Discernment

Sermons

Preached by Fr. Paul Burrows on Epiphany 2 (Sunday, January 15, 2012)

Sunday, January 15, 2012
Epiphany 2, year B
Advent of Christ the King

You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

John 1:51

Discernment is one of the most difficult tasks for all of us as we seek to find our place in the world. It would be problematic for a mathematical genius to find themselves with the task of weeding gardens and equally someone who fainted at the sight of blood would seem unsuited to the task of brain surgeon. Yet in the Church it is often the case that feeling called is given more weight than theological learning and the ability to listen to people. Of course that fact is that, today, understanding group process and having a working knowledge of finance is more important than either. The point here is that not everyone who feels called is suited to the task they feel called to. Education and training can only do so much and ability cannot be conferred by hard work. We also tend not to stretch ourselves and too often content to coast along without exploring what we might do if we were to stretch ourselves a little more.

Church of the Advent is also in a place of discernment in which we, as a community, are being called upon to stretch ourselves and to step outside our comfort zone. The world around us has changed and continues to be in turmoil seeking something to beyond them as a compass. We can either rise to the challenge to engage with a hostile and unheeding population or settle down to look inward, decline, and ultimately die. Are we willing to be the ladder that leads to heaven?