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Sermon by The Rev. Deena M. Galantowicz

There are two very familiar stories in today’s Gospel.  I would like to spend our time together considering the story of the feeding of the 5000.  But first, a few words about the second story about Jesus getting into the boat with his disciples out at sea.  I hope that we will have heard clearly that in times of trouble, Jesus also says to us, his disciples today, as he did to his disciples of old…BE NOT AFRAID.  IT IS I.  He does not merely offer words of assurance from a distance…he gets into our boat with us.  And he reminds us that We are not alone.  He is with us.  Be not afraid! The calming of the storm is not merely the stopping of the winds; it is about knowing that God, through Jesus, and the Power of the Holy Spirit REALLY does enter into our midst and will never forsake us.   Having Jesus with us, the stormy waters are stilled.  Hold on to that.  If we can learn to let go into the promises of Jesus, the wonders will never cease.

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I don’t know if you have ever heard the expression that “a camel is a horse that was put together by a committee.”  The larger the committee the more extraneous parts are added to try to satisfy all possible options.  Well, today’s reading from Mark’s gospel is a consequence of the work of a committee.  This particular committee is the one the selected the readings we have for each Sunday on a repeating, three-year cycle.

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Before I begin I want to note a couple of caveats about this sermon.  First, it contains stories of violence, and sexual content … it could be rated R. 
 
Secondly, if I were to say everything I would like to say about our lessons this morning we’d be here for hours.  So, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

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Happy Independence Day!  We will see fireworks again.  We can gather in a crowd …OR NOT!  We can have hot dogs and beer …OR NOT!  Happy Independence Day!
 
Declaring our independence after 16 months of the COVID pandemic.  Declaring our independence after a bitter presidential election.  Declaring our independence while our nation is starkly divided over too many issues that effect all of us.  Happy Independence Day!