Have you witnessed a time of despair (read: desperation) in yourself or another, and to your surprise, saw it unfold in more hopeful ways? I wonder if you noted what was the first sign of that hope. Nicholas Wolterstorff is a theologian and philosopher who is best known for his book, Lament for a Son, written as he mourned the tragic death of his twenty-five year old son, Eric. He would write the following in that book: “I own my grief. I do not try to put it behind me, to get over it, to forget it. I do not try to dis-own it. If someone asks, ‘Who are you, tell me about yourself,’ I say–not immediately, but shortly, ‘I am one who lost a son.’ That loss determines my identity; not all of my identity, but much of it. Every lament is a love-song. Will love-songs one day no longer be laments?” It is as though, and maybe is exactly as though, that this despairing father moved toward hope as he allowed himself to embrace the love song that is grief.
That may seem an odd reflection to introduce a sermon for Pentecost Sunday. Indeed, we will look at the often-told story from Acts 2, where the disciples are gathered, and the Holy Spirit descends upon them. While the story is full of dramatic elements, one of the most dynamic is the observation that people of deeply diverse backgrounds can hear others speaking in their own languages.
The lectionary readings for Sunday, however, include a passage from Ezekiel in which the prophet is placed in a middle of a field full of very dry bones. The Lord asks the question, “Mortal, can these bones live?” The prophet is told to “prophesy” to the bones, calling on them to “hear the Word of the Lord.” What follows is a two-stage response in which, first, the bones begin to assemble, and are covered with flesh, and secondly, the breath of life comes into them. As the Lord continues to speak to Ezekiel, he learns that this is a testimony that against all odds, the people who are in exile will return to the land God gave them. In the face of despair, the story is a marker that the people are called forth to cherish a hope that God is not finished with them.
We’ll chat about this in worship at St. Mark’s on Sunday as we remember the Day of Pentecost. The sermon, “Can Dry Bones Live?: A Sermon of Pentecostal Hope”, arises from Ezekiel 37: 1-14 , which will be read by Chris Haynes, and Acts 2: 1-21, to be read by Cooper Tucker. Theo Harrah will sing a solo, and the Chancel Choir, accompanied by Lois Leong, will lead us in hymns. There will be a moment for children, prayers and hymns.
We look forward to connecting with you, whether you are a newcomer to St. Mark’s, or a long-time member. Service begins at 10:30 in the sanctuary. You may also choose to connect online by visiting www.smumc.church and clicking on the Live Stream banner.