“A Power Like No Other”

Sermon by The Reverend Jean Marie Peacock

6/25/2006

12th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Year B:  Mark 4:35-41

Lakeview Presbyterian Church

Prayer:  Loving and Gracious God, there is a calmness that comes with faith.  Help us to be strengthened in faith as we hear your claim on our lives.  Guide us by your word, that we may be willing disciples, filled with your Spirit, as we respond to Christ’s call.  This we pray in his name. Amen.

The lectionary reading this week from the Gospel of Mark places before us the story of Jesus calming the storm.  What timing, that this reading comes in June, when the new hurricane season is upon us!  We’re all experiencing the extra stress right now, with all the questions about whether levees will hold if there is another storm.  New evacuation plans have been released.  The first tropical storm has already moved through the Gulf coast.  It’s enough to get through the challenges of each day since Katrina without having to be reminded that it could happen again, but the new season has been stirring up the winds of fear and the waves of anxiety.

Actually, it doesn’t take much these days to stir up those winds of fear and anxiety, does it?  Life these days is filled with stress.  New hurricane season or not, we’re still weathering the storm – the challenges and uncertainties – that came to shore with Hurricane Katrina.  While I was at General Assembly last week, caring and concerned people stopped me all the time to ask how we are doing with the rebuilding of our church and our lives.  “Are you back in your house yet?” they would ask.  “Is life getting back to normal for you?”  I found myself wondering how to respond.  What’s normal?  These days, it feels normal to wait in lines, to face one bureaucratic hassle after another, to see piles of garbage and rubble on the curbs, to wonder when and whether mail will arrive, to know that even the smallest task will take longer than expected.  Every day, I drive to the church passing empty shells of houses with their doors and windows gaping open, yards landscaped with dead shrubs and overgrown weeds, and I don’t even blink an eye.  Is that normal?

What seems out of the ordinary these days – what causes me to put on the brakes, back up the car, and stop to stare – is a house that has been rebuilt, with a well trimmed green lawn, landscaping, white picket fence, and a car in the driveway.  What was once ordinary has become extraordinary. 

No one is immune to the changed realities that we are living.  Our lives and our ministry as a church have been turned upside down and inside out.  We’re like the disciples in the boat on the storm tossed sea.  Hurricane Katrina happened, and we couldn’t do anything to stop it.  We understand the disciples’ feelings as they turn to Jesus and ask, “Do you not care that we’re perishing?”

 It’s a question that is often asked in times of distress and tragedy.  “God, do you really care?”   The storm swirls around us, the waves pound the boat, at times it feels like we could capsize, and we start to question God.  “Why?  Where are you?  When are you going to do something about this?”  And it’s not just a personal question.  We can look beyond our individual lives at the suffering in the world – at the poverty, violence, injustice, and tragic disasters and ask, “God, are you asleep?  Do you care?”

Whenever the question arises – does God care?  I think of the fact that it is God, in Jesus Christ, who invites the disciples to get into the boat with him in the first place.  It is good news that we’re not expected to make the journey alone, for God in Jesus joins us and accompanies us whatever trials and tribulations we encounter.

“Let us go across to the other side” Jesus says to us.  It’s an invitation with no guarantee that the trip will be tranquil.  In fact, I think the disciples, when they got in the boat, knew that the trip could involve some danger and uncertainty.  In this case, getting in the boat with Jesus to cross to the other side meant leaving Jewish civilization and traveling to Gentile territory on the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  That, alone, would be a scary prospect.  Jesus’ mission to the Gentiles is a theme of the gospel of Mark.  But remember that Gentiles were enemies of the Jews.  They were strangers, considered unclean and impure by the Jews, who avoided them like the plague.  There was no social mingling between Jews and Gentiles.  So, the disciples of Jesus, even before they began their journey on the sea, would have had a sense of danger in joining Jesus in the boat on this mission - a sense of a journey into the unknown.  In reality, the invitation to get in the boat with Jesus,  to join in his life and mission, doesn’t mean that life will be easy – only that Jesus will be with us, whatever we face in our life and ministry.

Perhaps you thought there would be smooth sailing with Jesus.  You thought that, with Jesus in the boat, there would be no storm, no waves, no fear.  But that’s not always the case, is it?  Almost every page in Mark’s gospel proclaims that Jesus is at the center of the storm.  When Jesus is near, the wind picks up, the waves bang against the side of the boat, and there can be trouble.  Just think of all the conflicts that Jesus had with the religious authorities.  Think of his call to disciples to follow him – even to a perilous death on a cross.  Think about the cost of discipleship, the risks that call us out of our comfort zones into the stormy seas of life, where we minister to the homeless, the poor, the oppressed, the lonely, the sick, and  the stranger.  To get in the boat with Jesus doesn’t mean that we’ll avoid the stormy seas of life - only that Jesus will be with us when we enter the pain and suffering, when we join our lives with others who are hurting, when we step into the unknown, when we face fearful situations or uncertainties.  

The invitation to get in the boat with Jesus is an invitation to all disciples.  Before Hurricane Katrina, I’d say that we at Lakeview were in the boat, sailing along on rather placid seas.  We were friendly.  We have always been and continue to be a very friendly and welcoming congregation, but I’m not sure that we were taking too many risks to reach out beyond our comfort zones in sharing the love and peace of Christ with others.  We drifted along in the boat, some in the church giving more time and energy than others – rowing a bit harder or steering us in new directions, and for that we are thankful.  But much of our ministry lacked that passion and that deep commitment and trust in Christ that allows us to truly risk everything, to give our whole selves to him, following where he leads us. 

We know that faith is about more than Sunday worship, more than personal devotion – that faith takes us out into the world to share the good news of Christ with others, to reach out beyond boundaries, to enter into the pain and suffering of the world, to help the stranger and share God’s love.  The reality is that, just as it was scary for the disciples to cross over to the other side to minister to the Gentiles, so it can be risky and scary for us to follow Jesus where he leads us.  For where he leads often pushes us beyond what is comfortable – into the storm, into situations of the unknown.

I’m not sure where Jesus is leading us these days, but we are certainly traveling on uncharted waters into the unknown.  Hurricane Katrina has stirred up everything and changed the nature of our ministry at Lakeview.  We’re no longer sailing on placid and comfortable waters.  Just the discomfort we’re all experiencing in the heat and humidity today as we worship is testimony to that.  We’re in the boat, but we’re now facing new challenges in the midst of turbulent waters.  We grieve the loss of loved ones who died in Katrina and since Katrina.  We grieve the loss of homes.  We grieve the loss of members who have settled elsewhere.  We grieve the loss of what had been as we face the uncertainties of what is to come.  We wonder if this boat we are in – this church community of disciples where we worship and minister at Lakeview Presbyterian – will hold up in the midst of the storm.  It feels so fragile, so vulnerable, as each week the number gathered for worship decreases, as we face financial concerns, as we see all that needs to be done and feel so small in comparison.  Jesus, we know you are in the boat with us, but do you care that we are perishing?

When the disciples call out to Jesus and wake him up, what does Jesus do?  He calms the storm.  Our scripture reading says that Jesus rebuked the winds and said, “Peace, be still.”   Actually, a better translation of the original Greek would have Jesus saying “be muzzled.”  The word used is the same word that was used in the first century to speak of demon exorcism.  The gospel here is implying that the storm the disciples faced is not simply a natural phenomenon, but the work of demonic forces that seek to destroy Jesus and to stop the mission to the Gentiles.

It may feel to us as if there are forces beyond our control that are working against us as we try to rebuild our mission and ministry here in Lakeview.  The rebuilding is so painfully slow that we feel frustrated.  It is difficult to look outward – beyond our own needs – to see the mission and ministry to which Christ is calling us in our community and our world.  We are critical of each other when things don’t seem to be moving along as we think they should.  We don’t all agree on how to move forward with the restoration of the church.  Will these forces divide us?  Conquer us?  Hinder the ministry and mission to which Christ is calling us?  Will our frustrations or fears or uncertainties get the better of us?  Or will we turn to a power greater than ourselves, Jesus Christ who is in the boat with us, and call on his power to muzzle the winds that steer us off course?  Will we rely on his power to calm our fears, so that we can move forward in the midst of the uncertainties with trust, vision, and faith? 

“Who, then, is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” God, in Jesus Christ, makes known a power that saves, that heals, that brings new life and hope; a power that overcomes even death itself.  Do we believe in his power to save?  It is a power like no other.  Do we trust in his power?  Are we willing to open ourselves to receive his power and call on his power to lift us through these stormy times?  Are we willing to stay in the boat, even when the waters get rocky – to follow Christ where he calls us in the rebuilding of our church and its ministry, relying on his power to fill us with the passion, commitment, strength, and love that will carry us through  even the roughest seas?

The winds and the waves threatened the mission of Jesus to the Gentiles, but he calmed the storm and the mission of the church moved forward.  The waters of Katrina have wrecked havoc on us, but I have every confidence that the power of God will carry us through this storm, and that the mission and ministry of Lakeview Presbyterian Church will be strengthened in the process.  I do not believe that the forces of Katrina will stop our mission.  Each of us is called in this moment to get in the boat – to take the risks, to move beyond our comfort zones, to do what it takes as we follow Jesus in this time.  All around us, God is providing signs and wonders that there is ministry for us to do for the love of God and neighbor.  Our last community picnic brought us in contact with a growing number of people and provided space for neighbors to come together to experience fellowship and support.  People lingered, talked, and appreciated the hospitality.  Yesterday, a small group from our church went canvassing the neighborhood, inviting people to join us in our ministry while handing out water and offering a listening ear.  They encountered neighbors who were watching their home be demolished and demonstrated our support at that difficult time.  Our church members were there to provide words of encouragement and hope.    

All around us, there are opportunities for community ministry that far exceed our wildest imagination.  Christ has invited us to join him on a new adventure of mission in these unchartered waters of post-Katrina life.  Yes, it is scary at times.  It is not easy.  The challenges are great, but the question remains – will we get in the boat, join Jesus in his mission, take the risks, and move beyond our comfort zones to carry forth the mission and ministry to which Christ is calling us? 

Jesus never promised that life would be easy, only that he would be with us whatever we encountered.  That is the constant in our lives, even in the midst of the turmoil and uncertainties, the questions and the doubts.  We are never alone. 

“Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”  In Jesus, the power of God is revealed – a power that sustains, that renews, that saves, that brings new life.  It is a power like no other, a power we can trust, a power that resurrects life from death.  There is a calmness that comes with faith.  How fortunate we are to be in the boat with Jesus. Relying on his power as our anchor and our stronghold, secured by his love and grace, we have nothing to fear and everything to gain by following him, no matter what comes our way.  Thanks be to God!  Amen!

Prayers of the People – June 25-2006

Almighty and Everlasting God, source of all that is eternal – we are thankful for your steadfast love for us.  You uplift us in our time of need.  You strengthen us to face the storms of life, and your presence calms our fears.  As we face life’s challenges, help us to trust you more fully, raising up to you in prayer all that gives us cause for joy and concern. 

Gracious God, we pray for all who are suffering today from dislocation, tragedy, and disasters.  We lift up to you sisters and brothers in Indonesia who have faced loss of life and property to flash flooding.  Be with those who are providing assistance and relief in the midst of this tragedy.  Know that we are thankful for all who volunteer their time and effort to reach out to others in times of need, for we, O God, know what it means to be on the receiving end of that love and generosity.  We give you thanks for the many volunteers who have come to assist our church, our members, and our neighbors, and especially today we thank you for the presence of volunteers from St. Luke Presbyterian Church who are with us this week to help with the Day School.  Their presence, support and care is truly a gift for which we are thankful.  Help us to respond to these acts of generosity and love with open hearts that reach beyond ourselves into ever expanding opportunities for mission and service in the life and ministry of your church.  

Loving God, we pray for the members and families of our congregation.  We pray for those who are not with us this day, for those who have settled into new homes in various parts of the country, and for those who are struggling to put their lives back together – facing many questions and few answers. We are thankful that you have given us the gift of community, friendships and fellowship in Christ that offers us support and nurture as we journey in the faith together.

Loving God, help us to be a community that reaches out to those who suffer, those who are grieving, those who are in need.  We pray for our neighbors, for the homeless and displaced, for those who are jobless, for those who are wondering how they will move forward each day.  May the tender touch of your inward spirit bring comfort and strength to those who are in distress.  We pray for the sick, the dying, those innpain, or who face surgery.  Especially, we pray this day  for special concerns that lie heavy on our hearts……  Help all of us, O God, whatever our special needs and concerns might be.  Surround us with your love and strength, and grant us your peace

Gracious God, your love cares for us in life and watches over us in death.  We give you thanks for the life of your faithful servant, Shirley Heuer.  In this time of great loss, comfort her family and friends with the knowledge of the life that she now shares with you in your glorious kingdom.  Surround Frank with your love and mercy as he grieves her death, strengthen him in the knowledge of your resurrecting power, and embrace him with your peace.

All powerful God, we pray for those parts of our world where people hunger for your peace and justice.  We lift up to you the people of Afghanistan, as the situation in that country worsens and killings increase.  We pray for those caught in the violence in Iraq, for the safety of our troops, for the families of the U.S. soldiers who were brutally murdered, and for the many civilians who have been kidnapped or killed by terrorists.  Protect and guide all those who are in harms way this day, and strengthen all those who seek your peace.  We pray especially for the leaders of Israel and Palestine, as they meet in Jordan for informal talks.  May, by some miracle, the storms of violence that have ravaged the Middle East be stilled.  Calm the strife between warring factions in Sudan, and ease the unrest in Sri Lanka.  Bring peace wherever there is violence, love where there is hatred, and hope where there is despair.  We pray this especially with an eye to our own city, where senseless murders have snuffed out precious lives and the national guard now patrols our streets.  Be with our mayor, city leaders, the police force, and all our citizens as we rebuild.  Bind us together with a vision for the future that grants hope and life and renewal to our great city. 

O God, with so many needs in our midst and so much that needs to be done, help us to hold on to you and to each other.  Grant us the strength, the determination, and the courage to take the risks necessary to follow you more fully and faithfully.   Fill our hearts with your self-giving love, that our voices may speak your praise, and our lives may conform to the image of your Son, who taught us when we pray to say:  Our Father…

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