I want to tell you a true story – I know it’s a
true story because I was there when it happened. During my summer breaks from college I worked
at Jones Beach on Long Island. One
Sunday afternoon, while driving along the beach, my crew and I heard the
following exchange on the marine radio channel, “This is fishing trawler
‘Ruthie B’ to the Fire Island Coast Guard Station.”
“Go ahead ‘Ruthie B’ this is Fire Island Coast
Guard.”
“Fire Island, we’d like to report a boat on fire in
the Inlet. There are people in the
water. We are going to assist.”
Now, this caught our attention and as we listened
intently to the rest of this exchange it quickly became apparent that the Coast
Guard radio operator had a form to complete for emergencies. He began to ask a series of questions of the
Captain of the Ruthie B.
“Ruthie B, what is the size of the vessel in
question?”
“It’s about 30 foot, Fire Island.”
“What is the color of the vessel in question? “
“It is blue and white, Fire Island.”
“What is the name of the vessel? “
“I cannot see the name, Fire Island.”
The voice of the Captain of the Ruthie B betrayed
the unfolding urgency of the situation.
The Coast Guard radioman continued, - “Ruthie B,
are there any distinguishing marks on the vessel in question?”
Now there was a long pause and finally the Captain answered,
“Fire Island, it’s the only boat in the Inlet that’s on fire.”
Now I tell you this story -- to talk about our call
to discipleship in Christ Jesus. -- We are here because we are all disciples of
Jesus Christ. We are his disciples for
love of Jesus, for his sacrifice for us on the cross and for his teachings of
the Truth of God’s love and promise of Salvation: leading to life eternal. As Christ’s disciples, we gladly preach the Good
News to all nations and share the gift of His love with all we meet.
We may not go out two by two, with only a staff,
sandals and one tunic – with no money, no food and no advance hotel
reservations, -- but still, we are sent -- just as the twelve were sent –
W Sent to drive out demons
and cure the sick.
W Sent to feed the hungry and
give drink to the thirsty
W Sent to comfort those who mourn
and suffer
W Sent to clothe the naked
and shelter the homeless
W Sent to bring justice to
the oppressed
W Sent to bring peace to the
nations
W Sent to preach the Good News – of God’s love and mercy
Jesus empowers us to do all these things in His
name. He gives us his Spirit -- to guide
and support us as we go.
This brings us to “problem” of the stranger, the
alien in our midst, the immigrant.
The conversation continues on immigration, - who
can stay – who cannot – this continues to be a hot-button topic commanding the national
attention. The hostility toward
immigrants, especially those who come to us out-of-desperation - continues to
grow – often with violent words and actions.
We are not here today to debate or discuss the merits of this
controversial topic, but we here to remind each other of our lives as disciples
- sent by Jesus Christ, - who calls us to love God and one another.
- Just as he did with the twelve, Jesus sends us today to drive out demons
-- the demons of fear and hatred
- He sends us to cure those who are sick -- sick with the sins of
greed and prejudice; those who would exploit the weak and defenseless; denying
food, water, shelter and fair wages to people who are different,
especially those who are desperate
- Jesus sends us to seek justice for the oppressed – to protect the
weak and speak for voiceless
- Jesus sends us to care for those who suffer in mind, body and
spirit: bringing them comfort and peace
- Jesus sends us to welcome the stranger and the alien: calling us to
treat all people with dignity and respect – to love the other as we love
ourselves
When we see those among us who live in the shadows
– who live in fear - the exploited, the voiceless - we see people; people who suffer, - people living on the fringe of
society, - People driven by desperation to make the hard choice to leave their
homes and family – to come here; seeking a better life. And in seeing them -- we should remember that we
are a nation of immigrants;
- Immigrants who fled
oppression, starvation, persecution and death,
- Immigrants who sought
a better life – lives of peace, prosperity and freedom
- Immigrants who too faced hostility, uncertainty and rejection – barred from good jobs, decent housing, fair wages and a place in society
When we look into the faces of those who come today
– we see people not very different from our own ancestors. People who hope to
find freedom and peace – dignity and respect – love and compassion.
Like the Coast Guardsman in the story, it is easy
to get caught up in the details – but we must remember -
There’s a “boat burning in the Inlet and people are
in the water” needing to be saved. - People looking for the same basic dignity and
respect each of us want, need and deserve – as children of God.
Let us remember why Jesus sends us, his disciples –
let us stay focused on the burning boat and those whose lives are in danger –
for as Paul reminds us – “we are all one in Christ Jesus.” –
Jesus, who said to each of us -
“I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty
and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you
clothed me; sick and you visited me. . . I tell you solemnly, in so far as you
did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.”
Peace,
Deacon Don
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