Here is a link to my sermon for Palm Sunday.
I don't know if this sermon would qualify as a sermon on the subject of peace, but I think that it gives some insights as to why I think that peace is at the heart of the Christian faith.
The story of Jesus is the story of someone who turned upside down all of our usual values. In Holy Week, I think that we see this very starkly. Jesus could have been a conquering, military hero.
But, had he chosen this action that the world would have considered good - we love heros and hate wimps after all - there could have been no forgiveness. You can't forgive someone and crush them at the same time.
If we think that Jesus primary raison d'etre was forgiveness, then peace comes as part and parcel of that forgiveness. Not just the sort of preace that refrains from violence, either. But an all-encompassing peace. Shalom. The peace of God that passes all human understanding.
This is why I cannot separate "peace issues" from Christian theology.
About Me
- PamBG
- I am Pam Berardinelli Garrud (PamBG), a 54 year old wife, daughter and beloved child of God. Ordained as a minister (pastor) in the Methodist Church of Great Britain, in 2009 I re-immigrated back to Northeast Ohio with my London-born husband after 20 years residence in the UK. I am seeking to serve God by loving God and my neighbor in the ministry of hospital chaplaincy. Prior to becoming a minister, I worked in the pensions industry. The views expressed in this Blog are purely my own and do not represent the official views of any denomination, group or organization.
10 comments:
This is why I cannot separate "peace issues" from Christian theology.
Nor should you. Good sermon.
Thanks, Michael.
Thank you for this sermon Pam- too often we sanitise Palm Sunday- making it safe, and not taking into account the mood nor the expecations of the crowd.
Peace issues seen through the lens of forgiveness- excellent.
Thank you for your comment, Sally. You see things through different eyes than I do and, through you, I can see a different perspective. :-)
I guess that is why we need one another!
I liked it so much I linked to it. A valuable message.
Wow, thank you.
I had never thought about the word Hossana before, just used its assumed meaning in joyfull hymns and songs. Makes me wonder what other words and phrases I am mis-understanding. Time for some deeper thinking!
Really enjoyed your post, I hope it is ok if I link to it also.
Please do, DaveH. Thank you. :-)
Pam, I found that sermon very helful indeed. I am another how was very interested in what you said about "Hosanna." We sure do sometimes sanitise the Gospel.
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