The Opposite of Love. Mark 13:1-8

William Sloane Coffin once remarked that the opposite of love is not hate, but fear. I kept encountering that sentiment this week as I prepared to preach on Mark's "Little Apocalypse." I gained a familiarity with apocalyptic literature in college, when a professor suggested that I write a paper looking at hints of apocalypticism in the book of Zechariah. I was hooked, and the genre never scared me again. Students have often asked if we could study the Book of Revelation together. Actually, they usually ask if we can study "Revelations" and I tell them no, but we can study Revelation. Anyway, they come in hoping to encounter spooky ghosts and goblins, and leave having gained an understanding of the ways in which people who face trials and who are fearful have expressed their hopes and fears. Mark's account has Jesus' disciples expressing fears and asking when the end times will be. Jesus does not answer their question, other than to warn them that lots of folks will try to convince them that they know the details about the end times. He tells them that they ought not to worry about those folks, but should remain alert. So, what does that mean? Let's go back to that concept of love. When I was a small boy, I became lost in a department store. It was not a large store, but to me, at that age, it was a foreign land. I can still feel the sense of panic I felt when I realized that I had become separated from my mother. I recall, as well, the immense sense of relief I felt when I found her. Can that not be the sense we get when we believe in a God who is always there, including in the scary times? I seems easier for folks to believe in the doom coming with the end of the Mayan calendar in December, or the latest prediction of the end of the world, now slated for 2013. And plenty of people are just scared by uncertainty, whether economic or personal. When we become afraid we will reach for any branch when we are falling. Why are we afraid? Don't we believe in the One whom God sent to alleviate our fear and to show us how to love? When we love, and are loved, we are less fearful. And, if I understand Jesus' directive about looking for the end times correctly, we are to be aware, and we are to be taking care of one another in the meantime. The writer of the First Letter of John tells us that perfect love casts out fear. If we love more, we will fear less. So, what are we waiting for?

Enough Already!

Well, the election is over, and some are relieved and others are heartsick. I respect people's right to disagree about politics, and I even encourage it. But I draw the line at those who continue to say that God's will was subverted and that America has decided that it does not want to be a faithful nation for another four years. Just today I have read two statements by two clergy that seem to indicate that real Christians would have never voted for President Obama.I have to be honest: I was disappointed in Obama's first term, with some of the decisions that he made, or did not make. He was, to my way of thinking, too timid. But he pushed through healthcare for all Americans, and advocated for the full rights of all people, including members of the GLBT community. Sorry for my friends who will be disappointed to hear me say it, but I think those and other decisions are wholly keeping with what Christian faith is all about. I AM a Christian, and I DID vote for Democratic candidates. I did so, not because they are perfect or because they have all of the answers. I did so because I feel that they, at least, really do have a philosophy and real-politic that favors the poor and middle class. Since when did advocacy for fair housing, assistance for the poor and hungry, and the inclusion of ALL people become anti-Christian activities? When I registered to vote, I chose the party of my parents. That lasted through two presidential voting cycles, and then I realized that I did not share the values of my party. As a Christian I will always go with those who advocate for the outsiders, who don't just accept the status quo as good enough. Both political parties are corrupt, and I long for a serious third party. But our system will never allow that, so we have to make the best of what we have. I will no longer remain silent when another Christian derides me or anyone else who is anti-gun violence, pro-choice, anti-death penalty, pro-human rights for all, in favor of universal health care and against our bloated defense budget. Those are not political decisions, they are decisions that reflect my beliefs as a Christian. I do not agree with other Christians who take opposing stands, but I will never question their commitment to their faith, and they need to stop questioning mine. I have read the scriptures and the creeds and traditions of the Church. I stand on solid ground! I have had enough.

Hold Your Head High! Mark 12: 38-44

The Gospel for this coming Sunday comes from Mark 12:38-44, the story of the widow's mite. Jesus commented on the contrast between the priests in their long, flowing robes, and the poor woman who came forward and placed her offering in the collection box. He was impressed because she contributed out of her poverty, not out of plenty. I think I had always envisioned the woman as beaten down by life, and meekly coming forth, looking at the ground, as she placed her offering in the box, and then quickly walking away. But then I thought about parishioners I have known, and I can think of several, male and female, who fit the description of the poor widow. The people whom I have known did not approach church timidly, and did not hide when the offering plate came 'round, but contributed proudly, from their hearts. In my first parish, no one in the church could have been considered wealthy, and yet, the church paid its bills. I remember being embarrassed by the generosity of the people towards me, their young pastor. Christmas and birthday gifts of cash, and wedding gifts for my wife and me. And when our daughter was born, quilts and handmade dolls and cash came our way. These people were proud of their community and their church, and they were not ashamed of their stations in life. They were simple people, capable of great love. So, remembering their example, I think that the poor woman in Mark's tale walked confidently to the offering box, and dropped in her coin, and did not look at the ground, but walked confidently, knowing she had given all that she could give. In her heart, at least, she had no reason to feel like a second-class citizen, even though, in that time and place, she most certainly was treated as one. We need to remember that, in the eyes of God, our best is often good enough. And that assurance can enable us to do great things.