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Sermon September 12, 2021
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, MSW
The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen’s
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Track 2
http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Pentecost/BProp19_RCL.html
Audio: /documents/Eucharist__September_12__2021
Video: https://youtu.be/Y9G8RMU_fIs
He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ Mark 8:29
Please be seated
This past week we have been inundated with stories and commentary about the events of 9/11, especially since it has been 20 years since those events.
One of my favorite stories, if there can be such a thing, from that time involves Bishop Nathan Baxter, who was then the Dean of the Washington National Cathedral.
On September 14, the Cathedral led a national prayer service, which was attended by government dignitaries and Members of Congress, among others. Representative Barbara Lee from California was not sure she would go to the service. There was so much to do and the decision about what should be done next weighed heavily upon her. Congress was getting ready to decide whether to give a President broad powers to go into armed conflict. The piece of legislation was known as The Patriot Act.
At the last minute, Rep. Lee boarded the bus taking Members of Congress to the Cathedral for the service.
In his opening invocation, then Dean Baxter said, “Let us also pray for divine wisdom as our leaders consider the necessary actions for national security, wisdom of the grace of God, that as we act, we not become the evil we deplore.”
“that as we act, we not become the evil we deplore.” Hearing those words, Rep. Lee knew what she needed to do. She was not against some sort of military action against those who were responsible for the attacks during 9/11; however, she was concerned that we were acting too soon and acting out of anger. She wanted Congress to take a little more time in considering a response.
Later that day, she rose in Congress with an impassioned 2-minute speech urging restraint. At the end of her remarks, she said, “I have agonized over this vote. But I came to grips with it in the very painful yet beautiful memorial service today at the National Cathedral. As a member of the clergy so eloquently said, ‘As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore.’”
She was the only one in all of congress to vote against the Patriot Act.
“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks Peter and Peter responds, “You are the Messiah.” You are the savior, the liberator, Peter responds. You are here to save us and to help us to live a different way.
On that September 14 day, Bishop Baxter responded, “You are the Messiah.” And prayed that we not become the evil we deplore. Rep. Lee responded, “You are the Messiah.” And stood alone, voting no on The Patriot Act. She received death threats and had to have a security detail for months afterwards.
“Who do you say that I am?” we are asked each and every day. We respond, “You are the Messiah” as we gathered to help move Jane’s things, making sure many of them went to organizations to help others. Some of you were able to sit with Jane. Others sent cards. We all prayed.
“Who do you say that I am?’ “You are the Messiah” and we gather to plan activities with the people at the Commons and Gardens. We gather to make recommendations for nearly $20,000 of donations to important organizations. We come up with ways to help people who are hungry by filling the little community food pantry and by collecting items for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Bank.
“Who do you say that I am?” How do you show that Jesus is the Messiah? This week, you will receive a letter and some forms asking how you will commit your time, talent and treasure to the work of the parish during 2022. How will you demonstrate with your resources of time, talent and treasure that Jesus is the Messiah?
Amen
Video of 9/11 Service Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Baxter’s prayer is at 49 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AENiKB3uTns
Speech of Rep. Barbara Lee, Sept 14, 2001 https://www.wagingpeace.org/rep-barbara-lees-speech-opposing-the-post-9-11-use-of-force-act/
