Thirteenth Sunday of Pentecost
Rev. Jimmy Moore, preaching
Reflections on a Vulnerable Messiah
Matthew 16:13-28
In these days of pandemic and social challenge, one could be forgiven for having at least a fleeting wish to be invulnerable. When we were children, many of us developed a fondness for superheroes. Of course, the unique gifts they possessed included the ability to fly, to see through walls, and to travel faster than anyone could imagine. But chief among these special strengths was invulnerability. Nothing could hurt the superheroes. They were, for all intents and purposes, invincible. For all children, especially those who have suffered loss or face great obstacles, invulnerability is a quite an attractive fantasy.
The writer and poet Madeleine L’Engle says that “when we were children, we used to think that when we were grown up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability. To be alive is to be vulnerable.” Or as Brene Brown says it, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
In a well-known conversation with his disciples, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. As soon as he does this, Jesus changes the conversation. He then begins to tell the disciples some unhappy news. He tells them that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer. And then he says that if anyone wants to be a disciple, that they too must take up their cross and follow him. That is, they, like Jesus, must find a path to vulnerability if they want to find strength in faith and love.
We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday morning, as the sermon is titled “Reflections on a Vulnerable Messiah”, arising from Matthew 16:13-28. We’ll have a children’s moment, a time of prayer and some wonderful music. This Sunday, our five singers will join our new organist, Nara Lee, in offering Fauré's "Cantique de Jean Racine" as the morning's anthem.
We look forward to connecting with you on the livestream at 10:30 at www.smumc.church.