Sermon December 5, 2014
It occurs to me, as a man with such strong ties to medicine and science, that we have to take so much of faith and religion blindly. Without any proof, we tread a fine line between what we know to be true and what we believe. Very often I find myself contemplating the differences between what I know; what can be proved, and what I have been told to believe in my youth. The last few years have been a pleasant impact on my life with regards to what I now truly believe.
Recently I was asked what brought me to the clergy when I've spent almost my entire adult life in health care. The truth is I didn't come to be ordained out of deep soul searching or even devotion to faith. It was, in fact, the reverse.
A few years ago, my best friend was planning her wedding. Both involved mutually agreed that they wanted me to officiate the ceremony. Between us, I was the more spiritual one though not by far the most pius. Just like that, I sought the legal and spiritual authority to join two people in matrimony; under God. That's the condensed version of how I became a minister.
Shortly thereafter the wedding was called off. The relationship between my best friend and her intended ended. As I have come to understand it, the two have not spoken to each other since. Now there are those who might think that was a sign from God that I was not destined for the collar. I certainly considered that I should stick to my stethoscope. However, ordination is not just a status, it is also a promise. To me it is a vow between myself and God. As far as U.L.C. is concerned I am a minister of God's word, love, and sacraments. This left me with a choice. I could pretend that it never happened, thus forsaking my promise, or walk the new path that God has placed me on.
The choice was actually a very simple one. Inspite of the fact that I come from a very Catholic family, and the church's efforts to modernize its teachings, I felt at home within the inter-faith community. For years now I have felt like an unwelcome stranger in an old and formerly familiar house; the uninvited guest as it were. I find a great sense of peace in the non-denominational church. More than anything, I feel that this was the answer to my prayers; God's way of guiding me to fill the gap in my soul.
I've felt compelled from a very early age to be of help. Initially I thought I'd pursue social work. In college I discovered that I wanted something more than a government job and it's limits with how much I could help a person. As a Medical Assistant, I have been fortunate to be a subtle, though not often quiet, influence in countless lives.
In sickness and illness we are at our most vulnerable point of our lives. Even small children when afflicted by viruses and bacteria crave the love and attention of their parents. I'll always be very happy and proud of being able to bring a smile to a sick person's face; or to hear the giggle of a child who is nervous about getting a shot from the doctor. I've come to believe that it is the will of God that brought me both to health care and to the clergy. I feel that I can bring some help to people both physically and spiritually.
No where in scripture does it say to make people laugh, or to put smiles on people's faces. It is not our duty to entertain people or even cheer them up. It is a kindness, certainly, but not a requirement. I happen to be good at it though. I think it is a talent that enables me to connect to others in a small and simple way. In this way I feel that I am speaking the way God wishes me to. It helps me to feel just a little bit closer to Him.
So I hope that each of you can find the words of God that speak, not in scripture, but through our own hearts. For I truly believe that we each must choose our path. If you keep an open mind, and an open heart, the word of God, and the wisdom of God will reveal itself to you. If you listen, really listen, really believe in the Divine love then you will hear Him guiding you to where you need to be.
So I believe.