Sermon: "The Covenants We Share"
The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg
Third Bishop of East Tennessee

[This sermon by Bishop vonRosenberg was delivered using the following notes.]

I am grateful to be with you at Trinity once again. And I bring special greetings from Annie, for whom this is one of her favorite churches to visit. However, we have two grandsons now - the youngest born earlier this month - and so, I have not seen much of her recently either! In any event, I do thank you for your welcome of me today. Further, I am grateful for your ministries here at Trinity - and, also, beyond this church community. Indeed, I give thanks that you lead your lives according to the Baptismal Covenant that we have with God.

This is the Baptismal Covenant that we all will have the opportunity to renew in just a few minutes - not only those involved personally in Baptism today and not only the candidates for Confirmation - but all of us. The Baptismal Covenant states the faith that we share - our faith, that is, in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. As a part of that Covenant, we also indicate our intention to lead a Christian life of worship, of repentance and of service to others, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amid the church challenges of our day, we may be tempted to divert our attention and energy away from what is basic to our faith. For that reason, as I travel about the diocese this year, I am upholding central aspects of our mission as the Diocese of East Tennessee - that is, mission and ministry that are consistent with the Baptismal Covenant.

In the year to come, therefore, we will emphasize four diocesan ministries in particular. Grace Point Camp and Retreat Center provides a wonderful resource for Christian nurture and spiritual formation for all Episcopalians and for others as well. Lay ministry development focuses the attention of us all on living lives consistent with the call and intention of the Baptismal Covenant. Outreach ministries with the people of Appalachia and with native Americans in South Dakota give us practical ways to respond to Christ's call to love our neighbors. Also, these outreach ministries offer us ways to "seek and serve Christ in all persons," to "strive for justice and peace among all people" and to "respect the dignity of every human being" - affirmations from the Baptismal Covenant.

The last year has been one of trial, of sadness and of challenge for many Episcopalians - although not for all of us in East Tennessee. However, this year - with a concentration on the ministries I am suggesting - perhaps we can refocus our attention on the call of our Baptismal Covenant. … Also, notice the first letters of those ministries I am emphasizing - Grace Point, lay ministry development, Appalachia and the Dakotas. You see that I am proposing a "glad" year for us in East Tennessee! On the one hand, I think we all need it. And, on the other hand, this attention will bring our lives in line with our Lord's call, through the Baptismal Covenant.

As I have considered more seriously the Baptismal Covenant in recent weeks, I also have become aware, once again, of how important the theme of covenant is throughout holy scripture. Interestingly, too, the idea of a covenant among Anglican churches worldwide was quite prominent in the Windsor Report of the Lambeth Commission, published several weeks ago. Indeed, as we concentrate more intentionally on the theme of covenant, then we find a means of access to a profound practice of our faith. A covenant is an understanding and an agreement between two parties. Once the two have agreed to their covenant, then certain behavior may be expected as a result. Such is the call implied by the Windsor Report, and understanding such covenants also is crucial in reading the Bible.

For instance, today's readings all need to be understood within the context of the covenants involved. In the First Reading, we heard the familiar Old Testament idea of covenant. That is, simply put, one's behavior in this life has direct consequences for the life to come. The prophet proclaims, "You shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up…But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings." The covenant - the understanding and agreement - therefore is quite clear indeed.

The covenant in Second Thessalonians is rather unusual, but it addresses what was apparently a problem for the church in Thessalonica. That is, some of the believers felt that they did not need to work, for their community certainly would care for them. Or perhaps they believed that the end of the world was near, so why work? However, St. Paul is quite clear about this covenant, this understanding, within the community: "Anyone unwilling to work should not eat." No doubt about his understanding there!

The Gospel reading also calls to mind the end of time, and the theme of covenant is presented there as well. Persecution of Christians is anticipated by our Lord, and for some, that persecution may appear to be the end of the world. In response to these circumstances, Jesus does not make light of the problems involved. Quite the contrary. Nevertheless, he does offer these words: "You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls." Do you see in that affirmation the understanding - the covenant - that Jesus promises? "By your endurance you will gain your souls."

Therefore, I commend to you this morning the theme of covenant. That theme provides us with a significant viewpoint in our reading and study of holy scripture. And, in particular, the Baptismal Covenant identifies our understanding and agreement with God as individual Christians, as a church community, and as a diocese. This pertains especially to those being baptized and confirmed today, but it applies to the rest of us as well. We are all blessed by our covenant with God. May we also be blessings to God as we live into our covenant with Him! Amen.

Copyright © 2004 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee