MOST RECENT SERMON
"A Glimpse"
All Saints Sunday; based on Matthew 11:2-11 (text at end of post)
December 11, 2022
Last weekend my husband Charlie and I traveled down to St. Peter, MN. We attended Pastor Micah’s ordination on Saturday morning at Trinity Lutheran in Gaylord—a town I used to pass through on trips from my hometown to college. The service was a very joyful celebration.
On Saturday evening, we attended the Christmas concert at my alma mater, Gustavus Adolphus College. Before the performance, we were invited to the President’s dinner, along with a huge crowd of donors and guests. Where we got to meet the college’s President Rebecca Bergman.
Charlie and I sat at a table with one of the college’s development directors, Kathy and her husband. After dinner, I noticed an elderly man shaking hands with people at a nearby table. Looking at him, I recognized his face. And remembered him as a pastor from First Lutheran Church in St. Peter when I was a student at Gustavus. First Lutheran was a lot like First Lutheran here in Fargo—the biggest congregation in town with lots of important people and college professors. People called it the “God Box”, because its building looked like a giant cube.
I didn’t go there much. But I did have one unforgettable conversation with Pastor “Mark” (not his real name).
During my last year in college, I started to realize that I was gay. It was also when I met Craig, my very first boyfriend. A closeted relationship. When I graduated, Craig and I decided to rent an apartment together for the summer. For me, it was a glimpse of what a loving relationship with another man could be like.
But both of us also struggled a lot with guilt and shame. Because back then, few churches were accepting.
So, Craig thought it might be helpful to go and talk with Pastor Mark. I had serious doubts. But we did it anyway. And, as I feared, it didn’t go well.
In short, Pastor Mark told us that homosexuality was wrong, and our relationship was sinful. Especially since both of us planned to get ordained. Like me, Craig is a Lutheran pastor today. It was a difficult, even traumatic conversation. Which, sadly, still happens today.
Fast forward to last weekend at Gustavus. Where I watched Pastor Mark approach our table. He greeted another pastor across from me who serves on the Board of Regents. Then he looked my way. And I knew what was coming next. And my first thought was, please don’t do it. Don’t come and shake my hand. Which, of course, he did.
And he said to me, “Do we know each other?” A loaded question. I just smiled and said, “Yes, we met when I was a student here.” I could tell by the puzzled look in his eyes that he didn’t remember. And I didn’t want to remind him. So instead, I said, “I’m a pastor now in Fargo.” But I couldn’t keep myself from adding, “And this is my husband, Charlie.”
Thankfully, at that moment, someone at the podium started to speak. So, Pastor Mark returned to his seat. And that’s where my story ends.
The kind of story you just can’t make up. An encounter that for me almost felt like full circle. Maybe you’ve had that kind of experience. Of bringing two loose threads of the tapestry of your life back together again.
Which sometimes can be redemptive, even healing. It’s something that’s happened to me several times since I began serving as your pastor six and a half years ago. Yet for some of us, that never happens.
It makes me wonder if John the Baptist had similar experiences.
For John believed God had sent him to proclaim repentance to the people of God. I imagine if he were alive today, John would be a charismatic, fire-and-brimstone preacher. Pointing out people’s sins and failures. That’s how a lot of Christians view him.
Yet, I also believe John embodied the same hope that the prophet Isaiah proclaims in our first lesson:
“Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. [who] will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. [God] will come and save you."
John recognized that Jesus might be the one. The one who would make people remember God’s covenant with the Jewish people. The one who would set them free from their cruel Roman oppressors. The one who was going to make everything right. The one who would bring redemption.
Then Jesus started his ministry. But the thing John expected doesn’t happen. And John begins to doubt that Jesus is the one. John doubts the path he’s gone down. John perhaps even doubts himself.
And yet, from prison John can’t stop himself from sending his disciples to ask Jesus a simple question: “Do I know you? Are you the one?”
But Jesus doesn’t give a simple reply. Jesus doesn’t introduce himself as the Messiah. Jesus doesn’t disclose who he really is. Instead, Jesus tells John’s disciples to look at the people around them and see what’s happening. Jesus offers a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. Jesus points at the motley crowd and says: “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.”
I think those words must have puzzled John. For John thought he recognized who Jesus was. But what Jesus said didn’t fit his expectations. And we don’t know if John ever really figured it out.
Because here is where John’s story ends. Not long after this, John is executed by King Herod. John doesn’t see what he hoped for. John doesn’t watch Jesus establish his ministry. John doesn’t witness what comes next.
Today, I think, many of us have similar struggles. We hope someone or something will change what’s happening in our state and nation. Like John the Baptist, we want to see ab end to the powers of evil in our world.
An end to racism and transphobia and hate groups. But Jesus doesn’t promise that kind of kingdom. Instead, Jesus promises that if we follow him, we will catch glimpses of the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Jesus says that even the least of those in the Kingdom are greater than a prophet like John. Greater than any Roman Caesar or college president or charismatic preacher. For Jesus recognizes something missed by John. Jesus remembers that the weakest, the poorest, the least important people in this world are those who are great in the eyes of God.
Of course, that’s not the way the world sees things. But that’s where we as followers of Jesus find hope. Hope, when we feel disheartened. Hope, when we’ve lost our way. Hope, when in the dark night of the soul, the light of Christ still shines. Hope that reminds us that you and I are and will always be God’s beloved.
During this week, I’ve caught some glimpses of that hope. I saw it on Pastor Micah’s face when an elderly female pastor from his childhood church put a red stole over his shoulders last Saturday.
I heard it in the voices of the homeless children who showed up for our Advent service at Churches United on Wednesday evening. Those of us who were there could tell you how excited they were, how chaotic it was, how joyful they seemed over what we had to offer
I also noted it in the eyes of US basketball star Brittney Griner, freed on Thursday from a Russian prison.
And I feel that hope in my heart today when I think about St. Mark’s calling Pastor Micah as your new shepherd and what that means for this congregation.
Stories like that give me hope. Stories like that help you and me believe that the Kingdom of God is coming among us.
And that Jesus is calling each of us to bring glimpses of that Kin-dom into the deepest shadows of this world.
Until (as the old Advent hymn says) we see the day of earth’s redemption. That sets our people free. Amen.
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GOSPEL READING: Matthew 11:2-11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
On Saturday evening, we attended the Christmas concert at my alma mater, Gustavus Adolphus College. Before the performance, we were invited to the President’s dinner, along with a huge crowd of donors and guests. Where we got to meet the college’s President Rebecca Bergman.
Charlie and I sat at a table with one of the college’s development directors, Kathy and her husband. After dinner, I noticed an elderly man shaking hands with people at a nearby table. Looking at him, I recognized his face. And remembered him as a pastor from First Lutheran Church in St. Peter when I was a student at Gustavus. First Lutheran was a lot like First Lutheran here in Fargo—the biggest congregation in town with lots of important people and college professors. People called it the “God Box”, because its building looked like a giant cube.
I didn’t go there much. But I did have one unforgettable conversation with Pastor “Mark” (not his real name).
During my last year in college, I started to realize that I was gay. It was also when I met Craig, my very first boyfriend. A closeted relationship. When I graduated, Craig and I decided to rent an apartment together for the summer. For me, it was a glimpse of what a loving relationship with another man could be like.
But both of us also struggled a lot with guilt and shame. Because back then, few churches were accepting.
So, Craig thought it might be helpful to go and talk with Pastor Mark. I had serious doubts. But we did it anyway. And, as I feared, it didn’t go well.
In short, Pastor Mark told us that homosexuality was wrong, and our relationship was sinful. Especially since both of us planned to get ordained. Like me, Craig is a Lutheran pastor today. It was a difficult, even traumatic conversation. Which, sadly, still happens today.
Fast forward to last weekend at Gustavus. Where I watched Pastor Mark approach our table. He greeted another pastor across from me who serves on the Board of Regents. Then he looked my way. And I knew what was coming next. And my first thought was, please don’t do it. Don’t come and shake my hand. Which, of course, he did.
And he said to me, “Do we know each other?” A loaded question. I just smiled and said, “Yes, we met when I was a student here.” I could tell by the puzzled look in his eyes that he didn’t remember. And I didn’t want to remind him. So instead, I said, “I’m a pastor now in Fargo.” But I couldn’t keep myself from adding, “And this is my husband, Charlie.”
Thankfully, at that moment, someone at the podium started to speak. So, Pastor Mark returned to his seat. And that’s where my story ends.
The kind of story you just can’t make up. An encounter that for me almost felt like full circle. Maybe you’ve had that kind of experience. Of bringing two loose threads of the tapestry of your life back together again.
Which sometimes can be redemptive, even healing. It’s something that’s happened to me several times since I began serving as your pastor six and a half years ago. Yet for some of us, that never happens.
It makes me wonder if John the Baptist had similar experiences.
For John believed God had sent him to proclaim repentance to the people of God. I imagine if he were alive today, John would be a charismatic, fire-and-brimstone preacher. Pointing out people’s sins and failures. That’s how a lot of Christians view him.
Yet, I also believe John embodied the same hope that the prophet Isaiah proclaims in our first lesson:
“Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. [who] will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. [God] will come and save you."
John recognized that Jesus might be the one. The one who would make people remember God’s covenant with the Jewish people. The one who would set them free from their cruel Roman oppressors. The one who was going to make everything right. The one who would bring redemption.
Then Jesus started his ministry. But the thing John expected doesn’t happen. And John begins to doubt that Jesus is the one. John doubts the path he’s gone down. John perhaps even doubts himself.
And yet, from prison John can’t stop himself from sending his disciples to ask Jesus a simple question: “Do I know you? Are you the one?”
But Jesus doesn’t give a simple reply. Jesus doesn’t introduce himself as the Messiah. Jesus doesn’t disclose who he really is. Instead, Jesus tells John’s disciples to look at the people around them and see what’s happening. Jesus offers a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. Jesus points at the motley crowd and says: “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.”
I think those words must have puzzled John. For John thought he recognized who Jesus was. But what Jesus said didn’t fit his expectations. And we don’t know if John ever really figured it out.
Because here is where John’s story ends. Not long after this, John is executed by King Herod. John doesn’t see what he hoped for. John doesn’t watch Jesus establish his ministry. John doesn’t witness what comes next.
Today, I think, many of us have similar struggles. We hope someone or something will change what’s happening in our state and nation. Like John the Baptist, we want to see ab end to the powers of evil in our world.
An end to racism and transphobia and hate groups. But Jesus doesn’t promise that kind of kingdom. Instead, Jesus promises that if we follow him, we will catch glimpses of the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Jesus says that even the least of those in the Kingdom are greater than a prophet like John. Greater than any Roman Caesar or college president or charismatic preacher. For Jesus recognizes something missed by John. Jesus remembers that the weakest, the poorest, the least important people in this world are those who are great in the eyes of God.
Of course, that’s not the way the world sees things. But that’s where we as followers of Jesus find hope. Hope, when we feel disheartened. Hope, when we’ve lost our way. Hope, when in the dark night of the soul, the light of Christ still shines. Hope that reminds us that you and I are and will always be God’s beloved.
During this week, I’ve caught some glimpses of that hope. I saw it on Pastor Micah’s face when an elderly female pastor from his childhood church put a red stole over his shoulders last Saturday.
I heard it in the voices of the homeless children who showed up for our Advent service at Churches United on Wednesday evening. Those of us who were there could tell you how excited they were, how chaotic it was, how joyful they seemed over what we had to offer
I also noted it in the eyes of US basketball star Brittney Griner, freed on Thursday from a Russian prison.
And I feel that hope in my heart today when I think about St. Mark’s calling Pastor Micah as your new shepherd and what that means for this congregation.
Stories like that give me hope. Stories like that help you and me believe that the Kingdom of God is coming among us.
And that Jesus is calling each of us to bring glimpses of that Kin-dom into the deepest shadows of this world.
Until (as the old Advent hymn says) we see the day of earth’s redemption. That sets our people free. Amen.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 11:2-11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”