Sermon, Sun Mar 1st
Like much scripture, the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, is deceptively simple. The complexity only appears after close scrutiny. So let's scrutinize closely...
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Introduction: Digesting Holy Scripture
In the Book of Common Prayer, the second Sunday in Advent has traditionally been known as Bible Sunday. It is a time when we give thanks for the scriptures and are encouraged to read, mark, and inwardly digest them. I love that phrase—"inwardly digesting" holy scripture. This is something we must do, especially during Lent.
The core of this process involves paying close attention to Bible readings to uncover the messages they hold for us. One such reading is the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a deceptively simple story that bears close scrutiny, particularly in its original Greek text, as English translations can obscure some of its deeper meanings.
The Story of Nicodemus: A Layer of Meaning
In John's Gospel, Nicodemus functions almost as a straight man for Jesus. The narrative moves from dialogue to misunderstanding, eventually allowing Jesus to deliver a profound speech. The exchanges between Jesus and Nicodemus highlight a shift from a singular to a plural form of address, indicating that the conversation is intended for a broader audience.
Nicodemus' journey through three cycles of dialogue with Jesus underscores a profound truth: mere knowledge of Jesus' divine origin isn’t enough for genuine faith. This Gospel passage, alongside the epistle from Romans, shifts our focus to Abraham as a model of faith, emphasizing that genuine belief must be manifested in sound action.
Eternal Life and Solid Faith
Eternal life, as described in the Gospel of John, begins in this life with the anticipation of another. It is a state of existence borne out of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ. Our lives as Christians are guided and empowered by this belief.
During Lent, we must focus on penitence, an expression of sound action that reflects solid faith. Soon, you will receive absolution, an assurance of God's forgiveness of sins. Our understanding of faith is heavily influenced by our understanding of sin—not merely as individual transgressions, but also as a fundamental missing of the mark, a failure to live up to our own ideals.
The Role of Faith in Human Frailty
We often find ourselves limited by our human nature, unable to achieve what we so desire. Just like a sick person needs a doctor, we, too, require external help. From parents and educators to God himself, these external influences support us, especially when we falter.
Faith becomes crucial when we can’t forgive ourselves or when we feel overwhelmed by our own blunders. It's a belief that God cares, a belief that may be challenging to accept, but an essential part of effective penitence.
Faith in Action: The Healing of the Epileptic Boy
There is a compelling story in Saint Mark's Gospel about an epileptic boy whose life was nearly destroyed by his illness. His father's faith, though tenuous, was enough to bring him to Jesus. Despite the father's wavering belief, Jesus' words—“Everything is possible to one who has faith”—highlight the power of even the smallest seed of faith.
The subsequent healing not only transformed the boy's life but is a reminder to us all. In our penance, over our shortcomings, we are urged to pray: “I have faith; help me where my faith falls short.” Just as the boy was restored, so can we be transformed, made into something more than we are now.
The Worth of Moral Struggle
While effort is required to succeed in tangible endeavors like business or abstaining from vices, the same applies to cultivating virtues like justice, kindness, and compassion. These qualities, although they sometimes offer no immediate reward or recognition, are worth every ounce of effort.
Faith plays a pivotal role when life’s journey feels like an endless cycle. Believing that life leads somewhere—beyond mere birth and death—we find the effort worthwhile. Whether faith is received as a divine gift or cultivated through practice, its essence transforms our approach to life’s struggles.
Conclusion: Trusting in God's Power
Faith, in the context of penitence, is a trust in God’s ability to mold us according to His perfect will. It is our call to not only confess our sins but to do so with the belief that God can and will make something of us.
As we reflect on this, let us embrace this divine dialogue, trust in God's concern for us, and let our faith guide our actions, enriching our lives with purpose and direction.