The Diocese of East Tennessee
Sermons

Sermon: "Knit Together"
The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg
Third Bishop of East Tennessee

In our society, making distinctions among people provides a primary means of identification. We may say who we are by distinguishing ourselves from each other. Therefore, we tend to spend much time and energy in pointing out differences among us, as individuals and as groups.

For instance, for some years now, we have emphasized differences in race. I surely do not need to tell you that African Americans gained a sense of identity and encouraged a much-needed self worth with the "Black Pride" movement of the '60's and 70's. A principle emphasis of that movement involved making distinctions … that is, encouraging awareness of the particular challenges and opportunities facing the black community. A sense of identity and self worth emerged as the special and unique aspects of life for African Americans were emphasized and as distinctions were made clear. Therefore, making distinctions in this case served - and serves - a good purpose.

Also, in our country, we face today a considerable increase in Hispanic population - an increase that is projected to grow and grow in the future. Therefore, in the Episcopal Church, we are trying to minister to this distinct population in appropriate ways. The Area Mission Team around Chattanooga has begun to attempt some unique efforts at reaching the growing Hispanic population in that part of the diocese. And we make these attempts in recognition of the differences and uniquenesses that distinguish this group of folks. We also make these attempts in recognition that different Hispanic families may be quite distinct from each other - that is, this is not a one-dimensional ethnic group. Thus, again in this case, we tend to emphasize our differences - and, again, we do so for good reasons.

Of course, unless you have your head in the sand, you know that we have a national election in two days. The candidates for President have been trying for weeks and months to make distinctions between themselves. Meanwhile, the commentators in the press try on a regular basis to do the same thing - that is, to tell us what distinguishes Al Gore from George Bush. Therefore, this election campaign provides us again with an example of the desire to make distinctions and to point out differences between people.

At our Church General Convention in Denver last summer, participants experienced a wonderful kind of unity. I certainly sensed this, and I am not alone in that reaction. Indeed, people with much longer histories at General Convention than I have told me that they never had experienced the cohesive, caring spirit in previous conventions like they did at this one. Yet, ever since Convention, some people in our Church have gone to great pains to emphasize differences and to make distinctions. As I read some accounts, I wonder if I attended the same meeting as some of these folks write about. Therefore, once again in this example, we may see the need that people have to point out differences and to distinguish one individual or group from another.

Now, my point in giving these examples is to help us see that we tend to want to make distinctions and to emphasize differences. Sometimes that tendency works for good purposes and sometimes, for bad. Nevertheless, the tendency is there.

Over against this tendency that we have as human beings is the understanding of Christian community that we perceive in the celebration of All Saints' Sunday. While we are all unique and while we do have attributes and gifts and backgrounds that distinguish us from each other, nevertheless we share a great deal, too. Indeed, Christian community and All Saints would teach us that what unites us is far more important that what divides us.

Listen to the opening of the collect for All Saints' Sunday: "Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord." We affirm that God has knit us together in the body of Christ, which is the Church.

I experienced something about the unity that overcomes division in an unlikely place this week. My wife Annie had some minor surgery on Wednesday. And, I hasten to add, she is doing quite well now. However, as I sat in that crowded hospital surgery waiting room, I looked around at my fellows who were also experiencing that suspenseful time. I was quite aware that - even in our differences - what united us was far more important than what separated us. We all had concerns about a loved one. That loved one was in some kind of danger - to a greater or lesser degree, certainly. And that situation of danger was something that we - in the waiting room - could do nothing about. It was out of our control.

Taken a step farther, our mortality united us also. That is, we in that waiting room - and those for whom we waited - all shared life, and we all likewise will share death one day.

So it is with all the saints. What we share is far more important than what separates us. We are united by more significant bonds than those which would divide us. And leading this parade of saints is Jesus himself, who shares with us his life, his death, and his hope. May we, therefore, always remember to celebrate and to treasure that unity which comes from God - a unity that overcomes all the temporary divisions and distinctions that separate us. Finally, may we pray with great gladness and fervor, "Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord." Amen.

Copyright © 2000 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee