Hope - Luke 21

 Hope 

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Sermon based upon Luke 21: 25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 and Psalm 25

Opening Prayer

After Thanksgiving and our plates full of goodies (our abundances), you can tell the mood of people changes as we look with anticipation towards Christmas.  

This is a fresh time, a new season, and a new church year! Luke will help guide us.

The lesson from Luke is apocalyptic and epic. Like Star Wars, it feels like the Empire has returned.  

Besides being foreboding, this lesson is hugely revolutionary. Why the revolution and stressful images versus the comforting thoughts of Christmas, gifts and family dinners. Why this?  Why Advent? Like Star Wars, despite the long odds and endurance of tragedies, there is hope.

Jesus reminds us such things are always present, but Jesus tells us “stand up and raise your head high to this moment” because the time is always near - you have made it this far. 

What does it mean to live in the context of questions, struggles, terrifying to find a future that has comfort? We are in the midsts of distress where everyone seems to be caught up with the barrage of the pandemic, life stress and maybe some dystopia.

This lesson encapsulates so much of us in the recent years. These are signs. How do we interpret these? Signs, even ominous ones, point somewhere - for us to look up and look forward in prayer and with graceful community.  

These Advent signs have meaning. They point to something that is very different than our brokenness, our own emptiness. Advent is a beginning, (perhaps a revolution even) and the signs point to hope. Advent is like children with youthful aspiration. So, we come to church - to restore our faith and love for one another and together find hope.

We hope because what we are living through now is not the end. Emptiness, brokenness or dystopia are not permanent.  Thus, you and I, we must lean into the Gospel and hear the promise that life abounds with gifts. The promise - the word of God will not turn against us - the promise of peace. That is the hope of the fig tree.

For who does the future belong is those who put their trust in God and the hope of Christ (Psalm 25). Just like we read in Thessalonians, it is not just the words we say, but how we live and pray that hope - how we increase our love for one another, in this moment and for the future. 

Advent is a shaking of our world. We need that so much. Let God shake the very space around you to know that God is not just near but here.  

Barbara Brown Taylor reminds us that people often focus upon the wrong things - large abstract things (the sun, the moon, the stars, cosmic distress, earthquakes and plagues). We find ourselves overwhelmed or ready to panic. This is not the cinematic, edge-of-your-seat, end-of-times thriller like the movie 2012. 

Some preachers dwell on themes like this to scare folks into warped obligations to God and church.  If you were looking for someone to scare you, I suggest there are other places to go.  Fear is a motivation for some, but it is negative. Fear can cause tunnel vision - to focus upon the wrong thing - to lose sight - not just of a future, but of all that is available or people around us.

That is power of the Jedi - not just flashy lightsabers, making things float or even simple desert wardrobes. The power of the Jedi is understanding that we have all we need right here and now. That is the ultimate power of Christ. That does not involve fear, or fear of these cosmic powers, which we have no control. Even in the midst of emptiness, there is light.

The fig tree reminds us not to run from the signs. Don’t run from God, church or these powerful themes just so we skip to the comfortable commercials, Christmas dinners and wishlists. Find there is something here for you and now.  

That means to consider the way we use time we have. Its all we have - while we wait for the miracle of Jesus - not just the history and mystery but hope in coming glory.  We are to be alert - mindful of signs, but we ready our hearts and minds with hope in our hearts for the return of God’s majesty.

We have been through a lot these recent years, but we need not cower in fear.  There is hope.  The fig tree is reminds us to have hope that things will pass, and our faith will carry us because we are rooted in God.  When you allow that hope to be your heart, you will feel God’s presence. 

Yet, we cant do this all on our own.  That is why we pray and why we come to church. No we can’t do it alone, but together, we have hope of better things, brighter futures and wonderful possibilities. Again even against dark empires, there is light and there is community to help.

Advent is not just about the birth - a long time ago - but the coming of Christ (history, mystery and majesty.) We don’t have to fret about life today, or even worry about the youth around us when we reveal God to them. Then, they too will be rooted in faith and God to go beyond the plagues and the disasters into the new world of Christ.  

These are the ways that God’s majesty (that future) breaks into current world.  Why Advent? The answer is founded in our roots in the Spirit. With a new season and new year, we are born again. Then in our newness, like a child, we find hope because the spirit is there among us helping us.  Reveal this hope in your lives!

Thanks be to God.

The Sign - Mark 13

What will be the sign

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Sermon based upon Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10, 1 Samuel 2: 1-10

Opening prayer

Throughout our lives we have all kinds of signs around us tell us where we are, where we can go, what we can buy, what we can do.  I thought it just a bit relieving to see a public health agency have fun with 6-feet-apart into as one-moose-apart.  

We have apps that give us signs - I have a watch that tells me when to breathe and stand like somehow I forgot.  We have signs that say eat here, get your shot there, save money, or whatever. In our lives, we have signs that offer paths through the stars like horoscopes.  Will this help today?  Some do / some don’t. 

What signs has Mark revealed to you this year? Or are we stuck on the question, then rationalize which sign do we heed or ignore. Which is convenient for us to follow (or sometimes follow.) Consider how people approach stop signs at intersections. Some stop, some stop if there is traffic, some do a slow roll through, and some are like “what sign?” There are some that don’t think signs (or rules) apply to them.

Jesus describes ominous destruction of the temple. The disciples ask how will we tell when this will happen: a sign.  Jesus cautions to “be wary that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say ‘I am he’ and they will be lead astray.” There will be all kinds of calamities. These are just the beginnings.  Ouch. 

Mark is not a Gospel of comfort and balance, because Mark acknowledges our chaotic world - and there are possibilities. 

What are we to do?  It is up to us to see through the distractions and chaos.  Jesus has an answer if we read more in Mark 13- a theme appears. In the midsts of trial, do not worry for what you will say because the Holy Spirit will guide your speech. Jesus then says, “…keep awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, …or at dawn, …What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Instead of looking for signs, Jesus wants us to wake up: as in, live and speak the truth of God:  not just for ourselves but for the sake of all God’s children.

From the beginning of Mark, Jesus has been proclaiming the kingdom of God is here. Jesus rejects privilege and honors.  Jesus tells of impending death and pains. Jesus warns of hypocrites: those who talk God’s words wearing fabulous robes while ignoring the poor.

Life of discipleship looks a lot more like the road to the cross.  Discipleship is not about power, privilege and monetary wealth as these are measures of our corrupt society. Our structures, there are winners and losers (aka division). Let’s see how many we can leave behind.  Instead, bear witness to God’s love; (read Hebrews 10) - encourage and provoke each other to love.

Jesus is clear. We are to be like children with curiosity, imagination and willingness to believe, to have faith. Growing up, we lose that amazement. We forget to see sparkles, the awesome colors, or experience exciting tastes- importantly, To accept people for who they are.

Jesus fed thousands and blessed many. Jesus grieved for lost friends and gave new life. Jesus endured so that we could live. Jesus didn’t go around taking a survey - only that you have faith and believe. Yes, Be woke!

Jesus gave us understanding, not just scripture. Jesus shows how to live a life that helps us lift and be lifted.  God’s command is clear: to love God and to love each other.

Stop distracting ourselves with “stuff” thinking that will calm our impulses.  Stop putting fences our lives to define property and to keep many out.  Why?  Maybe we should ask who do we let in? Instead of guarding and hoarding, God is welcoming and so should we. 

In God, we find strength and liberation fLast week, the poor widow finds strength to go before all around her with their wealth and things. With liberation and purpose, she gives her last coins that defined everything that she had been and is rewarded with everything that she will be.  She became among the first.

If you did not know what Jesus looked like, how would you know Jesus? Think how the blind man, Bartimaeus, recognized Jesus, jumps to him, regains sight, and becomes a follower.  

Of all the things you could request, what is that one thing? What sign do you need to know that Jesus is working in you now - in your heart?

“Wake up!” Jesus says. Look around you with open eyes, open heart and you will find children of God right here -rooted in love.  All the wonderful you need is right here. Remove the curtains from your life and see the magic of the mystery. 

We do suffer but we do receive so much more like Hannah (1 Samuel). She suffered, and then she received blessings. She recognized God working. Therefore, she offers thanks and praise.   

During Thanksgiving, (hope of Advent on the horizon), Consider all that you have in abundance and give thanks to the one who provides, who guides, who comforts. 

The sign? What exactly are you waiting for? Find God here now - Be woke an

Two Coins - Mark 12

Two Coins

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Sermon based upon Mark 12:38-44, Revelations 21, Ruth 1, and Psalm 146

This story arrives at the perfect time for churches to talk about giving and fundraising. How convenient.  I am going to tell you why and how I give.

I give to the church (and to other organizations) that will expand the work of my dollar into the work I cannot do but needs to be done.  When I give, I like giving locally because I know that people in our community are doing good work in our neighborhoods.  I give to bigger organizations when I sense they are doing that on a broader scale. 

Thus, when I give to the church, I feel I get to do both because St John is not just a local church but part of the wider United Church of Christ working on issues of poverty and social justice for far more people than I can personally help. My gift goes without conditions because I know it is doing God’s work.

So I give today with that in mind. What will do the most good? Does the person (or organization) need something that will collect dust or is there something that would be more fulfilling? Giving is more than just throwing dollars and leaving. 

You know I volunteer with UBFM.  When we go out on the streets, I see the power of a true gift, gifts given without judgment. When I see a guy come out of nook of a bridge wearing all he has ( shorts, old jersey, and light coat) on a cold autumn evening with eyes wide as we offer food, blankets, socks and such for him and his lady friend, I am humbled. (These are some of the items you gave.)

I am humbled to even ask for anything for myself when I can get most of what I want when I want. Incidentally, I can show you pictures of a confirmation gift.

These two coins (representing all this widow owns) offer perspectives for us here.  Wonder how long have these coins been with her and persuaded to give these - perceivably, her last to Jesus?

This raises what is a gift and what do they mean. We will get to that.

As Mark reminds us time and again, there will be many who are first that will be last and those who are last to be first.  What do we see in the widow that Jesus sees her, recognizes her? She gets lifted up by Jesus - for them and for us.

She ought to make us consider what is it that we see in people - as the giver or the receiver of grace.  The elders around her have just been denounced by Jesus as wiling to “devour widows’ houses” for the sake of appearances. They seek out the visible places and best seats while there are ordinary folks that are simply ignored or forgotten.  

When we see people on the street or little disheveled. We might see this widow a little more.  We don’t know everything, the why or how she became widow. She is alone in a world that has left her destitute. (Or is she alone?) 

We know this today because we see it all around us.  We hear about tragedy, poverty or worse and think how much it may have been of their own doing. They can lift themselves up by their bootstraps if they caused their own problems.  Money becomes curtains for our eyes. We pass judgment and we don’t see the person’s worth - as a child of God. What do we do when we politely regard someone’s issues as “not mine” is remove empathy and compassion from our breath. 

Think about the words we say to start worship every week about welcome - “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey…” Do we practice that extravagant welcome in our lives or are these just words to endear us in church?  Do we say to neighbors to come join us?

Again, this is not just about what we do and say in the church, but outside the walls, at the dinner table, on the street, or otherwise. What do we give of ourselves and do we only give to those that look like us, act like us, or perhaps don’t make us feel uncomfortable? 

There are plenty of people that will go out of their way to seek fame and fortunes - all “talking” about God without doing God’s work.  We see this in our time, and this is exactly what Jesus denounces.  Those are people deeply connected and invested in corruption and flawed social structures.  They bathe themselves in lavishness and pay little attention to ordinary people who can’t (or won’t) provide lavish gifts and dinners to them. For them it’s a transaction. These: who are first (in their own minds and the minds of a broken world) will give only when given to - These will be last (in the world of God).  

Do we do this with people around us?  Do we only invite those people that can (or will) present us with gifts, dinners or whatever out of abundance versus spending time with those who maybe can’t? Are you only invested to give when you get something from it?

The woman with two coins represents the last who will be first.  She represents in many ways the people who can’t.  For many widows, especially in that time, are stripped of property and wealth and later by more fellows looking to exploit them. There are stories today of widows (widowers) giving from their hearts only to see more tragedy from all kinds of shady ways. 

That brings us back to the gift. What is a gift? This woman, despite obstacles and setbacks, still gives. She demonstrates power of love and faith with two coins. She still gives when it could hurt her so much. She gives all of her because to truly understand the trauma of loss is to give all of ourselves - kind of like Jesus on the cross. 

Still this is quite transformational for her. 

This is her moment and you can imagine instead of woman sad but one who is proud, confident and with purpose.  You can imagine her walking before all these people in their grand robes and displays of wealth. With all the eyes upon her in their robes and stacks of cash, she walks as if to say keep your hands off me, hands off my money, you don’t own me, I am not a slave to your desire, and I am woman.  

With swagger and purpose she walks to the offering plate (not like today when we can just wave off the plate as it goes by).  You can see her with purpose and then maybe some trepidation as she looks at the bowl, her coins and then with purpose and grace, she gives.  She gives as if to say I am not dead, I am alive and I give to you because you heard me, you lifted my struggle. I believe. She liberates herself from all that she was to all that she will be.

Jesus sees her, recognizes her and lifts her. Jesus lifts you. Like the fellow on the street was wary of people until I gave assurance that we were there to help, upon receiving the gifts he showers blessings upon us.

If you only had two coins left, what would you do with them and what faith would you place in that?  

Maybe instead of large wishlists, we might think of that one thing we need in our lives like the blind man from Mark 10. Folks the kingdom of God is near. See it and be it. 

Maybe, we consider the gifts in our lives and share with our thanks to God that we have abundance to share.  Maybe, we share not just because it feels good for ourselves but because we share with our faith and in thanks that God fulfills us. 

Maybe we give and we welcome with faith and love. Then, we practice love of God and of neighbor: one person at a time (with one burrito, one meal, or one blanket) and see them for who they are - a child of God.

We share our gifts. Why? Because your two coins mean so much.

Thanks be to God.