Sermon - Easter 7 2009

This Sunday I preached about the Gospel call to be "in the world" but not "of the world." That means that Christians are called to be intentionally marginal, occupying a place between this world and the heavenly kingdom. In that sense we are continuing the work of Christ, who also mediated that divide. I argue that virtually is called to live on the edge of life in this way in one part of life or another, it's part of being human, as so we can take comfort and insight from other examples. Poets and teachers also abide in this place of bridging the divide between the collective experience and something they alone have ventured forth to be learn. What is unique about the Christian vocation is that we do this bridging as a holy act that transcends the metaphysical divide between the universe and its creator.

It was a busy Sunday morning for me. Lots of stuff going on right now. I often wish I could be in more than one place at once. I'm really pleased with some of the changes I've seen around here. Lots of warmth and holiness. When asked about his impression, a visitor on Sunday said that it struck him as a very warm and friendly place. Bingo! I want to build this place on love.



Here's the audio...


Here's a direct link to the MP3 file...

*PS for liturgical purists: the still photo I used above is from Palm Sunday, hence the red stole. In the video you'll see I'm wearing the correct color--white.

-t