Epiphany 7 Year A (Matthew 5:38-48), 23 February 2013 by Penny Jones
If I was to summarise today's sermon in two words, they would be 'stand up'! So as that is a very physical instruction, and we tend to remember the things we have actually done, I'd like to invite you to do just that - and if you are unwell or differently abled and standing up is too hard for you, at least imagine yourself standing up, tall and straight. So, 'stand up'. Excellent!
Now while you're standing there, I want you to remember who you truly are - a child of God, made in God's image. Nothing and no one can take that from you, no matter what happens. So stand there in your full dignity as a human being. And while you are standing there look at the others here, and recognise that each of them is also a child of God and made in God's image and is to be treated accordingly. And think about the many others not here, perhaps those you find a bit different or difficult to understand or get along with, and recognise that they too are children of God and that we need to stand up for them, especially if others are abusing them or treating them asl ess than human. Finally turn your gaze inward a little and see if you can recognise some of the parts of yourself that you find difficult to get along with - those parts of yourself that perhaps you think are less than perfect. Let some of those just stand up for themselves a bit, and be recognised, so that perhaps you can smile at them gently and realise that they are part of who you are, so that you are less inclined to project your imperfections out onto other people and start hating them. And let's just stand together as the people of God in this place.
Thank you. You can sit down. At least now I know you are all awake! and hopefully if anyone asks what I said today, you will be able to reply, 'she told us to stand up!'...
If I was to summarise today's sermon in two words, they would be 'stand up'! So as that is a very physical instruction, and we tend to remember the things we have actually done, I'd like to invite you to do just that - and if you are unwell or differently abled and standing up is too hard for you, at least imagine yourself standing up, tall and straight. So, 'stand up'. Excellent!
Now while you're standing there, I want you to remember who you truly are - a child of God, made in God's image. Nothing and no one can take that from you, no matter what happens. So stand there in your full dignity as a human being. And while you are standing there look at the others here, and recognise that each of them is also a child of God and made in God's image and is to be treated accordingly. And think about the many others not here, perhaps those you find a bit different or difficult to understand or get along with, and recognise that they too are children of God and that we need to stand up for them, especially if others are abusing them or treating them asl ess than human. Finally turn your gaze inward a little and see if you can recognise some of the parts of yourself that you find difficult to get along with - those parts of yourself that perhaps you think are less than perfect. Let some of those just stand up for themselves a bit, and be recognised, so that perhaps you can smile at them gently and realise that they are part of who you are, so that you are less inclined to project your imperfections out onto other people and start hating them. And let's just stand together as the people of God in this place.
Thank you. You can sit down. At least now I know you are all awake! and hopefully if anyone asks what I said today, you will be able to reply, 'she told us to stand up!'...
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