| Sermon, July 4, 2004 |
| "Today Is…" [1] Independence Day 2004 Luke 10:1-20 Rev. Matthew M. Fry |
Please note: Since this sermon depended so much on its delivery, it was best heard live. It is
rather challenging to read it and still sense the appropropriate contextual emotions which were
conveyed during its delivery by Rev. Fry, so he welcomes any questions or thoughts on it
rather challenging to read it and still sense the appropropriate contextual emotions which were
conveyed during its delivery by Rev. Fry, so he welcomes any questions or thoughts on it
As we continue to experience the Word of the Lord together, Let us Pray. Lover of humankind,
whose care extends to saints and sinners, and whose judgment spares no one because of rank or
place, open our eyes and ears and hearts to receive your Word Proclaimed this morning, that we
may grow in our love for you. Speak Lord, your servants are listening. If these words are not
Your Word, may they be forgotten and come to naught. But if they be Thy Word, may they
adhere to our hearts, forever transforming us from glory into glory, into the creatures you would
have us be, Thou who art our Rock and Redeemer, Amen.
whose care extends to saints and sinners, and whose judgment spares no one because of rank or
place, open our eyes and ears and hearts to receive your Word Proclaimed this morning, that we
may grow in our love for you. Speak Lord, your servants are listening. If these words are not
Your Word, may they be forgotten and come to naught. But if they be Thy Word, may they
adhere to our hearts, forever transforming us from glory into glory, into the creatures you would
have us be, Thou who art our Rock and Redeemer, Amen.
Hear now The Word of the Lord as it comes to us in the Gospel of Luke. Listen.
Luke 10.1-20. The Grass withers, the Flower falls, but the Word of the Lord endures forever…
Thanks be to God.
Luke 10.1-20. The Grass withers, the Flower falls, but the Word of the Lord endures forever…
Thanks be to God.
Today is the Fourth of July, and today is the Lord’s Day.
It happens, not too often, but it happens when the American Holiday lands on the sacred day of
worship, when the smells of burgers and dogs on the grill blend with the fragrance of candles
and incense, when the sounds of fireworks come together with the tones of “Holy, Holy, Holy”.
The next time Independence Day will be on Sunday is 2010. The time following that will be
2021, due to leap year. So, its not a once in a lifetime occurrence, but it is a little more like how
I prefer the burger I’ll have later today, rare.
worship, when the smells of burgers and dogs on the grill blend with the fragrance of candles
and incense, when the sounds of fireworks come together with the tones of “Holy, Holy, Holy”.
The next time Independence Day will be on Sunday is 2010. The time following that will be
2021, due to leap year. So, its not a once in a lifetime occurrence, but it is a little more like how
I prefer the burger I’ll have later today, rare.
For some congregations and individuals, this is a happy intersection, a welcome and untroubled
opportunity to give thanks to God for the grace of living in a land so free and prosperous, and to
offer thanks to those who have sacrificed to insure that we continue to live in the greatest
country in the history of the world.
opportunity to give thanks to God for the grace of living in a land so free and prosperous, and to
offer thanks to those who have sacrificed to insure that we continue to live in the greatest
country in the history of the world.
For many other Christians, Sunday and American Independence Day lie less easily together.
The cross and the flag are both demanding symbols, and they compete for our deepest devotion
and loyalty. The coming together of the Lord’s Day and the Nation’s Day simply makes visible
on the calendar the decision facing us as Christians every day, “Choose this day whom you will
serve.” (Joshua 24.15). Obviously, most of the time this choice is not put so starkly.
Everyone is from somewhere, by definition. And part of the joy of being American is the simple
pleasure of being in this place, the good fortune of being with these people, the reward of being a
part of this history, the satisfaction in helping to build this national community. And there’s
something good about being proud of one’s native land. And we have loads of wonderful
reasons to be proud. So, most of the time, the choice between love of God and love of country
is not an either-or-decision.
The cross and the flag are both demanding symbols, and they compete for our deepest devotion
and loyalty. The coming together of the Lord’s Day and the Nation’s Day simply makes visible
on the calendar the decision facing us as Christians every day, “Choose this day whom you will
serve.” (Joshua 24.15). Obviously, most of the time this choice is not put so starkly.
Everyone is from somewhere, by definition. And part of the joy of being American is the simple
pleasure of being in this place, the good fortune of being with these people, the reward of being a
part of this history, the satisfaction in helping to build this national community. And there’s
something good about being proud of one’s native land. And we have loads of wonderful
reasons to be proud. So, most of the time, the choice between love of God and love of country
is not an either-or-decision.
However, things are different in a time when we are citizens of the world’s only superpower,
and we have opted so often to act like an empire. When in Montreat at the end of May, I was
sitting in on a Doug John Hall lecture. DJH is from Canada. After a little while he looked at us,
and just said, “You as Americans do need to realize that you are an empire.” And after we all sat
there, in that silence that shows we can’t disagree, he went on. “Recently I sat with a group of
Canadians and Americans, and we were discussing this. One of my colleagues that was
Canadian, was pointing out what our role was. It wasn’t to stop you from being an Empire, it
was to help and equip you to be a good empire, to be the best empire you can be.”
and we have opted so often to act like an empire. When in Montreat at the end of May, I was
sitting in on a Doug John Hall lecture. DJH is from Canada. After a little while he looked at us,
and just said, “You as Americans do need to realize that you are an empire.” And after we all sat
there, in that silence that shows we can’t disagree, he went on. “Recently I sat with a group of
Canadians and Americans, and we were discussing this. One of my colleagues that was
Canadian, was pointing out what our role was. It wasn’t to stop you from being an Empire, it
was to help and equip you to be a good empire, to be the best empire you can be.”
We live in the tension between being a citizen of the empire, an empire which can be good, but
being part of the reigning power and being a disciple of the Prince of Peace, well, there is a
tension there. Ultimately, there are times when we must “Choose this day whom we will serve.”
being part of the reigning power and being a disciple of the Prince of Peace, well, there is a
tension there. Ultimately, there are times when we must “Choose this day whom we will serve.”
Today is the Fourth of July, and today is the Lord’s Day.
The lectionary is, as usual, oblivious to this collision of calendars. As far as the lectionary is
concerned, this is simply the 14th Sunday in Ordinary time, just one more Sunday between
Pentecost and Advent. But, as is so often the case with the lectionary, today we are presented
with a gospel lesson with an unexpected relevance. If America sees itself as a nation with a
global mission, and there are good reasons so to do, our reading from the Gospel of Luke
reminds us that Jesus, too, has a world-wide mission – quite a different mission – and that the
followers of Jesus are also under orders – quite different orders.
concerned, this is simply the 14th Sunday in Ordinary time, just one more Sunday between
Pentecost and Advent. But, as is so often the case with the lectionary, today we are presented
with a gospel lesson with an unexpected relevance. If America sees itself as a nation with a
global mission, and there are good reasons so to do, our reading from the Gospel of Luke
reminds us that Jesus, too, has a world-wide mission – quite a different mission – and that the
followers of Jesus are also under orders – quite different orders.
Today is the Fourth of July, and today is the Lord’s Day.
The passage in Luke begins innocently enough. Jesus sends out seventy missionaries in pairs.
Their job, easy enough, prepare the way for Jesus into every place he will go. Where is that?
Everywhere, to every nation and every tribe. The fact that there are 70 missionaries is probably
no accident. This number probably dates back to Genesis ten and the list of 70 nations on the
Earth. In other words, the 70 represents Jesus’ intention to be present for all humanity, and
these missionaries are to respect no division of race or clan. Today our streets are draped with
the stars and stripes, and we rightly celebrate that we are Americans. But more deeply we
belong body and soul to Jesus Christ who intends to be Lord of every nation.
Their job, easy enough, prepare the way for Jesus into every place he will go. Where is that?
Everywhere, to every nation and every tribe. The fact that there are 70 missionaries is probably
no accident. This number probably dates back to Genesis ten and the list of 70 nations on the
Earth. In other words, the 70 represents Jesus’ intention to be present for all humanity, and
these missionaries are to respect no division of race or clan. Today our streets are draped with
the stars and stripes, and we rightly celebrate that we are Americans. But more deeply we
belong body and soul to Jesus Christ who intends to be Lord of every nation.
Actually, it humbles our nationalistic pride when we realize that when Jesus sends out the 70,
we are on the receiving end. They come from somewhere to find us. If Jesus had only been a
super patriot and his missionaries only sent within the nation, or only sent for the good of the
nation, we would have been off the list and the gospel not reached us at all. If Jesus thought
love of God and love of country were the same, he would have ignored those outside the borders
of Israel.
we are on the receiving end. They come from somewhere to find us. If Jesus had only been a
super patriot and his missionaries only sent within the nation, or only sent for the good of the
nation, we would have been off the list and the gospel not reached us at all. If Jesus thought
love of God and love of country were the same, he would have ignored those outside the borders
of Israel.
Today is the Fourth of July, and today is the Lord’s Day.
This is an election year. As if you didn’t know that already. We feel the tension between our
call of country and our call from God when we listen to those who would lead us. John Kerry
has said, “the highest responsibility of our government is to provide for the common defense and
to keep the American people safe.”[2] Defense and safety, those are the highest responsibilities.
For his part, George W. Bush has said, “Defending our nation against its enemies is the first and
fundamental commitment of the federal government.”[3] Establishing and maintaining the wall
between us and the enemy is the first and fundamental commitment.
call of country and our call from God when we listen to those who would lead us. John Kerry
has said, “the highest responsibility of our government is to provide for the common defense and
to keep the American people safe.”[2] Defense and safety, those are the highest responsibilities.
For his part, George W. Bush has said, “Defending our nation against its enemies is the first and
fundamental commitment of the federal government.”[3] Establishing and maintaining the wall
between us and the enemy is the first and fundamental commitment.
But Jesus, who also desires to lead us, has a different word. From the 3rd verse today, “Go on
your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves…” and in the 5th
verse, “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” In other words, if today we
mainly celebrate the Fourth, we are concerned with safety, defense, guarding against our
enemies, and maintaining a wall. If, however, we are observing the Lord’s Day, we hear another
command. We are called by Jesus to fear nothing, and to head right into the midst of those who
once we thought were enemies, and to speak a word of peace. Two different missions, one day.
your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves…” and in the 5th
verse, “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” In other words, if today we
mainly celebrate the Fourth, we are concerned with safety, defense, guarding against our
enemies, and maintaining a wall. If, however, we are observing the Lord’s Day, we hear another
command. We are called by Jesus to fear nothing, and to head right into the midst of those who
once we thought were enemies, and to speak a word of peace. Two different missions, one day.
Today is the Fourth of July, and today is the Lord’s Day.
Most of us, I imagine, can have it both ways. We can sing, “O Worship the King, all Glorious
Above,” and still proudly watch the fireworks tonight. I myself intend today, to take off this
service robe, and change into my t-shirt with four American flags on it, many of you have seen me
wear it. There is nothing wrong with loving your country, and serving it. But make no mistake,
there are times in which you will have to choose, because sometimes the calls are opposed.
Above,” and still proudly watch the fireworks tonight. I myself intend today, to take off this
service robe, and change into my t-shirt with four American flags on it, many of you have seen me
wear it. There is nothing wrong with loving your country, and serving it. But make no mistake,
there are times in which you will have to choose, because sometimes the calls are opposed.
The 3 time Academy Award winning movie, The Pianist is based on a true story of the World
War II experiences of Polish concert pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman. Near the end of the war,
Szpilman, in hiding in the attic of an abandoned Warsaw house, was discovered by a German
officer. Normally this would have meant sure death, but astonishingly, the officer befriended
Szpilman, secretely, and at great risk to himself, provided Szpilman food, warm clothing, and
protection.
War II experiences of Polish concert pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman. Near the end of the war,
Szpilman, in hiding in the attic of an abandoned Warsaw house, was discovered by a German
officer. Normally this would have meant sure death, but astonishingly, the officer befriended
Szpilman, secretely, and at great risk to himself, provided Szpilman food, warm clothing, and
protection.
Though the movie omits the officer’s identity, he was Captain Wilm Hosenfeld, a Christian. After
the war, it was revelaed that Hosenfeld had saved the life of many Jews, defying orders and risking
being executed a traitor for doing so. Once, when riding a bicycle near the Polish town of
Pabiance, Hosenfeld had encountered a young Jewish woman running desperately down the road.
When he asked her where she was going, she was so frightened she stammered out the truth and
told Hosenfeld that she was pregnant and that her husband was a prisoner in the concentration
camp. She was going to the camp to beg for his release. Hosenfeld wrote down the husband’s
name and said to the wife, “Your husband will be home again in three days.” And he was.
the war, it was revelaed that Hosenfeld had saved the life of many Jews, defying orders and risking
being executed a traitor for doing so. Once, when riding a bicycle near the Polish town of
Pabiance, Hosenfeld had encountered a young Jewish woman running desperately down the road.
When he asked her where she was going, she was so frightened she stammered out the truth and
told Hosenfeld that she was pregnant and that her husband was a prisoner in the concentration
camp. She was going to the camp to beg for his release. Hosenfeld wrote down the husband’s
name and said to the wife, “Your husband will be home again in three days.” And he was.
On another occasion, Hosenfeld had learned that the Gestapo had rounded up a number of men,
including the brother-in-law of a priest who had labored sacrificially in the underground. They
were being taken by truck to a work camp, and the brother-in-law was to be executed.
Hosenfeld spotted the truck moving through town, waved it down, and told the S.S.
commander, “I need a man” for labor detail. He picked out the priest’s brother-in-law, as if by
random selection, and the man was saved.
including the brother-in-law of a priest who had labored sacrificially in the underground. They
were being taken by truck to a work camp, and the brother-in-law was to be executed.
Hosenfeld spotted the truck moving through town, waved it down, and told the S.S.
commander, “I need a man” for labor detail. He picked out the priest’s brother-in-law, as if by
random selection, and the man was saved.
As the German war effort collapsed, Hosenfeld was captured and died forgotten and alone in a
Russian prisoner of war camp. Just before he died, he wrote in his diary, “Why did this war
have to happen at all?...We will not listen to the divine commandment, ‘Love one another.’”[4]
Today, Hosenfeld is remembered as a saint and a hero, and there is a tree planted in his memory
in Israel on the Avenue of the Righteous, beside the River Jordan.
Russian prisoner of war camp. Just before he died, he wrote in his diary, “Why did this war
have to happen at all?...We will not listen to the divine commandment, ‘Love one another.’”[4]
Today, Hosenfeld is remembered as a saint and a hero, and there is a tree planted in his memory
in Israel on the Avenue of the Righteous, beside the River Jordan.
“See,” Jesus said, “I am sending you like lambs into the midst of wolves. Whatever house you
enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’”
enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’”
Today is the Fourth of July, and today is the Lord’s Day.
Choose this day whom you will serve.
Choose this day whom you will serve.
When the 70 missionaries came back from their journeys to report to Jesus what had happened,
they returned with surprising joy, bringing with them tales of healing, peace, victory. “Yes,”
Jesus replied, “I watched Satan fall like a flash of lightening.” In other words, the disciples
thought they were out doing small deeds of ministry, unnoticed acts of compassion. They were
simply obeying the commands of Jesus, taveling to forgotten places, touching neglected lives,
working in obscure corners of the world and speaking peace and proclaiming the kingdom, just
doing something beautiful for God. But Jesus told them their deeds of mercy and grace were
bringing evil to its knees.
they returned with surprising joy, bringing with them tales of healing, peace, victory. “Yes,”
Jesus replied, “I watched Satan fall like a flash of lightening.” In other words, the disciples
thought they were out doing small deeds of ministry, unnoticed acts of compassion. They were
simply obeying the commands of Jesus, taveling to forgotten places, touching neglected lives,
working in obscure corners of the world and speaking peace and proclaiming the kingdom, just
doing something beautiful for God. But Jesus told them their deeds of mercy and grace were
bringing evil to its knees.
So, if all you want is a mid-summer’s break, a relaxing day spent waving the flag, grilling dogs
and burgers, catching a few rays as you tune in the last innings of the game, then today is the
Fourth of July. Enjoy.
and burgers, catching a few rays as you tune in the last innings of the game, then today is the
Fourth of July. Enjoy.
But if you want your life to count, really count, then know that you are baptized and you have
orders from another commander. Somewhere along the way, you will be called to leave your
wallet, your luggage, and your flag; you will be called to take a deep breath and to head out into
places you never imagined in the name of Christ. Maybe you will be sent to comfort a friend in
the hospital, or to speak a word of peace to a neighbor who won’t talk to another neighbor, or
to take a courageous stand in a public place. The way will be hard and the path uncertain, but by
the grace of God your work will become part of God’s work and will help to knock the powers
of evil off the throne. Evil will fall from the sky like a flash of lightening, and your name will be
written in heaven.
orders from another commander. Somewhere along the way, you will be called to leave your
wallet, your luggage, and your flag; you will be called to take a deep breath and to head out into
places you never imagined in the name of Christ. Maybe you will be sent to comfort a friend in
the hospital, or to speak a word of peace to a neighbor who won’t talk to another neighbor, or
to take a courageous stand in a public place. The way will be hard and the path uncertain, but by
the grace of God your work will become part of God’s work and will help to knock the powers
of evil off the throne. Evil will fall from the sky like a flash of lightening, and your name will be
written in heaven.
It all depends on what day you think it is.
Today is the Fourth of July, and today is the Lord’s Day.
Amen.
[1] This Sermon is highly informed by Long, Thomas G. “Today is…”; A Sermon for Sunday, July 4 as found
in “JP Journal for Preachers” Volume XXVII Number 4, pp 40 – 46. Dana Campbell Editorial Associate.
Decatur Georgia, Columbia Theological Seminary.
[2] www.johnkerry.com
in “JP Journal for Preachers” Volume XXVII Number 4, pp 40 – 46. Dana Campbell Editorial Associate.
Decatur Georgia, Columbia Theological Seminary.
[2] www.johnkerry.com
[3] www.georgewbush.com
[4] Hosenfeld’s story and portions of his diary can be found in Wladyslaw Szpilman,
The Pianist (New York: Picador, 1999).
[4] Hosenfeld’s story and portions of his diary can be found in Wladyslaw Szpilman,
The Pianist (New York: Picador, 1999).
| IMPORTANT After reading the translation: Click on the [X] in the box in the upper right corner of the translation window. That will close it. You will then return to the English version. |
| Posted July 6 , 2004 |
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