Loading...Sermon May 8, 2016
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, LSW
The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen, Newport, PA
Seventh Sunday of Easter Year C
The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22-23
Please be seated.
Over the past year, especially, I have become more aware of my own and others harsh ways we speak to and about each other. After all, I was on the debate team in high school and I like a lively exchange of ideas. However, I also know I carry strong views of my own and I can judge others who hold different views harshly.
You know I have a thing about stopping the symbol of the Confederate flag. I don’t mind it when it’s in a museum or museum-like setting, but on personal items or flying at peoples’ homes is something I find offensive and racist.
During the PA Farm Show this year, I saw a Facebook post in Perry County Talk about the state’s decision to not allow Confederate Flag paraphernalia to be sold at the Farm Show. Most of the comments were against the State’s decision. I decided to weigh in on the “other side.” I said I supported the decision and gave a reason or two.
Of course a slew of comments were made about my stance. I realized I had started off wrong, so on my second comment, I asked people why they wanted this paraphernalia…what it meant to them.
Some of the comments were that I should move to Canada and someone said they’d come help me pack. I was told I was “just a housewife.” I was told that liberals always ask lots of questions. I eventually asked why having a different opinion was so wrong and why we couldn’t agree to disagree? Why was I asked to leave the country just for holding a different view? After a day or two, the entire conversation was removed from the website.
I was so shaken by it, though.
Recently, I had another experience in a Facebook conversation regarding people who are transgender. I was told I should read my Bible and that I was not a Christian.
Again, I was shaken by the Exchange.
Our Gospel reading this morning is part of what is known as Jesus’ farewell discourse. It begins in Chapter 13 as the disciples are gathered and Jesus has washed their feet. There are five chapters of Jesus continuing to teach the disciples and to pray for them. Our Gospel today is Jesus final prayer before going out to the garden where Judas will betray him. In His prayer, Jesus asks that these disciples and all believers who come after will be protected. Jesus prays that these will know the love of God. Jesus also prays for unity…for a relationship between believers just like the one Jesus has with God.
Yet, that unity and that expression of love seem unattainable given the way we speak with each other today. With these recent experiences, I see where I have fallen short. I’ve been so interested in getting my viewpoint across that I haven’t taken the time to listen to why the other person believes what they believe. It’s a skill I’m trying to cultivate.
Here are some good questions to ask:
Where have you heard that?
Who have you talked to about that?
Do you think there are other opinions about that?
How might someone disagree with that?
//everydayfeminism.com/2015/01/responses-to-sexist-microaggressions/
Another article I found was more succinct: Stop, listen and learn. In other words, don’t become defensive. Take some time to learn a little more. Listen and try to understand where the person is coming from. Take some time to learn more about the issue.
I’m not sure if you’re like me, but too often I want to engage in a debate. I want to show you how right I am and how right my position is. I’m hoping to convert you or change your mind. My response or even provocation can inflame a situation, making no room for any kind of common ground at all nor any hope for unity.
Jesus prays that we will be unified, but I don’t believe that means we’ll all necessarily believe or think about the world and live in the world in the same way. We can say “I disagree with you.” Or “That has not been my experience.” We can ask more about the other person’s position or understanding or belief.
In the most recent example where I was told I wasn’t a Christian, I simply said I thought we needed to agree to disagree and that we could agree to pray about this issue. I found the common ground of prayer.
How we speak to each other and how we speak about each other have the power to create unity or to create division. Jesus ends his prayer reminding us that the world does not really know God or how much God loves us. Jesus prays that “the love with which” God has loved Jesus may be in all of Jesus’ disciples and believers and that Jesus may also be in us.
May we go out remembering this love of God for all of creation resides in us and may we seek the unity Jesus prayed for.
Amen
