Sermon for Sunday 10th May
Over the last few years, I have often heard the phrase ‘I am spiritual but I’m not religious’. Or ‘I am interested in spirituality not religion’. Some Christians are dismissive of this stance, but I think it recognises the deep-seated sense everyone has of the divine, and that there’s a larger dimension to reality than a purely materialist one… whilst not belonging to a worshiping community. Perhaps the root of this perspective is a suspicion of institutional religion, which is seen as somehow less authentic than personal experience or a general sense of the transcendent.
I remember my first visit to St Peter’s in the Vatican – looking around at the extraordinary architecture, priceless art, very smart and colourful Swiss guards, the structure of priests, bishops, monsignors, cardinals, popes, and so on – I couldn’t help but think, ‘I wonder what Jesus would make of all of this’. He’d be turning in his grave…. that’s the wrong expression, but you know what I mean!
Church buildings and institution of religion is another world from the early church. Indeed, our readings today focus on the living body of Christ, the new church community of believers who met in homes… not in elaborate buildings.
Our reading from Peter: ‘…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood’.
Many Christians would say that this is what faith is all about. Our culture is suspicious of big institutions, preferring to focus on personal, individual spiritual journeys. This is particularly relevant for us today in lockdown. We’re unable to meet physically in our church buildings. But what has been wonderful for many of us has been the sharing of the monastic rhythm of daily prayer in our homes – morning, evening and night prayer throughout the week. It’s helped bring us together as the united benefice as well as welcoming others too. And it’s really helped foster a sense of community. Because in the midst of crisis, we often begin to rely on others more for physical, emotional, and psychological support.
By giving what we can and receiving what we need, we build relationships that last. We’ve also had a chance to laugh together – Fr Peter’s increasing facial hair bringing some mirth. As well as my hair cut – my daughter butchered my hair earlier this week!
So, yes to seeing us the church as living stones, having a faith lived out not just in church on Sunday but throughout the week, meeting in virtual small groups. We have experienced ‘church’ existing in the many acts of service which people – church and non-church – have provided to neighbours and communities.
However, with all of that said, I would like to suggest that the external forms are also important. Bishop Peter Selby wrote an article in last week’s Tablet entitled: ‘Is Anglicanism Going Private?’ Whilst affirming the way we have embraced meeting virtually, he goes on to say that ‘…our churches are not just optional when useful and available but are signs of hope and healing for our communities and our nation’.
Through the centuries in this country, the church building has always there: inspiring, steady, a potent visible symbol of God’s presence among us, and of a community of faith for whom it is the primary focus of life together. For example, it would have been lovely to have been able to celebrate the 75 anniversary of VE Day in some tangible and physical way in our churches.
Now, of course, there is a danger that we idolise the church building. We also need to recognise the role the institutional church has had in perpetuating its power and privilege. Yes, we’ve often got it wrong as a church – and so we must always pray, Kyrie Eleison, Lord have mercy, help us to change. On the other hand, we don’t want to romanticise about the early church’s small groups – they had power struggles and squabbles as does every human community.
Our experience these last few weeks opens up the opportunity to reflect upon who we are as a church. What’s important. What do we really value? Who is left out and excluded, and how might we change that. As restrictions will begin to be slowly lifted in the coming weeks and months…. We pray for God’s wisdom.
Prayer
God heavenly Father, help us to become a community that vulnerably shares each other’s burdens. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our world. As we face our fears, frustrations and anger, help there to arise within us a more willing spirit to embrace ‘us’ rather than just ‘me’.