Sermon 188 June 4, Jn 11:47-52, Ac 12:1-7, 1Co 15: 12-21 Council Fathers - Germanus of Paris & Nicetas of Chalcedon

As preached by Brother Luke
Holy Wisdom Church

Maybe some, or many, of you have had the experience of writing something, a letter, an article, journaling, a speech, a work or school assignment, and after finishing the text, you put it aside and return to it later. And while re-reading it you think to yourself, did I write that? Maybe by questioning where the words came from we might realize that inspiration might very well come from a source beyond ourselves. It may be prompted by outside circumstances, something we read, a book or an article, that sparked the creative impulse; or an insight in prayer; or something we heard someone say; or a film or a play we saw; or a podcast we heard. But what prompts the inspiration is not the inspiration itself.

In today’s gospel we notice that the evangelist comments on Caiaphas' prophecy about Jesus. That it is better for one to die in order to save the nation. John notes that as High Priest, Caiaphas is speaking a prophetic message that was not from himself but from God. And even more, he was speaking about salvation for all, most likely without even knowing it. The events prompting his remarks are those surrounding the teaching and miracles of Jesus and the people's response to them.

Jesus fulfills this mission by freely and willingly accepting death to bring everlasting life to all. The enormity of this sacrifice is commented on by St Paul elsewhere when he says few would be willing to die for someone else, but someone just might be willing to do so for a really good person. Jesus Christ makes no distinction. He is willing to die for all: good and bad alike. For all are God's people.

This is baseball season. Sacrifices are built into the game. A sacrifice bunt or a sacrifice fly are examples. One player sacrifices himself and is out so that another might be able to score. Should he score, the sacrifice benefits the whole team. If we are serious about seeing Jesus as our model for a life lived according to God's plan for us, then we need to understand what his ultimate sacrifice means not only for each of us individually but also for all creation. It is a grace for which we are forever grateful.

Nevertheless, we should not presume from this that we are expected to find a reason to die for the sake of the kingdom. However, both scripture and the writings of the early church fathers advise us that we are to die to ourselves. What did Jesus say? You have to lose your life to gain it! Jesus lost his life in order to gain it for all of us. None of us are in a position to do that. But daily we can die to ourselves in much smaller, but still significant ways. And it usually means putting aside what I want in order to let someone else's idea have a chance to grow. It's being willing to cheerfully let go of my cherished projects rather than think that they are essential for the wellbeing of others. It's being willing to sacrifice my time when doing so may offer a lifeline to someone in desperate need.

Today we remember the the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council who set forth the creed that we still profess today. It was a challenging time and one can only imagine how many participants had to struggle with themselves to come to terms with the final language. Sacrifices both large and small. We also remember today the 6th century saint, Germain of Paris, who struggled, often fruitlessly, to bring peace between rival political factions in Gaul. He also composed a Gallican liturgy used in France up to the time of Charlemagne and revived in the 20th century for use in France and accepted by the Orthodox Church. Sacrificial efforts centuries apart but bearing fruit to this day. All reminding us that our daily challenges and sacrifices are part of the constantly unfolding fabric of our spiritual journey with Christ, a journey we make with all other believers.

Glory be to Jesus Christ!