us focus on what is really important: relationship with God that includes understanding about God. We have the Bible as our reference for how to live, love and hope! If we can center our lives around God, Christ and the Spirit then the distractions of physical things like buildings, cars, clothing, electronics and such take a back seat where they belong: NOT front and center in our lives
| | Caution: The homily you are reading is a working manuscript, only. Come to worship to meet God's Word head-on as the Spirit moves the preaching! |
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