Pastor's Message
February 2011 SPIRIT STEPS
Follow me and I will make you fish for people. Matthew 4: 19
On January 2nd I watched the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears at an open air Sports Bar in Cozumel Mexico. There were a number of large screen TVs set up and the court yard was packed. It was easy to tell which team people were rooting for by looking at the t-shirt that they were wearing. Never having been in a public place like this with such a large crowd mixed together, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and was a little uncomfortable going into it. As the game got underway, my discomfort vanished as it became clear that both sides were there to root for their team, enjoy the game, and have fun with the rivalry, in fact, it was more fun because the opposing sides were represented.
Speaking of opposing sides, it is my understanding that many members of Congress have pledged to cross the aisle and sit with each other at the upcoming State of the Union Address as a sign of a more civil discourse in the political debate. While our country desperately needs both parties to work together to solve the tough problems facing our nation and the world, this is no guarantee of a more civil discourse, but it is a step in the right direction.
The passage from the Gospel lesson for last week Sunday, the third Sunday of Epiphany Year A is quoted above. This passage of Scripture was read in many of the Christian churches regardless of their denomination this past Sunday. Even thought the same words were read, I suspect that many if not all of the listeners heard the words filtered through the ears of their particular denomination. I suspect that what the Episcopalians heard was “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people to become an Episcopalian;” the Roman Catholics heard, “I will make you fish for people to become Roman Catholic;” the Lutherans heard, “I will make you fish for people to become Lutheran” etc. etc. etc.
While I believe that it is important that denominations debate theological issues and that such debate can deepen understanding, it is more important that we do not forget that there are higher issues that need to be kept in the forefront. Fishing for people, to me, means to feed the hungry, to care for the sick, to clothe those who need clothing, to provide shelter for the homeless, to strive for justice, and to bring the message of God’s love for all people to all. To let all people know that they are valued, that they have worth, and meaning and purpose and they are beloved children of God.
There is a higher purpose to which we are all called. That purpose crosses political lines; it crosses denominational lines; it even crosses lines in one’s loyalty to a particular sports team. As “fishers of people” it is important to keep that higher purpose in mind, for it is in working together that we usher in the kingdom.
May you live in the peace and joy of that higher purpose.
Pastor Bob