Sermon
for the 7th Sunday after Trinity
Sunday 10th July 2005
Preached
by Rev Brian Parker
Dig deep
The contrasting images coming out of London in the past few days have
touched emotional extremities.
On the one hand we have witnessed joy over the choice of London as
the venue for the 2012 Olympic Games, and on the other hand we have
shared terrible pain and devastation following terrorists attacks.
The ecstasy of one day gives way to the agony of the next.
In the build-up to the London Olympic bid there were many stories
about areas of the city that were derelict and wasting away. It was
a case of compare and contrast. The present state of the areas was
overlaid by artist’s impressions of how things would be transformed
if London were successful.
David Beckham’s ‘manor’ in east London would be revitalised
and where today there are slums and boarded up warehouses, tomorrow
or at least by 2012, there would be a sporting infrastructure of truly
magnificent proportions.
And this kind of transformation is to be repeated in various sites
and neighbourhoods all around London.
When London’s success was announced the promise and expectation
knew no bounds. The legacy of this success would be a new generation
captivated and motivated by the spirit and ideals of the Olympic tradition
– life is not about winning, it’s about taking part, doing
your best, using your gifts, finding fulfilment in playing your part
for the greater good of society.
All these things are still possible for London and for the rest of
us.
Almost immediately after the bomb attacks stories appeared of how
Londoners had responded with compassion and determination. This was
about the success of the human spirit. A success that somehow emerges
and in time brings restoration and recovery.
But it takes time and a great deal of practical support – support
of the kind we call ‘love’.
It’s love motivated by a sensitive and strong concern to make
things better, to help, to heal and to do all that is humanly possible
to rebuild broken lives.
Last week it was the City of London. In days past it was the City
of New York, the City of Madrid, the City of Belfast, the City of
Newry, the City of Lisburn, the City of Derry.
We know that the list is long when it comes to terror’s legacy.
And we know what it takes to rebuild and to turn the agony into hope,
to find stability, decent values and ways of living together. We know
all that.
Moreover in the personal private context of bereavement when a close
knit family are devastated by the sudden death of a relatively young
member of the family, the compare and contrast images are indeed hard
to take in.
One day on the crest of a wave, the next gutted and drained of joy.
Yet somehow there is a time – God’s time – when, to
coin a phrase, the darkness gives way to a new dawn.
It’s been my privilege to meet people who really shine in the
face of adversity, not in a pretentious or extrovert way, but simply
in their quiet, steadfast spirit and determination to absorb the heartache
and to get on with their life, “not sorrowing without hope”.
When Jesus depicted himself as ‘the Sower’ who went out
to sow seeds he was more than likely observing a sower up on the hillside
doing just that.
It may have been an instantaneous decision, off the top of his head
kind of teaching but it resulted in a very true to life image and
an encouraging lesson.
It’s a story that compares and contrasts. It’s a story that
says there are in this world hard rocks and shallow, infertile soils.
God’s word and hope for us all can wither away in hearts and
minds that are self-centred even to the point of fanaticism and hatred
of others.
God’s word and values can be blown away in the rush for possessions
and status.
God’s word and love can be left to shrivel up and wither in the
dry soil of our indifference and pride.
Jesus looks at the Sower going forth to sow and recognises the different
ways we respond to God. In the tradition of the prophets he speaks
plainly, tells it straight, as it is.
The images of the various kinds of soil will linger long on the ears
of his hearers. They will puzzle over them and that is an important
part of our faith.
It reminds us that the seed of God’s word needs to be dug in
deep – in the fellowship of the Church, in the worship of all
faithful people, in the reading of his word, through ‘grace grafted
inwardly in our hearts’, in prayer and in Holy Communion.
Jesus says the seed of God’s word needs good soil. Hearts and
minds need to be receptive and willing to puzzle over his gift of
grace. Only then will good prosper. Then, as the prophet says: ‘The
myrtle will grow instead of the briers.’ God will achieve his
good purposes.
But in the meantime we will always experience contrasting images in
life. The ecstasy and joy will be shadowed by the agony of pain and
disappointment –the puzzles and the questions will linger.
“I called you but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not
listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”
The evil of blind fanaticism that brings terror and suffering to God’s
world is an abomination. It must be rooted out. So does apathy and
indifference to God’s Word in its power to heal and restore.
So compare and contrast. The artists’ impressions of what can
be may only become a reality if hearts and minds are ready and willing
to dig deep and to search out what is best, to find it and to cherish
it whatever the cost.
“Grant us a vision Lord
To see what we can achieve
To reach out beyond ourselves
To share our lives with others
To stretch our capabilities
To increase our sense of purpose
To be aware of where we can help
To be sensitive to your presence
To give heed to your constant call”.
Amen
