Sermon: "Do You Know Jesus?"
The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg
Third Bishop of East Tennessee

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

I want to offer two questions this morning as a means to frame our thoughts. Perhaps as we consider our readings in an effort to grasp some new message today, these questions may offer helpful perspectives.

First, then, why do you suppose that people in need are better able to recognize Jesus in daily life than the rest of us? That is, Jesus seems more immediate, more real, for those folks who lack the comforts that most of us enjoy. Why is that?

I think of the people I encountered on several trips to Haiti. What I discovered there was some of the worst poverty I have ever seen … and, at the same time, some of the most joyful Christians that I have ever been privileged to know.

I think, too, of the deaf man with a speech impediment in the Gospel reading. For that man, Jesus was real and immediate - and that man was zealous about his faith. Similarly, the Gospel witness elsewhere speaks of people possessed by demons who recognize Jesus even when others do not.

Thus, again, this question: Why is it that people in need are better able to recognize Jesus in daily life than the rest of us?

Then, here is a second question, related to the first one. What does it take for us to be able to see Christ in our midst? Put another way, under what circumstances does Jesus become real to us?

Now, you probably know where I am going with this. The second question begs the assumption of the first one. We actually must perceive a need in ourselves in order to let Jesus into our lives. Expressed a bit differently, we must believe that we need saving in order to accept the Savior.

We need to admit that this observation flies in the face of various American ideals. After all, we value "the self-made man and woman." We believe in "pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps." The "rugged individualist" can make it on his or her own. Who needs a savior, when we value the ideals that we do?

The Bible readings today frankly send us in different directions as we seek answers to our questions this morning. We read first - in Isaiah - of comfort in the face of fear. Then, though, James encourages us to "be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves" (1:22). Finally, in St. Mark's Gospel, we read of a familiar healing miracle by our Lord. Different directions indeed, those seem to be.

However, as is often the case, the Collect of the Day provides a helpful commentary. In this case, too, the Collect offers assistance in dealing with our questions about those in need recognizing Jesus and about what it may take for all of us to have such insight. Listen, then, to these words: "Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy."

I suspect that most all of us can remember some time that Jesus seemed especially real to us. If your memories of such moments are like mine, then some need - some personal inadequacy - was involved at the same time. In that regard, I think of one of the prayers of thanksgiving in our Prayer Book that includes this rather surprising petition: "We thank you (Lord) also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone" (p.836). That really is a remarkable petition. The profound truth there is that disappointments and failures - times of need - provide us opportunities to encounter our Lord in new ways.

In closing, I want to point out an example that is close to home. For St. Timothy's Church, a time of uncertainty - a time of need - lies ahead. There may come moments of doubt about your future. However, the message for today seems to be encouraging, precisely in the face of such need and uncertainty. That is, an uncertain time may provide fertile soil for opportunities as yet unidentified. Further, within those opportunities, we may find Christ himself. Our call, therefore, in this time and at all times, is to place our faith in the Lord. My prayer for you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, is that the days to come will bring you ever closer to the One who is the way, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Copyright © 2006 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee