Interrupting Comfort - The Rev. Melanie W. J. Slane

Sermons from the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

What happened to Jesus is not far from us today. Innocent lives are lost in systems of domination and oppression again and again. Fear and mistrust breed, war and violence, and the impulse for domination and supremacy keep us separated from one another and from God. The Passion of Jesus should not leave you today saying, oh, look at this terrible thing that happened thousands of years ago. It should leave you searching for how and why humanity continues to walk this way today. It should not leave you placing blame on them, the Jews who killed Jesus. It should find you searching for how you yourself participate in societies and structures that take the breath of life from the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized and the forsaken right now. Palm Sunday has a way of allowing us to enter into the story, both as those who waved palms in joyous procession, along the way, and saying glory to God. And also, as those who shouted, crucify him, crucify him. I am grateful year after year for this juxtaposition, because truly we are both. We today in many ways, simultaneously with our lives, honor God with songs of praise. And also vilify Christ who interrupts our systems of comfort and security.