We are living in difficult times though we know more than we knew fifty years ago and we have more than we had fifty years ago. We know more about the human body, the planet, the ocean. We have invented the most sophisticated apparatus to make our lives more comfortable and efficient. The world has become a global village yet we find ourselves living our lives as if all that we have obtained and learned have done nothing to change our attitude towards our brothers and sisters. The election of an African-American person for president of the United States has certainly been a sign that in some cases we can see positive changes. This is a sign of hope for many, while it may not be so for others.
The presence of the Messiah has that meaning for the people of his time as well as for our time. His presence brings hope to a new creation, to a new people, who believe in him. That hope becomes a reality each day when people like you who are here present accept the gift of salvation and are willing to put your faith into action. There is hope for a better world when we can understand that God is with us through Jesus Christ and through you and me who believe in him.
Jesus in his ministry revealed to us that ministry is no easy task. It means denying ourselves, taking up our cross and follow him. It means loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. And if we have done that we realize that it is hard work. Jesus finds himself breaking the law in order to accomplish his mission: he touches a person with leprosy. So the leper, who finds himself marginalized and lonely, is bold enough to break the law in order to seek healing. Compassion is essential if we are to change this world of hate and violence.
Breaking the law in order to accomplish one's mission has been the experience in many congregations. Some churches have been used to give safety to refugees. At times it is not so much breaking the law of the country, but the law of tradition. There are congregations filled with traditions which go contrary to the love of Christ. When there are committed Christians present who defy those laws and do what is right, they put themselves in real danger.
This is what it means to be disciple, to be a Christian. Jesus teaches us that charity is higher than any law when he reached out to heal the sick. Jesus is asking for changes so that all people can feel welcome and accepted in our society, even if it means taking risks.
Some of our fellow citizens want to drive "aliens" from this land. They have a self-attitude towards undocumented immigrants as criminals. The Church is called to reach out to those with AIDS and to undocumented immigrants because we believe like Jesus, that charity is higher than any law. The call to have compassion on others is not a favor, but a duty and a privilege.
Learning about technology is important for us to survive. The computer, cell phone, the ticket machines at the train station, the atm machines, all these are things that we do need to survive. Because we need them we have learned to use them, they have changed our lives.
Worshiping Sunday after Sunday is a way for us to learn new things for our personal survival. The difference is that our personal survival affects us in such a way that it means survival for all people and we just cannot sit still without sharing and putting that joy into action. We are followers of Jesus and so we must do like Jesus: have compassion and mercy for our brothers and sisters in need.
The Rt Rev Syvestre Romero, DOK Chaplain
