Our oldest son is an Episcopal priest. We have some extremely interesting discussions about theology, the Church and how to live our lives. Recently he made a statement that really hit me hard. He asked his Outreach Council a question “If our church closed its doors today, ‘Would anyone outside those who attend here notice?’” In essence, “Is the Church having an impact on the community that makes a difference?”
It really made me think. “Is our Church having an impact on the community that makes a difference?” Does anybody know that we exist? Or are we just serving ourselves?
Let’s make it a bit more personal. If I were to die today, would anyone outside my family and friends be impacted by my absence? Would a homeless person go hungry because I didn’t bring a meal for them today? Would a person die alone without anyone to pray with them because I wasn’t at their bedside? Would a person commit suicide because I wasn’t there to give them hope with a smile and a cheerful “Hi, how are you?”
Tough questions!
Yes, but questions that we need to ask ourselves. Jesus was a radical in his time. So radical that the church leaders put him to death.
Jesus had an impact on other people’s lives. He healed the sick, he cast out demons, he forgave people of their sins, he condemned the self-righteous for their self-centered lives and most importantly, he gave hope to the poor, outcast and marginalized of society.
And how do I stand against the other actions that Jesus did while on earth? Do I bring healing to others? We often think of a miraculous healing where the lame can walk, and the blind can see. What about the subtle healing of sitting with someone who is pain, quietly, not saying anything, just being there with them and praying silently for them?
There are many evil people in the world. We see them all the time teaching gay marriage, transgender culture and pornography to our young people, and other acts that are destroying the structure of the family. Do we speak out against these demons or are we silent hoping they will go away?
While I am unable to forgive people their sins, do I forgive those who have caused me harm or pain and suffering? Do I forgive those who spread lies about me or spread mean things about me because of my faith?
Do we speak out against sins and evil even within the Church? The self-righteous perpetuate arrogance and coldness that turns people off religion. Am I like that? Or do I strive to be a loving and caring person who worships humbly and reverently?
It’s one thing to donate money to the poor but do I really care for the poor and outcast? Do I turn my head away from the homeless person at the corner asking for help? Or do I look at them, smile at them treating them with the dignity that each person deserves as a child of God, do I pray for them, do I offer them a gift card to get something to eat at a fast food restaurant, especially something hot in when the weather turns cold?
If I were to die today, would anyone be impacted by my absence?
