They say that “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I’m pretty sure that’s not true. I read the other day about a dog named Henry, who had remained not adopted in a shelter for six years. But some alert tech noticed an innate ability in Henry to notice distress in others. Henry was then chosen to be trained to become a service dog…this dog no one wanted. Henry was also adopted by a mom named Yasmine, who has a son named Leo. Leo has a rare neurological condition which leaves him prone to seizures. Their adopted dog is a wonderful fit for Leo, with his incredible ability to detect when a seizure is imminent. Henry, the dog no one wanted, now works during the day as a service dog, and the rest of the day, is side by side with his best friend, Leo. Maybe, just maybe, you can teach old dogs new tricks. Better not to judge, as Jesus would say.
But of course, the saying isn’t really about dogs, is it? The saying reflects a not so complimentary assumption that we humans don’t change our ways very easily. Believing that we are rarely capable of change does serve to protect us from disappointment, I suppose, but it also directs us away from hope. And while all too understandable, it is a costly strategy to adopt.
Jesus certainly did not buy into it. The teachings and the stories of Jesus are animated by an alert attention to the possibility of transformation. Whether teaching in the sermon on the mount, responding to questions, or engaging with the sick and the grieving, Jesus anticipated that we have the capacity to change. “Follow me.” “Love your enemies.” “Blessed are the poor.” “Whoever has no sin, cast the first stone.” I’d say Jesus thought we were deeply capable of learning new tricks.
The sermon for Sunday is titled, “Maybe An Old Dog Can Learn New Tricks: The Gift of Lent and the Call to Discipleship”, arising from Mark 8: 31-38. We’ll have a moment for children, prayers, and music with the Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Nara Lee. Join us on this Fourth Sunday of Lent.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with you on the live stream at 10:30am this Sunday.
Remember the time "Springs" ahead this Sunday so don't forget to change your clocks!