THIS OUR VALLEY: Faithfulness is the Preacher’s Workbook

 

"When nobody around you seems to measure up, it’s time to check your yardstick” Bill Lemley

I do not make it a practice to delve into the matter of politics in this column. I do talk about matters of faith and values; I offer a perspective on life that has a religious bent, but my goal is always to do so with a light touch. There is already too much anger and violence in our homes and communities. My intention is to bring a bit of peace and sanity and, if at all possible, a ray of sunshine to warm the cockles of the readers’ hearts. 

This past week there has been a lot of discussion and debate regarding the style or substance of a sermon delivered by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Cathedral. Some of her remarks were directed toward the President, the substance of which was “People are scared … good people … have mercy … be merciful towards them …” Why? “They are God’s people.”

When my wife says, “I’m scared,” it is and always has been my job to ask, “What’s scaring you? Is there anything I can do to help? Is there anything we need to do or stop doing?”

Now, I don’t do that as often or as effectively as I should, but the question remains: is there anything we can do? How shall we respond?

That is a political act. That is a political conversation. It sounds like a family matter because, of course it is. But politics isn’t the down and dirty smoke-filled back room wheeling and dealing that takes place in our capitals or city halls. It is about identifying needs, finding and negotiating solutions.

In the example of my wife, I could be dismissive: There’s nothing to be scared of (which is not very caring or loving), or I could be empathetic: Yeah, that scares me too; I’m with you on that (which is loving, but not very helpful). I could be chauvinistic: I’ll take care of it (which reinforces the helpless female stereotype). I could be arrogant: It’s not my problem; you deal with it (which is hurtful). Or I could be a partner: Yeah, I’m scared too. How do you think we should deal with this?

Bishop Budde’s sermon was kind, thoughtful, respectful, and gracious. She talked about the hard work of building unity; identified three key values that go into that work (the dignity of every human being, the need for genuine honesty and truth, and a sense of humility that recognizes we need each other); and she was forthright in saying (I paraphrase): “Many people are scared, Mr. President. Please consider that in making your policies and decisions. Temper your decisions with mercy.” It was an invitation to partnership, as opposed to partisanship.

Being retired, I don’t preach as often as I once did, but I have always made it my practice not to preach partisan politics from the pulpit. I’ve never told my congregations who to vote for or how to vote on various matters put before the electorate. I study the scriptures and seek to proclaim the good news of God in Christ, because that’s my call as a Christian pastor. 

My work as a columnist is similar, but different. I cannot help but bring what I would consider a Christian perspective to what I have to say, but I know there are other forms of the faith that may well take issue with some of the things I say, do, believe, or practice. The Christian faith, as a whole, is richer for that diversity of approaches and beliefs. 

Should I be more sectarian or partisan in these columns? I don’t think so. Should I be more assertive and fiery like John the Baptist (“You brood of vipers!), or is it enough to strive to be more like Jesus (Come to me you who are weary and overly-burdened in life, and I will give you rest)?

Certainly there are times each of us needs a stern talking to, but I think scared people need to hear words of comfort and sense that they are not alone, but valued, respected, honored, loved, and called to work together for the common good. We need more mercy, more grace, not less.

We can be merciful and graceful. Why? Because God has had mercy on each of us here in this, our valley. That’s the heart of our faith.

Keith Axberg writes on matters concerning life and faith. Author of: Who the Blazes is Jesus? Good News for a Vulgar World (available through Amazon in Print and e-book)