Rev. Jimmy Moore, preaching
Ramps and Walls: Building the Beloved Community with Sacred Witness
Matthew 9:35-38 & 10:5-14
After the devastating fire in London in the year 1666, the famous architect Christopher Wren, was commissioned to rebuild St Paul’s Cathedral. One day, it is said, he observed three bricklayers on a scaffold, one crouched, one half-standing and one standing tall, working very hard and fast. To the first bricklayer, he asked the question, “What are you doing?” to which the bricklayer replied, “I’m laying brick.” The second bricklayer, responded, “I’m building a wall.” But the third brick layer, with a different air about him, replied, “I’m building a cathedral.”
This story evokes questions: What are you building with your life? Do you believe you can make a difference? What language are you using? What actions are you taking? What questions are we asking? What kind of community are we seeking to bring into being? What things must we say and do in this most critical age? What things don’t help? And in a contentious and reactive culture, are there conversations and engagements that would be better to avoid because they do not help build the sacred community, in your house and in your community?
In the Gospel of Matthew, we can read that Jesus observed the crowds, and was moved at the aimlessness he noticed…that they were like “sheep without a shepherd.” So he sent his disciples to proclaim the reign of God, and to undertake redemptive, transform actions. And they were to notice the responses they got as information to help them discern their next actions. Do they stay in that place? Or do they leave it for the time being, because the resistance to change was so deep? One thing is clear: the people of Jesus are sent.
The sermon Sunday is titled, “Ramps and Walls: Building the Beloved Community with Sacred Witness,” arising from Matthew 9: 35-38 and 10: 5-14. Our singers will continue to bring us great music, and we will sing, pray, and celebrate Holy Communion virtually.
We look forward to connecting on the live stream this Sunday.