Sermon Lent 5B -2012 Trinity, Aurora
One of the masterpieces of American nineteenth century church architecture is Trinity
Church in Boston’s Copley Square. Phillips Brooks, rector of the church, author of the
Xmas Hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, briefly Bishop of Massachusetts, was one
the greatest preachers in 19th century America. He packed them in for standing room
only sermons. There is a connection with his beloved carol and today. Its March 25th,
the Feast of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel came to Mary in Nazareth, to ask
her to accept being the mother of God at the incarnation of Jesus. Somehow today’s
holy day of the Blessed Virgin made a connection with Phillips Brooks and Boston’s
Trinity Church
When it was decided to build this great Romanesque edifice Brooks played a very direct
role in Trinity’s design. However, there is one feature of his design that is visible only to
those who preach in Trinity Church. Brooks had these words carved on the inside of
the pulpit: “Sir, we would see Jesus” It demands that any preacher would remember
the reason for their message.
These words are found in the Gospel reading today which some Greek God-fearers as
they were called, addressed to Philip the Apostle. Jesus and the disciples, as pious
Jews along with many non-Jews were on their way to celebrate the Passover in
Jerusalem.
In the Gospel of John this event is a major turning point. Jesus tells the Greeks and the
disciples, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” What did he mean?
Was it a reference to the recent experience of the triumphal entry that had recently
taken place? The shouts of Hosanna, waving of branches, admiration and praise pour
upon Jesus as he enters Jerusalem which we celebrate next week as Palm Sunday.
At first that might be the reason, but I think not for he quickly goes on to speak about his
passion and death. “Now my soul is troubled.” He tells of perishing grains of wheat
that then bears much fruit; of losing life and keeping it thus for eternal life. and finally in
case they still haven’t gotten the message he says, “Now is the judgment of this world;
now will the ruler of this world be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth,
will draw all people to myself.”
This means that he knows he is to suffer and die upon the cross.
Jesus sees that his Glory is the offering of himself according to the Heavenly Father’s
will, whatever the consequences. We know now that it was to be the horrors we call
the Passion, But we know the rest of the story . The passion was followed by the
Resurrection. But Jesus goes to the cross with only his trust in the Father and a hope
that God’s Love will keep His promises. He, now, at this hour, choose the Way of the
Cross and the heavenly voices thunder God the Father’s pledge.
Next Sunday when we begin our liturgy with fanfare and reenact the triumphal entry of
Jesus riding into Jerusalem like a king, we will like him turn our backs upon such
fleeting glory and be drawn into the Passion reading narrative from Mark’s Gospel.
Familiar as we are with it, we realize that Jesus’ idea of Glory is radically different than
what his closest friends thought it would be.
Jesus embraced the cross, a hideous suffering to bring about the New Covenant, the
loving Promise of Salvation and Redemption. God’s love of Jesus brings the Divine
pledge to save us.
This is what Jeremiah is writing in our Old Testament
reading. A Covenant, a new outpouring, pledging God’s commitment give us the power
to change our hearts in order to match the demands of God’s Love and Law. Each of
us will individually and together have access to Divine grace and power. It will dwell
within us ready to guide and defend us against sin and evil.
God’s own spirit will abide with us. And yes ... there is even more ...God will
forgive our sins (and get this) God will remember the no more. They will be forgiven
AND forgotten! (Tossed behind His back.)
The Letter to the Hebrews explains even further that Jesus by offering himself has
become our King and High Priest. As King he will be a victorious leader pioneering
through the ages that we may walk in his footsteps and know the Way, the Truth and
the Life.
As Priest he will join us into his own life and power, his Spirit, the same spirit that
carried him through his
passion, from death to his resurrection and glorification.
He will nurture us, giving us bread and wine, the sacramental means of fellowship and
life with him.
The Epistle to the Hebrews explains that because of Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection,
the old order of priesthood, the lineage of Arron from days of Moses, is no longer
needed. Jesus is of much more ancient lineage, His priesthood began with the Creation
of all things, thus it affects everything, everyone, everywhere Christ is the universal
Priest and King like Melchisedek.
You will remember that Mechisedek was both the king and high priest of Salem whom
Abraham the patriarch gave thank offerings. Abraham came to Salem to offer tithes to
God for his victories over his enemies. Salem would evolve centuries later into Jerusalem, the site of the Temple of God dwelling place. Melchisedek gave Abraham and
his company Bread and Wine and likewise Jesus would give Bread and Wine at the
Last supper.
IN a few moments we will be given bread and wine that has become for us the Body
and Blood of Jesus and his presence will dwell in us.
Even though human nature often struggles in the face of terror or temptation, Jesus
Spirit is able to give us a heavenly power. As we become more and more believing,
more obedient, more loving and serving we can respond to the whatever comes our
way according to what God desires of us.
What a gift of love! To know we have help ready at hand. We need not be
anxious or afraid. But if we do, know God hears our prayers. God even will use you
and me, to answer the prayers of one another, together to address the needs of an
aching world.
IN our Prayers, in the Sacraments, in our fellowship, in one another we meet the Lord.
Take a look around, He’s in plane view. He is in the faces all around us. Yes, indeed,
we will see Jesus. Amen.
Father Thomas Rosa