August 29, 2021 – Pentecost +14B

“Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, ²they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. ³(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; ⁴and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) ⁵So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” ⁶He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,

‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
⁷in vain do they worship me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.’

⁸You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition. Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: ¹⁵there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” ²¹For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, ²²adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. ²³All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”” Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

When people go to great lengths to “appear” holy — I can’t help but allow my suspicions to arise. Why must someone go to such lengths to make me think they are “holy”?  Often, not always, but often it is an attempt to hide their own “dirt”. We see it again and again – someone who is so outspoken about adultery, or divorce is actually trying to hide their own infidelity.

On the surface, we could say this Gospel lesson is about “dirt”. But, can it be so simple?  Can we say this is just about washing dirty hands?

The last eighteen months of our lives has been filled with commercials, mandates and instructions about keeping clean. I have never ever, in my life seen so many people worry about washing their hands, keeping away from one another, rubbing elbows instead of shaking hands, and wearing masks – all in the name of staying away from a virus. But we have also seen how effective these good habits have worked in reducing the number of flu and cold cases – if not preventing exposure to Covid. When we truly devote ourselves to a practice, we soon see how effective and life-sustaining it can be.

My friends, Jesus is just as capable of loving us in spite of our “dirt” without our extensive attempts to cover that dirt. Jesus says “…there is nothing outside a person that….can defile…the things that “come out” are what defile.”  In other words, when we do something just for show, or when we pretend to be “Holy” but live our lives performing sin after sin after sin, then we have joined the long line of Pharisees that have come and gone throughout the years who wanted so much for people to think they were Holy.  Those who rely on these “Acts of Holiness” have no true understanding of G-d’s Grace.

Washing your hands may save your life from the dirt of bacteria or the ravages of a novo-virus — but it will not save you from the dirt of sin. That requires Jesus — His Grace that he offers through the Cross Saves Your Life.

Let us Pray,

Lord, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free spirit. Amen. 

Pastor Dave

August 28, 2021 — Psalm 78:54–81:16, Acts 8:25–9:9

“O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. ² They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of your faithful to the wild animals of the earth. ³ They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. ⁴ We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us. ⁵ How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealous wrath burn like fire? ⁶ Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call on your name. ⁷ For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his habitation. ⁸ Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.” Psalm 79:1-8

Psalm 79 is a useful Psalm – because it teaches us that suffering can and should be seen from a perspective of faith as well as judgment. There are often harsh realities facing the people of G-d – but some branches of Christianity do not allow for this reality. Prosperity Theologians will tell you that if you are suffering, then you do not have a strong enough faith. But we Lutherans, like the Psalmist suggests, cannot lose faith or hope in the midst of adversity. Suffering of the faithful cannot be seen as G-d’s weakness – or just as G-d’s judgment and punishment. Why? Well, all we need to do is remember the cross – a sign of humiliation and shame. The cross is our symbol of power and grace and the ultimate answer to the question “Where is G-d?” The answer is that G-d is both a G-d of power, and suffering – cross and resurrection. Through the death of Jesus on the cross, G-d dies – but is not defeated. From the tomb G-d rises to tell the world that even death is not stronger than G-d. Nothing can separate us from the love of G-d found in Jesus Christ.

Let us Pray,

Lord, we often cry “How long?” when we are suffering, in pain, or grieving. It is enticing to be angry at you. Help us see your love in the pain and suffering we are enduring, for you endured the same pain through Jesus. Your love does not protect us from suffering, but your love helps us endure the same as we call upon your name. Send your love speedily – and let your mercy be everlasting. Amen.

Pastor Dave