"Kindness and Justice"
a condensed version of the sermon delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Ash Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at Union Congregational Church in Somonauk, Illinois.

Partial podcast of "Kindness and Justice"

Ash Wednesday – the beginning of 40 days leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. How do we begin? I think we can look back – and forward with some ideas that are at the core of Jesus teachings.

Our reading is from the Old Testament book of Isaiah – written over a long period – about 200 years – likely by at least three and perhaps many more prophets who ministered to Israel – and finished more than 500 years before Jesus time on Earth.

The people asked the prophet what was wrong with their ceremonies and how they worshipped and fasted. The prophet's response from verses 6 and 7 is:

{6} Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? {7} Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

Listen to what Jesus said in the parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25:34-36

{34} Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; {35} for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, {36} I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'

Addressing injustice, freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and the homeless and providing life’s necessities to everyone is at the core of Jesus teaching – and it was present long before Jesus ever talked about it.

In both passages – the people wondered what was wrong with their ways. They thought they were doing things fine and that they would be commended. And the point that came out was that their pursuit of recognition and accolades was completely backwards from what was expected.

Today on Ash Wednesday, we can remember the ashes as a sign of penitence – not a sign of worthiness.

Our call as followers of Jesus is not about trying to get noticed – or serving our own interest -- or pretending to be humble while exploiting others.

But why say that? We don’t really do things like that. It may be true that our way life in general is so rich compared with most of the world that we continually exploit the rest of the world, but I really don’t think that’s the point of where we’re going. I do think the point is that we are called to advocate for people who are oppressed and exploited and in need. And the point further is that we do it not because we are better, but because all people are precious as God’s creation.

As advocates, it is necessary for us to act with kindness and justice.

Kindness is our guide in loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Justice is our guide in loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

It’s not an easy thing to do. When we pursue a cause, so often we end up in a battle of words or worse where people are hurt. And I wish we never went there. But I wonder, is there ever a time not to be kind? I think I see the example of Jesus in systematic and purposeful exploitation and oppression of others. {Turning over the tables in the outer temple and the words of woe from the Luke beatitudes. ("But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation")} Not having the benefit of Jesus perfect judgment, however, I don’t know when we should cross the line – I think it best that we never have to. I think it best that our journey towards justice is woven with kindness and that our journey towards kindness is woven with justice. I believe we have to trust God to guide us through the difficult straits. We sometimes have to let go of all the anger in order to let kindness and justice break forth.

Last year I attended a Catholic mass on Ash Wednesday. During the mass, The Priest explained the journey of Lent as something that began during Advent -- when we prepared and learned how valuable God thinks we are. After Christmas, we spent eight weeks responding to that knowledge by hearing God's call to discipleship. Now that we've responded to the call, saying, "Here I am, Lord", God gives us Lent: "Come on a journey with me." He likened it to the Hindu expression of "Renounce and Enjoy," explaining that during Lent, we give up the things that keep us from living our lives as disciples of the Christ and then go on a journey of preparing for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Renounce and enjoy. Renounce that which turns us away from kindness and justice as we enjoy our journey toward kindness and justice.

What needs to be renounced? How will you enjoy?

Just like in the Catholic Mass, today we’ll have an opportunity to receive ashes on our foreheads. As you come forward, think about being on that journey with God over the next 40 days. What needs to be renounced? How will you enjoy? As I place the ashes on your forehead, I’ll say, "These ashes remind us that we are human. You are precious to God. Turn away from what holds you back. Turn toward Jesus." As the dust and the ashes touch you, I hope you’ll remember God’s unconditional love for you and for all.

I hope this experience reminds and challenges all of us to renounce what God calls us to renounce and to enjoy the fullness of life God give us. I hope that it further reminds and challenges all of us to notice ways to care for all with kindness and justice.

Let me close with this blessing.

May our Lenten journey towards justice be woven with kindness, and may our Lenten journey towards kindness be woven with justice. As we continually seek Jesus, may we trust that God will continually guide us.

Amen.

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