Community of Love - 1John 5 - Easter 6B

Community of Love

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Reflection based upon 1 John 5:1-6, Psalm 98, John 15: 9-17

Opening prayer 

Last week, we read about loving God because God loves. Then it follows for us - you and me to love - in the same way. 

“There is no fear in love… it casts it out.” There are plenty of things in the world that cause anxiety and fear, but love conquers all. 

Thus we are to put away fear and turn to love. 

1 John reminds us that we are “children of God”. Thus we are to love the children. We love when we love God and abide in love of Christ. 

That is John 15: 12 “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this.”

Why do this loving?? 

“To bear fruit” when you love you share what God has given to you with those around you. That is bearing fruit because you are giving what grows to those and you in turn grow. 

“And this is the victory that conquers the world: our faith.” Our faith in that love for us is so strong that others will see the light and life within you - it catches onto them and they feel the light and they share it with others as well. 

So this love radiates and builds communities of togetherness rather than division. This builds communities that recognize the blessings bestowed not just for the self but for each other and that we are part of something much larger and greater than us: that we are children of God - in a community of love. 

Isn’t that what we need now? 

Some of you are questioning, some nonchalant, or worse, some dismissive.

Beloved, since God loves us so much, we are also ought to love one another. 

Why because there is power in love. 

When my son came home hurting and crying, I didn’t throw cold water onto him, but instead, I held him and let him cry. I hurt with him in those moments. We didn’t move for good long time as he just let it out. 

Beloved, sometimes, we need to let it out. We don’t need to hold it in because love is also letting people know what is inside not hidden behind the taunts and threats of a broken world. 

Our response isn’t to fuel the flames or the hurt, but instead for us to share love - to calm the hurts, the worries or calm the upset. We may or may not be able to fix what happened, but our response is love. 

Then, there are the times when we are glowing with happy. It is there that we ought to include instead of exclude. For what brings us to this moment is more than just oneself, but when we achieve, when we get to the point success, we can look back and find there was help along the way there. 

As a cyclist, making it up to the top of the “DAM” hill by Saylorville Dam is a tough climb for oneself, but exhilarating to make it. Most times, there have been people riding with me. Individually, each one of us could be thinking “I had to endure the climb” or “I am going to make it” or whatever motivates someone to keep going. 

Collectively, we were cheering each other and then celebrating the result. I also thought how the Spirit was riding with us too and then celebrating the result.

There were a couple of flats in the middle of the climb (not fun), but we helped each other 1) not get left behind but instead 2) repaired, 3) helped get up and 4) get going again.

That is the power of love - “don’t need money, don’t need fame, don’t need credit card to ride this train…and it just might save your life.” 

This is not just an eighties tune, but real measurable and tangible impact to each of us. Yes love can heal and save lives. 

Include, repair, get up and go or Invite, heal, live and love even more.

Also, we don’t share love by calling each other names and attacking. If our world is to get better at talking to each other, we have to be willing to ask “how does what you say reflect what you do?” How does that share your values and your love?  Or Interesting point tell me more because a conversation rarely happens when we fight. 

That isn’t to say “give jerks a pass”, but that see how they are thinking and how that thinking reflects what they believe their values are. When we listen and learn, we grow. When they describe and when they hear our values in their values, they will see opportunities to grow as well. 

When we grow, and learn about each other’s values, we have grow and we share that love - not cancel them. 

Community of love isn’t fight or flight - my way or the highway - it is finding what makes us community - together.

Communities that argued over politics have farmers and neighbors offering equipment to help clean up town after the tornado.

In this community of love, whether it’s your family, a neighbor, people at the gym or on the trail, or the homeless person on the street, we can be that gift of love to someone who needs it. 

Perhaps, we need some of that gift from someone for ourselves?? For us who are in the middle of that climb, (aka our personal struggles) and wondering if we can make it… 

The answer is you are not alone and you have me, you have each other, to help you. Most importantly, you have the Holy to help you. Go ahead and let it out, feel the care of the Spirit with you, and then perhaps, we can “climb that hill” together.

It is in these moments when bonds are created. It is in the moments of love when we are more than oneself. It is in these moments, we learn how we grow stronger through love. 

Thus, in order for us to receive, let us also be willing to give what we have. Don’t give into fear, but instead, let the love that has been given to you, live through you. Let love ripple into the people around you. 

When we do, when we truly believe in the power that been given to us.. when we let the Spirit guide us, amazing can happen and we can find celebration.

“With a little help from above, you can find the power of love…” in this community of love. Let that community of love bear fruit in you and with you. 

Beloved, that love, that fruit is…

Thanks be to God

Walk the Way of Jesus - 1 John 3 - Easter 4B

Walk the Way of Jesus

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Sermon based upon 1 John 3: 16-24, Psalm 23, John 10: 11-18, Acts 4: 5-12 

Opening Prayer

Happy Good Shepherd Sunday - 4th Sunday of Easter!!

We continue our journey through 1 John. This is a cornerstone to some of my faith and my ministry work. Let us talk about how we can walk the way of Jesus. 

There are plenty of people in our world telling us how great Jesus is in their lives. You will hear people describe meaningful love for Christ.

That is all well and good.

A guy came up to our Dream Team group and said that he asks people if they ride (bicycle). If they say yeah (on day like a beautiful April we were enjoying), his next question is have you rode your bike yet this year? If the answer is no, then his determination is that "you do not ride. "

This is similar to what 1 John is saying - live your faith in your actions as well as thoughts and words.

Our faith isn’t just how we hear the words, think about the words or tell others about the word, but also what we do with it. 

This letter offers direction and steps for us on our faith journeys - how one might augment that faith journey.

We are reminded in this glorious season of Easter from the author that “Jesus laid down his life for us…” 

Yes, the great sacrifice that was done for us and our brokenness was the Lamb and blood poured out in pain and suffering.

This same person who tells us “I am the good shepherd” becomes the lamb. The irony is telling but not finished. The stone rejected by people before becomes the cornerstone of us today.

A shepherd cares for us the sheep (for a hired hand runs away). God is not hired for us, not hired to care for us or otherwise. God is! God is, and as well, we are not “hired” to care for each other - we are instead to care for each other. 

The author of this letter reminds us of the sacrifice and then proceeds to tell us that “we ought to lay down our lives for one another.”

I can hear people all around - “I have to give my life for others??”

Now before you get all hot and bothered, John tells us what that means.

This is beyond literal, and the sentiment is real.

How does abiding in God’s love and having good things (because of God) and sees another person in need but yet refuses to help? Say it another way, How does loving God and loving neighbor mean anything if one refuses to help those around us?

Beloved little children, this is a challenge to not just love with fancy words, remembered verses, or “thoughts and prayers.” John challenges us to seek “truth and action.”

Faith is also manifested by what we do with it.

Few years ago, youth were presented this idea at the Regional summer camp. The theme was called “Faith in action.” 

That means our deeds and action should follow the words we read and say.

For me, that means feeding and comforting the homeless. That means time to mentor youth. That means we don’t turn blind eye to injustice. We stand together in Christ’s love for justice when injustice strikes its ugly hand. 

That is for all neighbors - even the ones on the other side of town , the country, or the world - because a black man (or a mom) in another city is just as important to a parent down the block trying to raise their kids or just for them to have decent job. 

Faith in action means respecting the beautiful uniqueness in people for race, queer, culture, or wherever they are in the world (or on life’s journey.) 

That includes respecting the rights and beliefs of cultures not ours and yes, respecting indigenous people who have long been at the brunt of bigotry and prejudice. 

Jesus teaches us to love, and that grace is not limited to just a few voices or just the entitled or wealthy.

That means we speak up against war mongering, genocide, and terrorist violence as well as for the innocent in Gaza. Our faith in action says to speak up for the right to be free from tyranny like in Ukraine. 

That means standing up for those less fortunate and with those struggling - because we know it is only a moment away for us too. 

For standing up for migrants who seek a better life because there is enough room to share, there are jobs that people will do, and there is opportunity. There is opportunity (not just for them but) also for us to grow together in the love of God. 

That means we stand up for gender equity; that woman’s word and work is equally valuable - that her body is entrusted to her decisions and her relationship with God. 

That also means to not take seriously snake-oil salesman, false prophets, who say they "believe in the bible" but do the complete opposite of what Jesus says - or those who sell a book they never read.

Nor is it for us to condemn, for judgment belongs with God alone.

Why because to forgive, to love one another does not come with provisos.

We don’t have to make a part time job of it, although the need is real and there are plenty of good organizations as well as this Church that can put your faith to redeeming work in great ways. 

Still, when we see something, there is an opportunity for us to put on that body amour of love and faith, and do the right thing. 

Simply, we can look to our left and right, and we can offer a blessing and smile. We can think about people here in the Church and those who are not, offer them your blessings and your heart. Share with them your love.

Yes This means remembering our commandments, not just as plaques on walls or building monuments. We are to live the word and teachings in our lives and in all parts of our lives: in the church pew, walking out the door, when we have dinner, when we visit friends, when we go to the grocery store, and when we are alone (with dog and cat.) 

**For those with trouble walking, sharing your stories of love and faith with others is exactly what Jesus has in mind for you as well. 

In these ways, we walk the way of Jesus - to “love one another as I have loved you.” 

It is fitting that it is Earth Day weekend. “Faith in action” also means being good stewards of the garden God has given us and taking care of this garden - so that not only our neighbors can enjoy it but our children and their children can enjoy it as well.

This is walking the way of Jesus “by the Spirit given to us.” 

That Beloved is grace given to us and for us to manifest in these ways -in the way of Jesus. When we do these wonderful commands, when we not just talk the way of Jesus but walk the way of Jesus, "we have boldness before God…” and because the Spirit restores when we fail.

And when we are scared and anxious, Spirit leads us besides still waters.

That Beloved, is when “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, we shall dwell in the house of the Lord…”

Thanks Be To God

An Invitation - 1 John 1 - Easter 2B

An Invitation to Fellowship…

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Reflection based upon 1 John 1-2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133

Opening Prayer

Happy Easter: the sequel! “Thomas Sunday”

Today, we read about Thomas and how he gets to witness the resurrection by seeing Jesus and touching him. 

The resurrection happens not for us to eat chocolates and candies around the house or dress in beautiful spring dresses. The resurrection is here for us to remind us that no matter who you are or where you on this life journey, you too can experience resurrection. 

Jesus appears to the ladies at the tomb, then the disciples in the room except Thomas is not there.

Thomas didn’t want to be left out, and so Jesus comes to Thomas. That is, Jesus comes to those who want to experience and to witness.

Last week, we were given the possible while witnessing the power over death as Jesus walks before us and with us.

Jesus appeared to Mary and the ladies, despite forgetting what Jesus had told them time and again. 

Jesus appears to the disciples who were behind locked doors and in fear. Who knows if Pilate or if guards were going to come after them too. 

Yet, they are together, in community, wondering and waiting for something.  They don’t know what is to come, but they are in community.

Psalm 133 says, “How very good it is when people live together in unity."

Jesus appears and says “Peace be with you” for fear and anxiety was clearly with them.

God meets us where and when we need. In that meeting, God brings peace.

We know the mundane. We know the daily gruel. We know the poison of social media. We know how the world outside is harsh, violent and scary, but God meets us with peace.

Today, then asks of us what have we done. What do we believe and why?  Does Thomas believe because he has seen or does Thomas simply witness for Thomas also wants to witness what his friends were able to witness?

Yes, God meets Thomas where and when Thomas needs - and God meets us many years later where and when we need. This is the example of abundant grace given to us.

Then, people are want to separate themselves out for this abundant grace, however as if it is only abundantly for them.

To that, the letter from 1 John offers a reminder, “If we say we have no sin… If we say that we have not sinned, we make them a liar, and their word is not in us.”

How often do we point the finger? How often do we throw shade? Perhaps we doubt the tangible nature of Jesus as for everyone. 

This letter reminds us not to be a hypocrite. Some might say, that isn’t me, but look deeper.  How many times do we cast judgments and shade onto people around us. All God’s children isn’t all people ?

Our judgment and ego hides the abundance of grace poured out not just for oneself but for all of God’s children.

Yes “if we walk in the light as Jesus walked in the light, we have fellowship with one another…”

When we let our judgment and prejudice shade God’s love from each other we do not walk in fellowship but apart, and we will fail to see that God is so much more.

Despite this.. when we fail and we will, Jesus comes to forgive and resolve these failures because “Jesus’s blood cleanses us from sin.”

Even if we happen to be absent the first time, Jesus comes to meet us - when we fail so that we might see the light. Jesus comes to us just as Jesus came to the disciples: when and where they needed. In that moment, Jesus brings peace to assure and to lift up all.

Jesus does this despite having a broken body with puncture wounds in hands and side: flesh that has endured so much for us. Understand that Jesus does not bring retribution for the violence or some revenge, but Jesus brings, instead, peace.

So confess your sins, atone, and experience Jesus not just as token words, but verifiable light and open heart. Experience the Spirit move you, talking to you.

God is light, and you who walk in darkness, it is time to come to the light. Ask for Jesus and find Jesus coming to you. 

Beloved, experience Jesus and find peace. Let us be in fellowship with this light.

Thanks Be to God.

Honor the Sacrifice - Maundy Thursday - Year B

Honor the Sacrifice

Tony E Dillon-Hansen

 

Reflection based upon the Passion of our Lord from Mark 14-15

 

Opening prayer

 

This night, we recall the harrowing journey from supper with friends to horrific death before all. 

Blame is not our focus tonight, although there is plenty to be had.

 

In this sacrifice, we remember that Jesus suffered for us and our salvation.

 

We are reminded to raise a voice against violence and injustice whenever we see it – even (and especially) when it is inconvenient. Maybe that is how we truly honor Jesus’s sacrifice (and the many who followed) – to be willing to speak up.

 

Through all of this, keep in mind: Jesus prevails despite perverse injustice and corruption.  

 

Still, there is a question for us to consider: Why did he?  

When you hear verses of injustice, pain and suffering, Jesus is whispering, “you are worthy.” 

Jesus endured this because you are worthy of all God’s gifts.

 

Reconcile fears and guilts. Let God guide our hearts and minds.

 

Let the spirit of God give us courage to honor this sacrifice.

 

Beloved, let God move you and be with you. 

 

Thanks Be to God.