Bearing Witness - The Rev. Joyce Keeshin

Sermons from the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

So many folks are feeling isolated, lonely, even despair. Many are finding that the comfort they once might have found in a faith tradition, no longer works for them in the complexity, and with which they understand life today. So many are feeling threatened by actions being taken to curtail their rights, their freedoms. And so many are experiencing the devastation of aggression of violence, even war. Bearing witness to following Jesus and becoming beloved community is needed now desperately, and we are called. I find a helpful reference point for me in terms of this question of witness is our baptismal covenant and the vows we make. Will you continue in the apostles teaching and fellowship and the breaking of bread and prayers? Will you persevere in resisting evil and repent? Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God and Christ? Will you seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people respecting the dignity of every human being? That's a beautiful ground from which we can begin to witness. And when we make those vows, we always say them, I will with God's help. I will with God's help because it is not easy, but we can with God's help.