[Propertalk] Fwd: [propertalk.topic] Sermon for Proper 5C

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-------- Original message --------
From: Judy <judy_boli at ecunet.org> 
Date:06/04/2016  9:26 PM  (GMT-05:00) 
To: Propertalk <propertalk.topic at ecunet.org> 
Subject: [propertalk.topic] Sermon for Proper 5C 

Dear Friends,

 

This Sunday’s sermon is entitled “Death” or “The best is yet to come.” (Frank Sinatra) and deals with the gospel (Luke 7: 11-17).  Here it is:

 

This morning, we heard the episode about Jesus restoring a widow’s son from death (Luke 7: 11-17).  The weather has warmed up, and we’re starting to experience more shootings! I’ve been procrastinating re-sanctifying murder sites, but it’s unfortunately time to start.  We did three funerals/memorial services, and then came Memorial Day- a day of remembrance.  I’m probably “over”  my husband’s death as much as I’ll ever get over it- obviously a huge hole in my heard, but life goes on.  Death has been a constant in life.  I’d like to share some of my thinking this morning.

 

First- to lighten things up a bit- a story: While a man was dying, his wife was maintaining a candlelight vigil by his side. She held his fragile hand, tears running down her face.  Her praying woke him from his slumber. He looked up, and his pale lips began to move slightly.  “My darling,” he whispered.  “Hush, my love,” she said. “Rest, don't talk.”  He was insistent. “I have something that I must confess,” he said in a tired voice.  “There isn't anything to confess,” replied his weeping wife. “Everything's ok. Go to sleep.”  The man blurted out: “No, no, I must die in peace. I...I slept with your sister, your best friend, her best friend, and your mother!” “I know,” whispered his wife, “that's why I poisoned you!” (Anonymous source)

 

We Christians need to do our homework about death before it comes as a crisis to us, our families, or those we love.  Here are some short thoughts:

Unless Jesus comes back first (and remember- he’s tarried for 2,000+ years and he very well might wait another 2,000 or even many more), it’s going to happen to us and those we love. It’s normal and natural.  A good friend used to tell me: “Rev. Judy, IF I die…”  That’s not an “if”- that’s a “when”!
Life is limited.  It has a beginning and an end. Get and stay ready for the end- medical power of attourney, life insurance, be sure your loved ones know your wishes.
Life is a gift from God.  We should use it wisely, because we will be held accountable for it.
We need to take care of and be good stewards of the bodies God gave us, so we don’t die before our time.  God only gives us one body to use on this Earth, and he expects us to love and care for it. 
Life is made up of time, so don’t waste it.  Whenever we waste time, we waste a bit more of the precious gift of life God has given us.  By the way, being bored (in my opinion), is an indication that we are wasting time, and therefore life.
Being alive is terminal.  Since life is limited and dying is the normal, natural result of being alive, don’t be surprised when you find you’re going to die.  Instead, your reality.  Live in such a way that you are ready to die.  Know Jesus and follow him as your Way.  Keep your sins confessed up.  Keep your life well lived for the Lord and yourself.
 

A good reminder of the above truths is to consider what those you know and love would place on your tombstone- how would they sum up your life in a few words.  I don’t know, but my last label might be something like: “She was a person of love and justice.”  What would people say about you?  Here are some not-so-serious tombstone messages:

“Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake.  Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.” 
From a Georgia cemetery: “I told you I was sick!” 
“To follow you I'm not content until I know which way you went.”  
“Born 1903-Died 1942: Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was.” 
“The best is yet to come.” (Frank Sinatra)
 

For anyone who is interested, this sermon and updated African-American wisdom statements are posted on our parish’s web site under “Sermons & Stuff”. The address is: http://www.stpaulsepisag.org .

 

Blessed preaching,

Judy Boli

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Saginaw, Michigan

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