HOMILY FROM CANON STEPHEN FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY
4th Sunday of B21
Genuine Authority
‘But man, proud man, dressed in a little brief authority, most ignorant of what he’s most assured…’ Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare
We probably wouldn’t have to think too hard to come up with examples of people who seem to fit this description. Puffed up with a sense of their own importance, they are anxious to be seen as the expert on everything, in spite of limited knowledge or experience. We tend to criticise politicians and other public figures if we feel they are blind to the struggles of ordinary people. They don’t know what it’s like, for example, to live on a minimum wage, to care for a family member with a disability, or to be at risk of homelessness. On the other hand, it is refreshing when those in power have either faced some of these issues themselves or have made the efforts to do some research and really listen to people. We can tell when someone is speaking with genuine authority, care and compassion.
In today’s Gospel, those who listen to Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue know there is something different and exciting about him. His teaching is in sharp contrast to the scribes they are used to hearing, and makes a deep impression on them. The difference, as stated twice in this passage, is his authority and it leaves his audience ‘astonished’. He does not use his position the way we might use our ‘little brief authority’ to make ourselves look good. Instead he uses his authority to serve, to love, and to bring mercy and freedom. We too have the wonderful opportunity to do the same during this Covid virus. Whether we are a teacher or shop assistant, a nurse or council worker, a child or an elderly person – there are always moments when we can reach out to others; with our time, skills, talents or money. We can listen and respond, we can see and reach out and we can touch and make a difference.
Jesus did not deny the communion of his presence to this unclean-outsider-person who had wandered into the synagogue. Jesus faces unclean spirits to give his ‘Yes’ to every ‘No’. It was a unity of wounded hands, a realisation that we cannot heal ourselves until it includes reconciliation with what and who divides us. Jesus lived the words of the opening Prayer – ‘to love everyone in truth of heart’. Jesus helps a man to literally stand on his own two feet and finds a new way of being in his own body that was tortured emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
A month on from our Christmas celebrations, it is timely to appreciate that God’s gift to us at Christmas is the gift of relationship, not just a human relationship, but a relationship to God our Father. We learn from the man possessed by the unclean spirit. He shouts his recognition of Jesus. He publicly declares his faith: ‘I know you are the Holy One of God’. This is what our faith is about – to stay alert in the almost unbearable present moment where Jesus is – rather than look to an unreal future or take refuge in an imaginary past.
In this time of fear and upheaval, we discover again and again how vulnerable people are. A number of our young people who experience living with a physical or learning disability have always known that a fulfilled and connected school life is only possible with networks of friendships and support. Some of them are at risk, not just from the virus, but because they are lonely and miss the companionship of friends and staff. And that is true of every child! I would like to thank our Senior teachers, class teachers, pastoral and support staff, and everyone who works in and with our schools, for ensuring each of our young people are heard and their work celebrated through the connection and sense of belonging you have promoted for those young people in a time of isolation and lockdown. You are the present angels that our Headteachers: John, Suzanne & Catherine constantly appreciate and are grateful to, as is our parents and families.
I am reminded of a Nigerian author, who once wrote about being raised a Christian in his Nigerian village, and discouraged by his parents from being too absorbed in the traditional village life said: ‘that experience was not a separation but a bringing together.’ Find moments this week when our minds, hearts, souls and strength can come together. Tour challenge this week is to see there are plenty of opportunities to reach out to those in need. May God bless and protect you and your families in the days ahead.
