Strength Through Diversity
Sermon
Sermons On The First Readings
Series I, Cycle C
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground. The man picked it up and tried to clean it off, but it was no use. It was now a muddy eclair. Before discarding it, however, he had an idea. He strolled over to one of the beggars who had approached him and handing the man the eclair said, "Here you are, my good man. This is something for your hunger." The businessman walked away smiling and returned to his office.
That night the man had a dream. He was sitting in a large and crowded cafe. Waitresses were scurrying about bringing customers delicious cakes and tortes. All the waitresses ignored the businessman, even though he was waving his hands at them continually. Finally he caught the eye of a young woman and asked for something to eat. She returned a few minutes later with a dirty piece of pastry. The man was outraged. "You can't treat me this way. I have a right to be served like all the others. I expect good service and food for my money." "You don't seem to understand," the waitress responded kindly. "You can't buy anything here. We don't accept money. You have just arrived in heaven and all you can order here is what you sent ahead while on earth. The only thing we have in your record is this dirty eclair."
How do we treat people? Are all people our brothers and sisters or only a select few? Do we believe in strength through diversity or is diversity an obstacle that hinders our progress? The story of the businessman and the chocolate eclair illustrates the message that today's lesson from Second Kings describes, namely the need to reach out to those who are different and in the process show them the face of God.
Hanson's disease, commonly known as leprosy, is very rare today, but in biblical times it was common and unquestionably a scourge to its victims. People with leprosy were ostracized from society for several reasons, at least one of which was proper. Leprosy is highly contagious and, in biblical times, there was no known cure. Thus, it certainly made sense to keep those afflicted away from others. However, victims of leprosy were treated in a prejudicial way. The unsightliness of their decaying flesh made them unclean, as stated in Jewish law. Anyone who came in contact with a victim of leprosy, even if it was to touch something that a person with leprosy had previously touched, was rendered a person unclean as well and ritually impure. An elaborate ritual was required to be made pure again and re-enter everyday Jewish society. From this background one can see that even though Naaman was a powerful and possibly even famous man, his leprosy placed him on the outside. He was different and unacceptable in the minds of many because of his affliction.
How did Elisha react when he was told about Naaman's condition? The normal reaction would have been to do nothing or even flee the area, for not only was Naaman a leper, but he was also a foreigner and a pagan. Thus, under the conditions of the day, the prophet or any practicing Jew most probably would not have been concerned. Yet, as we hear, Elisha does what is completely contrary to what would be expected. He did not hesitate to assist Naaman. The prophet did not care that the man was not a Jew nor that he was a leper. Who he was and his affliction were inconsequential to Elisha; all that concerned him was that a person in need sought his assistance.
How did Naaman react to the response of the prophet? We hear that he was sincerely disappointed, as he wanted to see the prophet work some miracle in his presence. The instruction to go and wash in the Jordan seemed too simple. Possibly Naaman did not believe Elisha could effect a cure unless it was some spectacular and highly visible action. Naaman, in the end however, is convinced by his attendants that he should do what the prophet suggests. Elisha's actions demonstrate to Naaman and all who witness this event that God is not only present in the great and magnificent, but also in the simple and ordinary, such as the action of bathing. Naaman also learns that there is a need to trust. He has in his head a certain image of what the prophet must do in order to cure him, but he comes to realize that he must place his faith in the actions of another. Although Naaman and Elisha are different in many ways -- they come from different nations, have different religious backgrounds and beliefs, and live in different stations in life -- they each come to understand and appreciate the reality that knowing and working with people who are different brings great strength to those open to the possibility.
The story of the businessman and the chocolate eclair and the lesson learned in the encounter between Elisha and Naaman are clear illustrations of our need to appreciate diversity and to reach out to those who are different. We, through these lessons, have the opportunity to discover the reality of strength through diversity. For most people it is not much of a chore to do something extra for someone we know -- a family member, close friend, neighbor, or even colleague at work. We hardly think twice about such assistance because we are confident that should the tables be turned and we be the person in need, those we have helped will assist us. In general we have no problem reaching out to people who are of the same ilk as ourselves, those with the same educational level, same economic prosperity, same political and religious views, those with the same ethnic and racial identity and social background. We must recall, however, Jesus' words, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:1-4).
Elisha's action in reaching out to Naaman, a leper and a foreigner, was simply a precursor to how Jesus continually reached out to those who were different. He assisted the Syro-Phoenician woman, a foreigner, cured the ten lepers who were outcasts, aided the woman with the hemorrhage, cured the blind Bartimaeus, and forgave the sins of Mary Magdalene and the woman caught in adultery. Jesus indiscriminately reached out to all. He believed that diversity would enhance the world and thus did what he could to demonstrate strength through diversity.
Our challenge is to avoid the errors of the businessman and to imitate the actions of Christ in reaching out to those who are different than we are, seeing in such encounters the possibilities that exist. Can we reach out to the homeless by our assistance in some community program that shelters those who normally go without? Is there a way we can assist the mentally or physically challenged to assist their struggle for acceptance and dignity in our world which reacts so negatively to those who are not like everyone else? Can we in some way assist those who have not had the great opportunity of education which most of us take for granted? Have we thought of ways to promote ecumenical dialogue with other Christians and even non-Christians in the same spirit that Jesus sought out and helped those who needed him most?
Today's reading asks another important question -- what is our reaction when someone different than us reaches out to give us assistance? Naaman was hesitant, somewhat fearful, and certainly distrustful of Elisha when he did not respond in a manner the foreigner believed to be appropriate. What happens when someone who is different reaches out to us? Do we hesitate because we believe people have ulterior motives? Do we go further and run away because we are fearful of those who are different? Can we see the need to be transformed from such attitudes to the certain belief, even the conviction, that diversity can assist us?
Social service agencies and civil rights groups often use the term "strength through diversity" to promote the unity of the human family. The expression means that people can find greater communal and personal strength, not so much physical strength, but psychological and moral strength, by associating with others and treating them as equals. This is the goal, but we must admit that we are a long way from achieving this utopian ideal. Rather than being one as Jesus suggests in John's Gospel, "That they all may be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21), we are separate, fractured, and divided. Some are acceptable and others receive from us the proverbial "dirty eclair."
If we are a true Christian community, then we must learn to live as one. We will always have different opinions, different strengths and weaknesses, different ideas and methods to resolve problems. But our vision and attitude must be common; we must work to build the Kingdom of God in our lifetime into a community of love, peace, and reconciliation. This can never be done if we differentiate between peoples allowing some to receive our attention, expertise, and effort, while others only receive an afterthought. When the businessman neglected the beggars, he instantly differentiated between himself and these two men. When he offered the dirty eclair to one man, he instantly differentiated and placed himself above that person. Such actions are incompatible with Jesus' prayer, "That all may be one." We are called to move beyond prejudice, ignorance, insensitivity, and lack of compassion to an inclusive attitude which seeks to find the good and strength in all people. Then strength through diversity is possible.
One simple story demonstrates the need for diversity. A young pastor was asked to entertain some very energetic youngsters. He decided to play a game called Giants, Wizards, and Dwarfs. He told the children, "You must decide now if you will be a giant, wizard, or dwarf." One little girl came up, pulled the pastor's pants leg and said, "Where do the mermaids stand?" "There are no mermaids," the pastor countered. "Oh, yes, there are," she responded. "I am one of them." This little girl was not to be denied her identity. She knew who she was and was proud of it. So, my friends, where do the mermaids in our life stand -- those who do not fit neatly into our boxes and pigeonholes? God challenges us; our response is awaited.
That night the man had a dream. He was sitting in a large and crowded cafe. Waitresses were scurrying about bringing customers delicious cakes and tortes. All the waitresses ignored the businessman, even though he was waving his hands at them continually. Finally he caught the eye of a young woman and asked for something to eat. She returned a few minutes later with a dirty piece of pastry. The man was outraged. "You can't treat me this way. I have a right to be served like all the others. I expect good service and food for my money." "You don't seem to understand," the waitress responded kindly. "You can't buy anything here. We don't accept money. You have just arrived in heaven and all you can order here is what you sent ahead while on earth. The only thing we have in your record is this dirty eclair."
How do we treat people? Are all people our brothers and sisters or only a select few? Do we believe in strength through diversity or is diversity an obstacle that hinders our progress? The story of the businessman and the chocolate eclair illustrates the message that today's lesson from Second Kings describes, namely the need to reach out to those who are different and in the process show them the face of God.
Hanson's disease, commonly known as leprosy, is very rare today, but in biblical times it was common and unquestionably a scourge to its victims. People with leprosy were ostracized from society for several reasons, at least one of which was proper. Leprosy is highly contagious and, in biblical times, there was no known cure. Thus, it certainly made sense to keep those afflicted away from others. However, victims of leprosy were treated in a prejudicial way. The unsightliness of their decaying flesh made them unclean, as stated in Jewish law. Anyone who came in contact with a victim of leprosy, even if it was to touch something that a person with leprosy had previously touched, was rendered a person unclean as well and ritually impure. An elaborate ritual was required to be made pure again and re-enter everyday Jewish society. From this background one can see that even though Naaman was a powerful and possibly even famous man, his leprosy placed him on the outside. He was different and unacceptable in the minds of many because of his affliction.
How did Elisha react when he was told about Naaman's condition? The normal reaction would have been to do nothing or even flee the area, for not only was Naaman a leper, but he was also a foreigner and a pagan. Thus, under the conditions of the day, the prophet or any practicing Jew most probably would not have been concerned. Yet, as we hear, Elisha does what is completely contrary to what would be expected. He did not hesitate to assist Naaman. The prophet did not care that the man was not a Jew nor that he was a leper. Who he was and his affliction were inconsequential to Elisha; all that concerned him was that a person in need sought his assistance.
How did Naaman react to the response of the prophet? We hear that he was sincerely disappointed, as he wanted to see the prophet work some miracle in his presence. The instruction to go and wash in the Jordan seemed too simple. Possibly Naaman did not believe Elisha could effect a cure unless it was some spectacular and highly visible action. Naaman, in the end however, is convinced by his attendants that he should do what the prophet suggests. Elisha's actions demonstrate to Naaman and all who witness this event that God is not only present in the great and magnificent, but also in the simple and ordinary, such as the action of bathing. Naaman also learns that there is a need to trust. He has in his head a certain image of what the prophet must do in order to cure him, but he comes to realize that he must place his faith in the actions of another. Although Naaman and Elisha are different in many ways -- they come from different nations, have different religious backgrounds and beliefs, and live in different stations in life -- they each come to understand and appreciate the reality that knowing and working with people who are different brings great strength to those open to the possibility.
The story of the businessman and the chocolate eclair and the lesson learned in the encounter between Elisha and Naaman are clear illustrations of our need to appreciate diversity and to reach out to those who are different. We, through these lessons, have the opportunity to discover the reality of strength through diversity. For most people it is not much of a chore to do something extra for someone we know -- a family member, close friend, neighbor, or even colleague at work. We hardly think twice about such assistance because we are confident that should the tables be turned and we be the person in need, those we have helped will assist us. In general we have no problem reaching out to people who are of the same ilk as ourselves, those with the same educational level, same economic prosperity, same political and religious views, those with the same ethnic and racial identity and social background. We must recall, however, Jesus' words, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:1-4).
Elisha's action in reaching out to Naaman, a leper and a foreigner, was simply a precursor to how Jesus continually reached out to those who were different. He assisted the Syro-Phoenician woman, a foreigner, cured the ten lepers who were outcasts, aided the woman with the hemorrhage, cured the blind Bartimaeus, and forgave the sins of Mary Magdalene and the woman caught in adultery. Jesus indiscriminately reached out to all. He believed that diversity would enhance the world and thus did what he could to demonstrate strength through diversity.
Our challenge is to avoid the errors of the businessman and to imitate the actions of Christ in reaching out to those who are different than we are, seeing in such encounters the possibilities that exist. Can we reach out to the homeless by our assistance in some community program that shelters those who normally go without? Is there a way we can assist the mentally or physically challenged to assist their struggle for acceptance and dignity in our world which reacts so negatively to those who are not like everyone else? Can we in some way assist those who have not had the great opportunity of education which most of us take for granted? Have we thought of ways to promote ecumenical dialogue with other Christians and even non-Christians in the same spirit that Jesus sought out and helped those who needed him most?
Today's reading asks another important question -- what is our reaction when someone different than us reaches out to give us assistance? Naaman was hesitant, somewhat fearful, and certainly distrustful of Elisha when he did not respond in a manner the foreigner believed to be appropriate. What happens when someone who is different reaches out to us? Do we hesitate because we believe people have ulterior motives? Do we go further and run away because we are fearful of those who are different? Can we see the need to be transformed from such attitudes to the certain belief, even the conviction, that diversity can assist us?
Social service agencies and civil rights groups often use the term "strength through diversity" to promote the unity of the human family. The expression means that people can find greater communal and personal strength, not so much physical strength, but psychological and moral strength, by associating with others and treating them as equals. This is the goal, but we must admit that we are a long way from achieving this utopian ideal. Rather than being one as Jesus suggests in John's Gospel, "That they all may be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21), we are separate, fractured, and divided. Some are acceptable and others receive from us the proverbial "dirty eclair."
If we are a true Christian community, then we must learn to live as one. We will always have different opinions, different strengths and weaknesses, different ideas and methods to resolve problems. But our vision and attitude must be common; we must work to build the Kingdom of God in our lifetime into a community of love, peace, and reconciliation. This can never be done if we differentiate between peoples allowing some to receive our attention, expertise, and effort, while others only receive an afterthought. When the businessman neglected the beggars, he instantly differentiated between himself and these two men. When he offered the dirty eclair to one man, he instantly differentiated and placed himself above that person. Such actions are incompatible with Jesus' prayer, "That all may be one." We are called to move beyond prejudice, ignorance, insensitivity, and lack of compassion to an inclusive attitude which seeks to find the good and strength in all people. Then strength through diversity is possible.
One simple story demonstrates the need for diversity. A young pastor was asked to entertain some very energetic youngsters. He decided to play a game called Giants, Wizards, and Dwarfs. He told the children, "You must decide now if you will be a giant, wizard, or dwarf." One little girl came up, pulled the pastor's pants leg and said, "Where do the mermaids stand?" "There are no mermaids," the pastor countered. "Oh, yes, there are," she responded. "I am one of them." This little girl was not to be denied her identity. She knew who she was and was proud of it. So, my friends, where do the mermaids in our life stand -- those who do not fit neatly into our boxes and pigeonholes? God challenges us; our response is awaited.
