Pentecost 15, Proper 17C
In the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
It’s “true religion” Sunday.
Periodically throughout the church year, there are a few
Sundays that sort of stand out because of the collects we say. Particularly in this “ordinary” time through
the summer and into the fall, when we don’t have the larger arch of the major
seasons of the church to capture our attention, the collects seem to direct us
to a particular theme.
Perhaps it’s because many of them are now so old, that even
in their contemporary language settings, the phrasing can sometimes stand out
to us.
Today it’s “true religion”.
“Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all
good things… increase in us true religion…”
What exactly is “true religion”?
Well, you may or may not be aware, but if you were to ask
most young people walking the streets these days, they’re just as
likely (if not more likely) to tell you that True Religion is a brand of high
fashion blue jeans.
It’s true. For about
two to three hundred dollars, you, too, can own a piece of True Religion -
which would mean you’re at the height of fashion. Though, of course, it would be pretty
unlikely that I could ever be the priest of a church that meant that by “true
religion”. I’ve never been accused of
being particularly fashion-conscious.
So, what do we
mean when we ask God to “increase in us true religion”?
You’re likely to hear a very different explanation of it
from me than you might from a rural, Southern Baptist preacher.
As such, it’s one of those terms that can make me a bit
nervous. Too often we define “true
religion” as that particular brand of religion that makes us most comfortable -
that feeds our own presuppositions - that reinforces our established opinions.
That may be a window into our true selves, but it’s not
always “true religion”.
Earlier this week, I was reading an interview with LillianDaniel, the author of a book called When
“Spiritual but Not Religious” Is Not Enough. Without using those particular words, Daniel
talks about “true religion” and how, if left to our own devises, we often miss
that mark.
Using herself as an example, she says, “If I could make up
my own individualized religion, God would let me make my weekly offering at the
shoe department at Nordstrom. And the
closest thing to an admonition would be a gentle nudge to lose the five pounds
after Thanksgiving I already wanted to lose anyway. I like that religion but it’s not going to do
anything to change me or the world.”
With that, I think, she starts to get at a biblical
understanding of what “true religion” actually is. It’s not about us. It’s not about meeting our own needs, or
catering to our own desires. It’s about
shifting our perspective to something outside of ourselves and our own
self-interests.
It would be easy to hear Jesus’ parables from the gospel
lesson today as little more than tips and tricks for better living and upward
mobility. Don’t assume the place of
honor, because you might get pushed down to a lower rung, which would be
embarrassing. Instead, assume a humble
place, and perhaps get invited up.
That’s a logical strategy for social advancement.
But it’s about more than just that.
In both of the parables Jesus told - about when you’re the
guest and when you’re the host - the message isn’t just about getting
ahead. It’s about shifting your focus to
those who are usually overlooked, ignored, or abused.
When you’re a guest, don’t just focus on the places of
honor, but turn toward the other end of the table. See the people and places that most people
would rather avoid. Embrace them.
And when you’re a host, don’t just invite the people who can
do the most for you, but make it an occasion of doing something for someone
else who has need - not just someone who has power.
Use your life to bring change to yourself and to the
world. Use your life to make it better.
We hear echoes of the same kind of charge in the letter to
the Hebrews: “Let mutual love continue.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers… Remember those who are in prison… [and] those
who are being tortured… Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,
for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
God doesn’t want us to just think of ourselves. God needs us to think of others, to care for
others, and to turn our attention to those who are most in need among us.
I think that’s
what the collect means by “true religion”.
That’s what we pray to have increased among us.
“True religion” isn’t just a self-indulgent pair of blue
jeans, or a weekly offering at Nordstrom.
It’s not even your weekly “pick me up” at church to fuel you for the
week ahead.
“True religion” is about a discipline of sacrifice. It’s about a mindset of consciousness. It’s a heart that beats for mission and
service.
May it increase in us.
Amen.
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