Are You Prepared? - Matthew 25 - Proper 27A

Are you prepared?

Tony E Hansen

Sermon based upon Matthew 25:1-13; Psalm 70; Joshua:24 1-3,14-25

Opening prayer

When I was growing up, I was part of this organization called the Cubs Scouts. Unfortunately, this org has been tainted by decades of corruption and abuses. We were however taught a few things like the three-finger salute, earning badges through works of character, an oath to God, country and to others to “do your best” and surrounding this was this lofty thing called being prepared.

That if somehow one got caught in the woods somewhere, you just might have a chance of finding your way out. We would learn things like how to make fire from sticks and rocks or which leaves you don’t touch.

Nonetheless, I never got lost in the woods (yet) and these days we can whip out a device with a map and encyclopedia. The mantra of being prepared stayed. 

Today, when I go cycling, I check my water bottles, snacks, charged lights and air in tires. (Something that we impressed upon Dream Team youth.) 

Anyone who trains for an event (whether RAGBRAI or otherwise), you do things to prepare, but there is the inevitable question.

Is that enough? How would I know?

Matthew 24-25 with these parables telling us about preparing for the end: the eschatological discourse. Why do we spend time talking about the end of times?  It can be a grim topic but there is value in preparing ourselves for the inevitable. 

Ten people were given a task : to wait for a bridegroom that arrives late. Hold onto that for a minute.

Yet the focus of the parable is not about the bridegroom but these bridesmaids who fall asleep waiting for this late person. Some were wise and brought oil for their lamps and some did not.

The foolish then go buy oil for their lamps, and while doing that, the groom shows, the banquet begins, and the door shuts. The foolish did not get back in time. 

Why didn’t they just stay? Why did the “wise" tell them to go buy some oil at that moment ? Why was the groom late? Why didn’t they have torches instead of lamps? Aren’t we supposed to share with people?

For us, are we prepared?  Many of us who go to church regularly and say our prayers routinely, we think “I am in the clear and ready.”  

Yet, even my dad (for whom mass on Sunday was not optional and prayers were required in the house) when his time came, he asked, “did I do enough?”

There is an answer (not my answer), and the question remains. When the time comes for us, what is God’s answer to your inquiry?  

Rather, are you prepared for the answer that is waiting for you - every day and any time?

Anything could happen to us at anytime. We are not to be scared of this fact, but instead mindful, that what we do in the present and what we have done matters. That whatever screw ups we have done, we make amends where possible.

Even more than that, being prepared is being mindful that what we do today (and now) is important.

What are you doing today to better your relationship with God, with love, peace, forgiveness and faith? What are you doing to better your relationship with your neighbors?

Are we just decorating our lives with symbols and tokens, but not actually living the words we raise?  

People adorn their homes with plaques and phrases like Joshua 24:15b “to serve the LORD” without understanding the context from which the verse comes to us. Read the questions that Joshua poses again. There is a choice offered as well as questions.  

Also, what does it mean to “serve the LORD.”?

Saying the correct prayers with correct words and attending worship on Sunday. That is nice and great to see you in church but then what?  Does it end there ? 

Do we leave God in the church pews or do we walk with God into the world and into our conversations and interactions with each other? Not as boastful religious zealots, but living with God in the heart, breath, and our actions.

It doesn’t matter with whom we interact: what they wear, how they speak, with whom they love or from where they live. God wants us to treat each other with dignity, grace, love and non-judgment - even when they irritate us. 

Yes, take God with you into the world. Don’t just invite God for special occasions, for church or plaques on the wall.

That means the lessons we read and hear in worship ought be guiding us in the rest of our lives. Live the gospel.

Parents have a great job here because you can teach your children to do this as well. Be the walking demonstration of this.

I have seen whole families join us at UBFM for food prep and going out on the routes. What a beautiful way to spend family time and teach each other about the world around us - as well as showing extravagant welcome - one burrito at a time. 

We don’t necessarily need oaths and mottos like the Cub Scouts. Let God work and guide you. 

Prayer books are fine and useful. Pray and do what is in your Spirit-led heart.

That is how we prepare. That is something we all need to do, regardless of training. 

There is a path for us and Jesus lights the lamps with divine fire.

For us who screw up, God is there with forgiveness for you.

Then, be the face of God to people who need to see God today and now. It is that simple. 

This is the Scout “helping people at all times” by being gracious, welcoming, and friendly to all our neighbors at all times. 

Then you don’t need to worry if you have done enough.

“…for you know neither the day nor the hour…”

Thanks Be to God, Amen

Being Saintly - Matthew 5 - All Saints - Year A

** image above is from one of the memorials around Neungamme concentration camp. May the world never repeat these atrocities.

Being Saintly

Tony E Hansen

Sermon based upon Matthew 5:1-12; 1 John 3:1-3; Psalm 34; Revelation 7:9-17

Opening prayer

We read from Matthew 5 for second time this year thanks to All Saints Day. 

After a few weeks of some harsh lessons, this may feel lighter and nicer: a reprieve.  Yet, this also reminds us of the beginnings - the foundations - of Jesus’s teachings. Those harsh lessons are rooted in these.

We get these alongside some gorgeous bits from 1 John and Revelations as well which adds to richness of these beatitudes. 

In these beatitudes, lays the framework for living a good life - even being saintly. 

Yet, many look at these and think they are not mentioning me . I am not poor or weak or hungry.

I submit to look closer and you will see a mirror of you here. We often stop at words that don't sound like us - cant be us - or I dont want it to be me. 

That sounds like someone who has all the answers but I assure that they don’t. Even AI doesn’t even know because AI is imperfectly designed by imperfect beings.

The first four offer us a description of people, including myself in a radical way.  Those who are poor in spirit, those who morn, those who are meek and those who hunger.

These are reminders that we all fall short in many ways, even the ones of who may feel a little better off. We fall short of the glory and promise of God because we are imperfect beings. That is we, who are poor in spirit, those in need of repentance, those who are lost, or those who dress their Christian "spirit" with luxury and status. 

“I am better than them” or “…glad I am not them” fails here. We are to be more than status and wealth because such is misleading.  Being saintly doesn't care about these things.

True faith and love of neighbor require us to realize the basic of our neighbors is in us too - we fail, we make poor choices, and sometimes, we were taught the wrong things. But it doesn’t have to stay there.

That we are incapable of escaping mortality, we morn death, those who came before us and those who go before us.  None of us will live forever, and thus, pay homage to generations that came before us by learning history and not repeating their mistakes. We give thanks for their lessons and why we do things like light candles in their memory.

In sorrow of losing people to death, Revelation leans on Isaiah to remind us that “God will wipe away every tear” and guide the saints to “…the water of life.”  There is a promise of new life for you and me in life. 

That we are meek, not as weak and resigned but humble and unpretentious - rejecting hostility, vanity and violence. How difficult when we have leaders that seethe vanity and hostility with every breath?

Their example is not the way of Christ, but we can live Christ’s way regardless as humble servants of God. How saintly.

Further, we know that we thirst for and hunger for perfection and the glory of God because we know that we don’t know all the answers and we are broken. 

To seek truth and understanding is realizing that there is so much bigger than us and that the Spirit provides for us.

The next four are ways to live: being merciful, being peacemakers, standing for justice and when you do that, know that Christ is by your side. 

These bind us to the love of God.

We take what we know about ourselves and our neighbors and live a life that lifts each other, wherever we are on this journey.

Mercy is more than a status “I grant you mercy…” , “oh poor you.” Or "I'll be merciful when you do… “ How generous is that?

Remember, we all fall short, and mercy isn’t just a transaction but a way of living. We are to extend forgiveness and love to our neighbors, whether in our neighborhood, our house, on the side of the street, or on the other side of the world. 

Anger and hate have no place because see each other in our common being. We see each other as “children of God.” 

There is no need for war or violence because we first seek peace. We know this isn’t easy because some people really make us mad and do awful things to us. Our first reaction may feel warranted, and we know that there is a lot out there want to take advantage of grace. 

We are to extend mercy, be peace, and be pure in heart. Christ’s example teaches us that this is the way, and then, we become pure in heart.

Without judgment, without malice, anger, hostility and such, the burdens of a material world are lifted from us by God and leave room for the fulfilling Spirit to guide and teach us.

1 John says that we are “called children of God, and that is what we are.” Further, there is a mystery waiting for us as children to be revealed. In that mystery, that promise of refuge, we can lay our fears, trepidations and wants because God gives us so much. 

When we practice mercy, peace and let world troubles lay, we find strength and a divine armor that protects us when people try to manipulate that teaching, that mercy or peace. 

When we walk with the Spirit of love, forgiveness, and peace in our hearts, we have everything we need and we know that we are doing God’s work through us - not as a transaction but as a way of living. That is pure heart and the way of Christ - perhaps saintly.

Thus, we honor the dead, the saints, through living these as pillars of life. 

We acknowledge our failures, “seek refuge in God” and move closer to God through the blessings bestowed upon us for we will have no want.

Beloved, that promise is there for all of us, and there for you to see in words - in your very being. 

When you witness this promise in your heart and you see everyone around you as God’s children, know that you are blessed.

Thanks Be to God, Amen

Love Of - Matthew 22 - Proper 25A

Love of

Tony E Hansen

Sermon based upon Leviticus :19 1-2, 15-18; Matthew 22:34-46; 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8

Opening prayer

This last week I spent time in Hamburg, DE. It is interesting going to a place alone and discovering things about oneself. I was in a hotel without an Aufzug (elevator) and I was glad I didn’t rent a bike because would have had to haul that up and down 5 flight of stairs.

I walked all over Hamburg and learned that Hamburg, much like cities here in the states has good and rough neighborhoods as well as immigrants (non-German). My hotel being in one of the rougher ones. There was a nice Platz just around the block and had couple bistros, but most of the neighborhood felt like it was left behind. 

On the other side of the tracks was central Hamburg - bustling, vibrant and busy. This is just like Chicago, Minneapolis, New York or even Des Moines. 

My language skills need work but I was able to get by, although after a week, I was mentally exhausted.

Then I come home to political ads…

After the last couple weeks of hard-knock parables, this week the Pharisees ask Jesus this question, which is the greatest commandment.

Jesus answers, “you shall love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind … you shall love neighbor as yourself.”

This is the invitation we have been given, that wedding robe (we talked about a couple weeks ago.) This is the chance to be what God wants us to be. 

This commandment is surrounded in Leviticus by some contextual ideas too. Do not render unjust judgment; do not always defer to people you know. Don’t slander; do not hate - else you will incur guilt. 

All anchored in loving God… and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

First, do you love yourself? Are you an exception to God’s love? 

No. We must first understand that we are deserving of God’s love because we are children of God. As children of God, we have been given the divine gifts of life, love, faith and grace.

With these, we have great opportunities; we have vision and life. 

Yes you and I deserve God’s love and gifts. You and I can feel that love within us. 

Even in the darkest days, those gifts are there and reward us in ways well beyond wealth, stock trading, or other political brokenness.

We give thanks for all that God has given to us and love God for all of these gifts.  That is the first part.  

God has done all of this wonderful for you and for me, and thus, we ought to return that graciousness to God. For without God, we are nothing and never been. 

From there we extend those gifts, we remind others of the gifts they have been given.

This is the second part. While we are trying to figure out ourselves and our world.  We are to extend God’s love given to us onto others around us. 

In this, we are reminded of Paul’s letters not to appeal by deceit or flattery, but to seek truth, gentleness and the peace of God - like a nurse tending care for her own children.

The tenderness has been extended to us by God and then for us to extend to others.

Who are “they” and how do we extend?

“They” is everyone - whoever, wherever, they are on life’s journey because you know as well as I that life happens and tests us all. Who are we to judge others for the lessons that people have or haven’t had to endure? 

Who we are is that : no judgment, no fear, no anger, no hate - no exception.

Whether you see someone on the side of the road or you see them in your neighborhood or church, you see people. You see God’s children.

That is the beauty of places like Hamburg is that you get to see diversity of people in good places and in the rough.

They don’t have to look like me, they don’t have to dress my way. They don’t have to grow up as a German descendant, as a white male or even queer.  

God’s children are everywhere and have different skin tones, different languages, creeds, prayers, songs, or sexuality. We are all unique expressions of that divine love. Thank God !

When we extend love to our neighbors, we extend God’s love. Thus, loving God is to love God’s children. 

That forces our hand because this love requires of us to do something besides just say words and maybe an occasional hand holding or peace offering.

God wants us to do this unconditionally and wherever we go.  We can do that simply with a smile - an honest and gracious one. 

We can go further and be in the community. Extend a hand to those who need some help. Be the loving face of God to those who feel left out.  Then, we remind them that God is for them too as much as God is for you and me through our words and acts - kindness, generosity, and tenderness.

That can change someone’s life. A meal, a conversation, a “guten tag” today could be the hope someone needs to find motivation to be more - Or for someone to simply see God’s face today. In addition, that grace we extend to others, builds us, here inside, just the same.

That is because we are doing what God wants us to do. Not just saying the words but living the love that God has entrusted to us.

That Beloved is worth more than ridiculous and rude politics or empty non-promises. That love and compassion is worth our votes and our attention. That doesn’t have borders, continental divides, or cornered neighborhoods but stretch beyond our understanding.

That is the love of God working and building us as God’s children.

Viele danke Gott sein, Amen

A Wedding Robe - Matthew 22 - Proper 23A

A Wedding Robe

Tony E Hansen

Sermon based upon Matthew 22: 1-14; Philippians 4:1-9; Isaiah 25: 1-9

Opening prayer 

When I get invitations to weddings, there are questions.  What do I wear? What do I get them? 

This weekend, I am getting ready to fly out to Hamburg and I am getting anxious about that.  One of my UK colleagues got me a bit excited that I might see some Christmas markets already. Sadly, no, but I did score tickets for Paul Van Dyk!

In this parable, there are people who have been invited and find excuses not to show and some are just as wicked as the group from last week.  When they don’t show, others are brought into the party and they are given garments to wear. Let’s have a good time!  Except someone who decides not to wear the robe.

When in Rome, dress like the Romans.. or don’t.

This is criticism of leadership, of those who have been handed the stewardship of God’s garden, but have squandered or taken advantage of 

We all of have seen corruption and don’t like it. Jesus isn’t happy here and Jesus gives voice to that.  

How often do we get a chance to talk to leadership? How often when you know they have been corrupt, or just bumbling idiots, do you call them out?

Where are you in this parable? It is easy to sit in the bleachers but when people are in the arena, as Brené Brown would say, the perspective changes. 

The table has been prepared and everyone is invited. First the people who were directly and then the whole of town, without exception, clean and unclean, anxious or not.  God invites you to the love and mercy. God wants you to be at the table of grace. 

Here is your invitation folks!

Then there is this guy, has to be a guy, who isn’t wearing the robe. As one describes, it is like going to a party only to be constantly fiddling with your phone. (I say that and watch a guy feverishly tapping away on his phone while waiting for a coffee drink.)

Accepting the invitation is amazing enough but God wants us to not take that invitation for granted.

Why do you get invited? What do you do with that invitation? Why would you say no or yes?

You have been handed the gift of a lifetime, but what do you do with it? “You who have been refuge to the poor, to the needy in distress, a shelter…” You have been given this gift, this shelter, yet do nothing more with it than complain perhaps. 

At this wedding banquet, people are given a “wedding robe.” So what is this?

Paul’s letter to Philippians gives us an idea. “Rejoice in the Lord… Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” 

Let love rule and be us. Let the peace of God be us and everything we do. Bring everything to God in prayer, with thanksgiving. And then that peace, peace of God, will guard your hearts and minds.

That's the wedding robe. It isn't a suit or a dress you have to buy. God gives this to you prepared with all the gifts that surround:

Gentleness. Joy. Faith. Love. Peace. Gifts that are always present.

I'll confess, I'm not great at wearing this robe. Ask me how I'm feeling about getting on a plane to Germany this weekend. I've packed and packed again. 

Anxiety is a garment too, and some of us are too comfortable in that. Why?

We know how that fits because it is familiar and recognizable.

Paul’s letter doesn't stop there. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, pure, pleasing, commendable, think about these things. 

In other words, wearing the robe isn't just about what we feel. It's about what we do.

Isaiah describes God as a refuge for the poor and a shelter for the needy in distress. God spreads a feast for all peoples and wipes the tears from every face. 

When we put on the robe, we start to look a little like the host. We become the shelter. We become the peace and love that comes with God’s gift to us. Then, we become the people who go out to the streets and say, "There's room. Come in. You're invited too.”

I think that is what UBFM does so well. We wear our bright shirts, but we know that people recognize the love, tenderness and grace that is in those shirts. We extend God’s peace and love to others. We extend to others what has been given to us. 

That's the difference between the guest who sits at the table scrolling through their phone and the guest who is actually there. People received the invitation. Some truly accepted it.

So, are you just in the room, or are you at the banquet? Are you going to wear the robe God has provided for you? 

The table has been set; the feast is prepared and you have been invited.  Wear what God gives you and have some fun!

Thanks Be to God, Amen