What a special weekend this is as we look forward to celebrating as these five students affirm the promises made in their baptism. I was amazed to realize that this class is the first to have gone through all three years of the Confirmation program with me. You could say, as we heard in the reading from the book of Revelation, that these, robed in white, have come out of the great ordeal!
Over this past year in class, we spent extra time connecting what we learned with the promises the students will affirm in worship today. Here’s what I’ll ask them: “You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: to live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper; to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?” And they’ll respond, “I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.”
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| Photo by Ziph on Unsplash |
One of the things I really appreciate about these promises is how they are necessarily connected to life in community. We cannot live among God’s faithful people if we’re on our own. We can’t hear the word of God unless there’s someone to hear it from and interpret it with; can’t share in the Lord’s Supper unless there is someone to serve the meal. We cannot proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed unless there’s someone to proclaim it to; can’t serve following the example of Jesus unless there’s someone to receive; can’t strive for justice and peace all on our own - the work is far too big.
If our Confirmation students learned anything over the past three years, I hope it’s this - that the Christian life is not a solitary one, but rather life in community with God and with one another. It is through one another that we see God and work and are strengthened and encouraged for life in the world. There will be seasons of life when coming to worship is difficult because of distance or schedules or whatever else, but I hope all of you think of worship as a place where God comes to us and strengthens us with the gift of one another - a place where you are welcome to bring your whole self.
Each time we gather for worship we are reminded of this gift. Here are people who will offer encouragement and words of hope when you find yourself weighed down by grief or despair. Here are people who will proclaim and serve and strive alongside you, noticing together the deep pain and deep joy present in the world. In the communion meal, we are joined not just to those who stand in line with us today, but also to the saints of all times and places - Christians across town and around the world, and those of blessed memory.
Community is central to who we are as Christians, but that does not mean that Christian community is simple, or without heartache. We still disappoint one another, have misunderstandings, and act selfishly. It is precisely because of the brokenness in our lives and our relationships that we gather as often as we can to hear the unceasing promises of God’s forgiveness and grace; gather as often as we can to be strengthened and nourished at the table, and to be reconciled to one another.
The gift and challenges of life in community echo in today’s readings.
In the Gospel of John we are reminded that even faithful communities disagree with one another as they wrestle and discern together what God is calling them to do and who God is calling them to be.
In Psalm 23 we hear about God’s faithful care through the imagery of a shepherd and sheep. God provides what we need for living - nourishment and rest, comfort and guidance. In the midst of evil, suffering, and fear, we are not alone. Though the psalm doesn’t say so directly, other uses of sheep and shepherd imagery in Scripture refer to a flock - not just one sheep, but many, led by the same shepherd who knows them and cares for them.
In Acts, we hear this wonderful story of a woman named Tabitha. She was an important part of her community, and her devotion to good works and acts of charity left a lasting impression on those she served. When she suddenly became ill and died, her friends cared for her body and also sent for Peter from a neighboring town. Though Jesus had ascended into heaven, perhaps someone like Peter who had been closest to him could work a miracle, or at least bear witness to Tabitha’s life and offer comfort to her friends as they grieved together.
When Peter arrived, the disciples took him upstairs. I love this detail of the widows of the community gathering at Tabitha’s bedside, showing off the garments that Tabitha had made. It was as if they were painting a picture of who Tabitha had been in life - generous and creative, kind and caring. She was integral to that community; had clothed many with garments, and also with prayer and kindness and grace. In Tabitha’s generous acts of service, people caught a glimpse of God’s generous and loving heart, too.
Standing there with her friends and neighbors, Peter understood - how special she was, how much they still needed her. He sent them all from the room and prayed, then turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” And she did. And because of this miracle, many throughout that town came to believe in the Lord.
In baptism, each of us was also called by name and raised to life, just as Tabitha was. This new life is life lived with and among and for others. This connection to the community is emphasized by the promises made - not just by parents and sponsors, but by all who gathered that day. When you witness a baptism here, you promise to support and pray for the baptized in their new life in Christ, and then you show up and do just that. Over the years you’ve showed up as Sunday School teachers and VBS leaders and mentors. You’ve been a friendly face who always says hello and makes sure that others know we’re glad they’re present. You’ve sent encouraging notes or checks in by phone when you haven’t seen someone in a while. You’ve invited others to join as a companion in serving and caring for others - and so much more!
I am so grateful that you are part of this community. I’m grateful for how you’ve supported and prayed for our confirmands and other children and youth as they’re learned and grown in faith. And I’m grateful for how this work of support and care happens here every day for people of all ages.
When we gather, we know that Jesus is present among us. When we serve, we see the face of Christ in others. When we share our gifts and let our light shine, God is made known in the world. What a joy! What a gift.
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