3 Epiphany Yr A 2005
Today we hear Jesus say, "Follow me."
Do you all know the song "I have decided to follow Jesus"?
It goes like this:
I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.
The cross before me the world behind me. Repeat.
Though none go with me still I will follow. Repeat.
That song was important to me about 20 years ago when I was making some decisions.
And it some ways it still is.
But now my issues are different.
I’ve made the commitment.
Now I want to know how to remain faithful.
How to continue to follow—
Even though as the song suggests— None go with me.
So I’ve been thinking about keeping on keeping on.
What’s that like?
How do we do it?
In one of my cookbooks, there is an excerpt from a pioneer woman’s diary…
She wrote…
"Oh, dear, how can I say it. Squash again today."
Squash again today.
What are the staples of the Christian life and faith?
St. Luke describes them in Acts 2:42, the apostles’ teaching the fellowship the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Pretty simple.
You. Me. A Bible. A prayer book.
Some bread and some wine.
On a day like today, you can think about the basics.
We do it when we go to the store to stock up for a winter storm.
Bread
Milk
Eggs
You. Me. A Bible. A prayer book.
Some bread and some wine.
Is it really that basic?
That simple? Yes.
And no.
It is also deeply profound.
As we study and read scripture together, pray together for each others' concerns and the needs of the world, and share a meal, something truly awesome happens.
We come to know each other better.
We come to know ourselves better.
And we know God better.
We know that God makes a difference in our lives.
And because God is in our lives we can make a difference in our homes, neighborhoods and the world.
So I keep on keeping on because I know I am truly blessed by God.
Given spiritual gifts. Holy food and drink. Godly companions.
I know no other way.
I want no other way.
Jesus Christ is my way, my truth and my life.
Now, let me tell you about that song
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus….
I no longer sing that last verse.
…Though none go with me….
It’s just plain wrong.
You never go alone.
There are always companions.
There is always fellowship.
Even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Even when you can’t see anyone.
The saints and the angels surround us.
Minister and witness to us.
Worship with us.
In an endless round of alleluias.
God makes us one.
Gives us to one another
to encourage one another,
to support one another,
to teach one another,
to bear each others load.
As we keep on keeping on, it gets easier because we know the presence of Christ and the faithful witness of countless other men, women and children who have also decided to follow Jesus.
It is a day for the basics.
That’s about as basic as I can get.
And I humbly offer it.
AMEN.
