Back to Normal?

I am writing this sermon while sitting on my balcony Friday morning, the first day of Governor Wolf’s yellow stage and I am astonished by how different today is than any other morning of the past two months. The traffic noise from the highway is almost the same as it was before the stay-at-home order. Cars are constantly at the corner of Termon and California (honking impatiently). It seems that the crisis is all over. But, we know, it is not. Covid-19 is still here and is as contagious as it has ever been. And, now, we are left to decide for ourselves how to carry on. What we do know, in the midst of sometimes confusing reports, is that we need to change our life-style in order to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors. That change, even if it is derided by those around us, is what we do because we are called to be the people of God. 

To be a follower of Jesus means to change your life – to repent. Today’s Gospel – a continuation of last week’s – is a reminder of that. After telling us that he is, “The way, and the truth, and the life,” Jesus calls us to a different life. No longer are we to follow the way of the world. Instead, we are called to love Jesus and follow his commandments. And, when love is involved, the commandments are no longer a list of what you must and must not do. They become a way of life. When you love Jesus you love others. You act always considering how your actions will affect others. Jesus knew full well that by being one of his may bring us at odds with the world. That is why he does not leave us alone but has sent to us an advocate so that we are not orphaned in the world. 

If you have been following our readings from 1 Peter you will have heard Peter tell us the same thing. In his letter Peter outlines how Christians are to live their life. Some of that advice we have skipped in our Sunday readings. But if you have been following the daily readings in the bulletin you will have noted that Peter covers how wives should obey their husbands and slaves their masters. Suggestions that are out of place in our lives today. Peter’s advice is to Christian wives and slaves whose husbands and masters were not Christian. His advice is to always be obedient and gracious. Show them the love of Christ by how you respond to your situation. But when it comes to your faith, always witness to it. Do not deny Jesus. By your witness you may show others Jesus. Thus, if you suffer, you suffer for Christ.

We are living in a time that is unprecedented for us and we see all sorts and ways of dealing with it. From denying that it is important to brushing off the sickness and death as water under the bridge. We miss the way it used to be. We fear what might happen to us. In this confusion and fear we are called to make decisions even when we do not fully understand the times. Now we truly need Jesus. For in him we have an advocate and a guide. We are reminded by Luther that we are to, “Fear, love, and trust God above all things.” We are a called people who have gone through the waters from sin and death to new life in Jesus. Your life too has been given to Jesus. Live the life you have received to the fullest. Love others as you have been loved. Share God’s gift so that all may see Jesus dwelling in you. 

Christ is risen! Alleluia!