Sermons

Sep 25 - The Rev. Brian C. Taylor

When I was a young man, at the height of the Vietnam War, I applied for and received classification as a Conscientious Objector. For spiritual and moral reasons, I refused to participate in the violence of war.

And so it is ironic that I found myself the long-time leader of a parish whose patron saint is Michael the Archangel, the 4-star general of the army of heaven.

But the biggest irony is that Michael’s war in heaven has come to mean a great deal for me about our journey in Christ. I’ve come to understand that our spiritual life involves conflict and struggle, a constant battle, if you will.

There are all kinds of battles. There have been struggles with the wider church as we have stood in solidarity with our gay and lesbian members, and we’ve been sharply criticized for our non-literal approach to scripture and tradition. At times this battle has been tough, but we’ve learned to stand firm in our conscience and at the same time not demonize those who are opposed to us (which in itself has been perhaps the most challenging part of this battle).

Another battle that we as Christians are called to engage in is the one between the kind of way of life that Jesus promotes as opposed to the one the world promotes. The world is a tough place to try to remain simple, non-materialistic, humble, loving to all, and free of anxiety. We are constantly tempted to believe that material goods will bring us status and satisfaction, that we have a right to condemn others, that there are many things which we should be very anxious about all the time. Our battle is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus’ kingdom of God, and to let go of the world’s false idols.

And then there are the many social battles that emerge out of our faith. We’re destroying our environment, using up resources, and warming our planet at an alarming rate. Those who seem bent on dismantling all environmental protection must be resisted forcefully.

The persistent scourge of racism and resulting disadvantage and poverty has reared its ugly head in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. For those with ears to hear it, this was a battle-call to change our nation. For in this disaster we are forcefully reminded that African-Americans and others who are poor – the ones who already have it so bad – are always the ones who are hurt the worst when the misfortunes of life strike. Do we, as a nation, really care? Are we willing to engage in this battle?

Then there is the battle against violence and war. We still seem to think that it is acceptable to hate our enemy, despite what Jesus says about this; we engage in state-sponsored murder through the death penalty; we glorify violence in our movies and music; and we resort to full-scale war as a measure of first, not last, resort. Billions are spent in this industry of violence, and countless lives are lost. Christians are called to do battle with the culture of violence, not support it.

But the most challenging battle of all for people of faith is the battle in our own heart. Torn by conflicting impulses and motivations, we struggle to gain control. As St. Paul knew so well, we can’t seem to be the person we want to be. We want to follow God’s ways, but we don’t know how, or we can’t seem to summon up the strength or the necessary consistency to do so.

But the good news for people of faith is that God has shown us again and again that this battle for our souls has been and will be won. The Hebrew scriptures are filled with assurances that God will always be with those who seek him. The resurrection of Jesus showed the world that nothing, not even a humiliating and early death, can separate us from new life that emerges from the tombs of our life. And the story of Michael’s war in heaven tells us that the accuser, that ancient serpent, will be overcome by the goodness and love of God.

As people of faith, we must do battle, but not as people who do not know how things will turn out. We struggle with our demons knowing that God is working within our efforts, bringing all things to their perfection, overcoming all obstacles to grace, making possible what we cannot do by ourselves alone. Our life-long battle to evolve and become the person that God has created us to be is joined by the invisible work of God, slowly bringing us to our fulfillment.

Our end is the kingdom of God, and all things are working towards that end. We are a people who know how the story ends. It ends in glory. We shall be made holy, loving, wise, and free of fear. We shall be redeemed.

Having this hope, we approach our external battles in the world differently than many. We are called to engage in the struggle for peace, environmental protection, alleviation of racism and poverty, and the elimination of violence. But we do not struggle as those without hope, as if we don’t succeed in our lifetime, all will be lost. We struggle as those who know that God is at work in the world, not just in our hearts.

The Spirit is a persistent force that pushes things in the direction of justice and peace, responsible stewardship of creation, community, and care for the most vulnerable among us. We struggle to cooperate with this force, and we know that this force will never stop until all things in this world are brought to their intended perfection. It may take centuries; it may take a global melt-down or series of catastrophes, but God will bring his intention to fulfillment for all humanity and for all creation.

So continue to fight the good fight with Michael the Archangel. Do battle with the forces of evil in yourself and in the world around you. But don’t be afraid. The devil’s time is short, and God’s time is very long.