Sermon, Pentecost +19

Ex 32.1-14; Ps 106.1-6,19-23; Phil 4.1-9; Mt 22.1-14

This week’s readings had me reflecting on gifts. There's a difference, I think, in what we do with gifts that are given to us. We accept them - literally take them in. And we receive them - we open them, use them, appreciate them.

Two stages; but they are distinct. And that distinction is important: because I think there are always times when we might accept a gift, and then - intentionally or unintentionally - we don't receive that gift. It sits unopened, unloved, gathering dust in the back corner of the closet.        

Let's consider this in the context of our readings today.

In the Exodus narrative, the chosen people of Israel have been given the gift of freedom: they are no longer slaves, they are no longer in Egypt. Instead, they are free to worship, free to travel, free to love and live as they choose. No longer oppressed and denied their basic rights, God has given them Moses and Aaron, who led them on their journey.

What a gift! Then, out of sight out of mind! Moses is up a mountain longer than expected, and the people, fully aware of the great gift they've been given react: badly.

They reject the gift. They've accepted the gift of freedom - they're out of Egypt. They've seen the gift that's been given - God's protection and leadership. And yet, because it's taking longer than they want it to, they reject it. They reject God, choosing instead something they can touch and taste and mould in their own image. Something that they have contributed to, something false, something very earthly and temporary. "Distracted by shiny object" is an understatement!

Yet despite this, the giver keeps giving. God tells Moses he needs to straighten out the flock. God gives Aaron the chance to shift from rebellious pot-stirrer to one of the chief priests of all the people. God continues, despite the people's rejection, to shower grace upon them.

Grace: the gift that keeps on giving.

Our psalm reminds us of this exact place in Israel's history. Praise the Lord! it declares. Get your mind away from the earthly distractions and praise the Lord! God's love is stronger than golden calves or cartoon mice or what decal is on your car or fighting about who's more important. Praise the Lord! Accept the gift; receive the gift.

As Paul is writing his letter, he is sending the same message: Praise God. Don't be distracted. Stand firm in the Lord! Even when earth's realities are overwhelming and seem to be pulling you away from the gifts that God gives, even when it seems like God may be distant because we don't have that touch/taste/smell/feel like we have of the earthly things, Paul wants us to hold one another up in Christ. And to celebrate that the peace of God - God's great gift, which we don't have to understand or explain or justify to anyone - the gift of God's peace and grace will surround us and give us strength and encourage us to stay deeply rooted in the ways of the Lord. Keep on doing all things for the glory of God, and the God of peace will gift you with his grace.

Again: God's grace is the gift that keeps on giving.

Then the Gospel – what a whirlwind! How are we feeling about the Gospel?

The parable starts off a bit rocky... folks refusing a dinner invite which leads to mass murder and mayhem. Egads! But those first people are the braggarts, the ones who figure they don't need to accept anything, they've got it made on their own. "Accept an invitation? Receive hospitality? Nope, I'm too important for that!" They place their own sense of worth in what they have - the earthly objects that distract them from the love of God. Their own version of a golden calf, if you will.

And then we get the bit that we like. It's a feast, everyone's invited, come on in and party. Be greeted by your host, accept the invitation, receive the hospitality. Love it. Everyone wants in on this party. And Jesus is speaking in parables about God's kingdom - grand! God is the host, we are all invited, beautiful. God never stops reaching out to all of humanity.

So where do we get the dude being tossed out, bound, suffering, because he's not wearing a robe? That's a harsh dress code, if we read that just at face value.

But, as ever, Jesus invites us to dig deeper into what his message says for us.

The wedding robe: it's not just a garment, it's not an option, it was a very clear indication that you belonged. The wedding robe made every guest equally welcomed and appreciated. It didn't matter what your job was, or how big your bank account was, or what shoes you were wearing: it mattered that you were there with a grateful heart.

You accepted the gift by showing up when invited; you received the gift when you physically wore what your host provided.

So in God's kingdom, all are welcome, all are wanted, all are offered the gift of the grace of God which is to be worn like a robe. And this guy refused. Knowingly.

There are some cultural taboos here that cross generations: he accepted the invitation. “Free food and drink? Absolutely! Count me in. But you want me to actually respect the host? No thanks, I'd rather be a gatecrasher.”

This guy forces himself into the banquet. He wants the benefit of what's been offered. But then he flaunts his disassociation: he is even worse than the first offenders, who neither accepted nor received. He's schmoozing with the other guests, (and likely only the ones he deems to be acceptable: not the folks he thinks would be poor or destitute or undesireable - under their god-given robes). And this attitude shows that he has accepted but not received God's gift. In fact, he has intentionally rejected the gift of the host. He has demonstrated to everyone who would see him that he would NOT be robed in God's mercy. He has denied God's grace. He has chosen instead to rely on his own self.

No wonder he gets himself removed from the premises!

And he teaches us a very clear message. Those who wish to be judged by their human accomplishments, will be so judged: and there will be consequences.

But those who wish to truly be judged by their spiritual selves (imperfect but humble, accepting and receiving what God offers) will be judged by God, and by God alone.

How wonderful, then, to be reminded of the ever-flowing gifts that God gives us: the gift of love... the gift of peace... the gift of mercy... the gift of forgiveness... the gift of faith... the gift of salvation...

How wonderful too, that we are given the gift of community, which by extension gives us the gift of an opportunity to continue the giving of mercy and grace and love; those gifts that keep on giving.

I pray that as we come to feast, that we would be willing to accept and receive the gifts of God.

May we be careful to discern and reject those things which would keep us from the love of God.

May we be intentional as we accept the offer to come to God's table.

May we receive the grace that flows so freely on God's people, wearing it like a robe for all the world to see.