Today we thank you, O God, for the resurrection dawn, which makes all things new. To me, even the lizards seem to sing your praise today. And why not? I somehow suspect that they know, even better than we do, that Jesus lives. After all, we need the revelation of scripture to know it; but they just know. And even on earth, it gives them wings. May we come to know you so deeply, O God, that we too might see our own resurrection wings. Amen.
Sermon for Maundy Thursday on Ezekiel 1 and John 13:1–17, 31b–35. Proclaimed at Semenari Theoloji Malaysia.
Bear Creek Camp is the largest of the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in America. Over twelve square kilometers of forest are there, with rivers, swampland, mountains, and incredible wildlife. Starting when I was just six years old, I spent eleven joyful summers there, playing games and going on hikes and falling in love with God’s creation. It is the place I first learned about God’s unconditional love for each person and thing that He made, and not just from studies and good talk. In my group, I was always the one in the back. The fat kid who never exercised and couldn’t keep up with everyone else. The distracted kid who was too busy looking at the bugs and rocks and ferns to realize that the rest of the campers were hundreds of meters ahead. In any other place, the other children would have hated me. But here, I never felt like a burden, and I always felt like I mattered. Like I really was the beloved child of God that they said I became when I was Baptized.
Today I was going to thank you for something silly, O God. But then I spent the afternoon and evening with some wonderful people. I didn’t know how badly I needed some social time until I saw how wonderful it was. So instead, O God, we thank you for them, and for surrounding us with people of love who labor for the wellbeing of your Church and your creation. I am grateful to have them in my life. Amen.
Today we thank you, O God, for the almost daily thunderstorms. They are truly beautiful. (Even if my clothes on the line were almost dry before this last one.) Amen.
Today we thank you, O God, for the persistence and strength of people who want to serve You. Particularly I think of some Lutheran pastors in this country, who must undergo two seminary degrees and two long interim pastorates before their ordination. I think most Americans wouldn’t tolerate twelve years of pastoral formation before the institutional church allowed them to approach the sacrament. Their patient, hardworking faith knocks me over. Thank you for their witness to the value of your ministry. Amen.
Today we thank you, O God, for the Grab (Uber) driver who let me speak Malay with him. First time I had a real conversation and I did pretty well! Seronoknya! Amen.
Today we give you thanks, O God, for surprise cucumbers. Not, “Aaah! It jumped out at me from behind the door” surprise cucumbers, which would be very troubling. But “Oh, I forgot I bought that” surprise cucumbers. Because I love cucumbers, and I wanted a vegetable, and I’m out of kimchi, and I didn’t feel like steaming bok choy tonight. And then suddenly, like a sign that you love all of your creation, THERE IT WAS in the crisper drawer. Thank you. Amen.
Today we give you thanks, O God, for civit cats sneaking into the chapel. This is a month old now, but honestly… CUUUUUTE! Amen.
Today we give you thanks, O God, for the gift of Google Translate. For Psalm 34:8a in English is, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” But if you take the Chinese and pass it through Google into English, you get, “You have to taste the taste of the Lord; I know that He is beautiful.” Insightful, perhaps. But mostly hilarious. Amen.
Today we thank you, O God, for thunderstorms. They are a great way to turn 34°C (93°F) into 27°C (84°F). Amen.
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