Trusting in the holy spirit

‘When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you ’ (Matt 9:19-20)

 (Year A: The First Sunday after Trinity, 14^th June, 2020)

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

READINGS

Genesis 18:1-5; 21:1-7

Psalm 116

Romans 5:1-8

Matthew 9:35-10:23

Parallel Readings from the other Gospels

Mark 6:6-13; Luke 10:1-12

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

SERMON NOTES (543 words)

Have you ever been nervous before speaking publicly?  Have you ever had a feeling in the very bottom of your tummy before having a conversation about something really difficult? Does a cloud descend on you sometimes when you realise that someone is about to turn your life upside down for you? Most of us dislike change especially when it is imposed against our will. Many of us would rather stick to the quiet life rather than confront a bully or gently correct a colleague.

Let’s be clear about this: Christian religion was born in conflict, controversy, persecution and suffering.  The gospel writer, Matthew, gives us an insight into what daily life was like for followers of Jesus in the first decades after his death and resurrection. Certainly, the path of discipleship would cost dearly. Yet, the blood of martyrs then as well as now is the seed of the church.

This Sunday’s passage is a long one encompassing three main parts:

• The call to serve the Gospel
• The mission of those called
• The coming persecutions

The location of the story Is Galilee where, in Matthew’s plan, Jesus’ teaching, healing and preaching is setting the pattern for those called. Chapter 10 opens up with the call of what Matthew refers to as the Apostles (those sent). We need to be mindful of the context in which the very early church developed. It was not a tightly knit, canonically well ordered structure with well defined roles and ministries. Rather, it was an evolving communion spread across the lands of the eastern Mediterranean while spreading westwards and flourishing under fierce opposition as it found it way – first mainly among the Jewish people and then increasingly amongst the gentiles.  In two thousands years much has changed in the middle east but this is one constant – those who follow Jesus face constant marginalisation and persecution. The words of Matthew apply in this context with particular force.

As I look about the world today I see many persons and whole groups who are harassed and helpless just as the crowds were that Jesus spoke about: like sheep without a shepherd as he said to this disciples. In the moral fog of 21^st century world I am afraid that many of us do not know right from wrong. And if we did we might not be inclined to say or do anything about it. Even still, millions practice the compassion of Jesus when he saw the crowds; they respond in acts of compassion and in practical ways to care for others. They need help and what is offered is never enough relative to the vast amount of human need for listening, support, food, shelter, healthcare and guidance. We, too, can play our part.

The call to pray for more ‘labourers’ because the ‘harvest is plentiful’ must not be interpreted exclusively to mean that only ordained ministers or consecrated religious are called and sent to announce or live the Gospel. Every baptised Christian is called to live out their vows to the full and to witness to the love of God where they are. And if people speak out and act boldly in defence of racial justice at this time, we should not be shy to speak out and act boldly in defence of all human rights. In so doing we bear witness to Christ as the first disciples did. We can do this because, as St Paul wrote: ‘God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us’ (Romans 5:5).