{"id":629679,"date":"2023-01-03T11:47:46","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T16:47:46","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-08-09T11:43:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T15:43:53","slug":"repent-look-for-signs-of-the-kingdom-follow-jesus-epiphany-3-a-january-22-2023","status":"publish","type":"sermon","link":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/sermons\/repent-look-for-signs-of-the-kingdom-follow-jesus-epiphany-3-a-january-22-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Repent, Look for Signs of the Kingdom, &#038; Follow Jesus, Epiphany 3 (A) \u2013 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-green-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-green-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=DFMS5789016027&#038;light=true&#038;artwork=false\" width=\"100%\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-green-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-green-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>[RCL] Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 5-13; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/E3-2023-Cover-FB-1024x536.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-279682\" style=\"width:512px;height:268px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s a story about a farmer from a rural part of the country. And this farmer comes to visit a relative in a major city. They\u2019re walking down the busy and noisy main street, amidst the clamor and confusion and traffic and general hubbub of the city at rush hour. And just then, a fire truck goes by, siren blazing. And the farmer says, \u201cListen: I hear a cricket over yonder.\u201d The relative \u2014 the carefully conditioned city dweller \u2014 replies, \u201cHow can you hear a cricket in the middle of all this?\u201d The chirp of a cricket in the very core of a buzzing city \u2014 we can\u2019t hear that, right? But the farmer, unfazed, says, \u201cI figure you hear what you\u2019re listening for.\u201d And with that, he takes the spare change from his pants pocket and drops it on the ground. And at the almost imperceptible sound of a few coins hitting the sidewalk, children stop in their tracks, heads turn, notice is taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sounds real, doesn\u2019t it? Most of us would hear the coins and miss the crickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI figure you hear what you\u2019re listening for.\u201d That\u2019s a powerful statement for us as a Christian community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus said it another way, in last week\u2019s gospel: \u201cWhat are you looking for?\u201d And this is the challenge before us today: what are we looking for, who are we listening to, what are we valuing most in our common life together?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are demanding concepts, for they compel us to consider our spiritual priorities. We must discern and decide what is important to us \u2014 what will we be looking for, what are we going to listen to, what will we value most in our common life together?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are questions that require and charge us to consider our past. And these are questions that lead us to a full, honest, and accurate assessment of our current situation. But mostly, these are questions that inspire us to look to our future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, in today\u2019s gospel, Jesus gives us clear directives about our past, our present, and our future. Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms what we are to look for, what we are to listen to, and what we must value above all else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, the past \u2014 clear and simple, unambiguous and direct, Jesus says it this way: \u201cRepent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repent \u2014 for we are all of us sinners, we have each one of us and all of us together failed to live up to our true calling, we have made mistakes, we have fallen down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And Jesus says, basically, \u201cGet up and try again.\u201d Repent. We are forgiven, loved, and free. And so repent, turn around at the sound of a cricket, try again to hear God\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And this is not to say we\u2019ve been notoriously sinful or wicked \u2014 at least not any more than anybody else. We all of us make choices, and frequently we make poor ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is to say that we are human, that we want to do so much better than we so frequently are able, that we want to let go of small annoyances and petty gripes and senseless quarrels among us \u2014 and grab on to what is really important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, repent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And that will bring us to the present: What is really important is that the kingdom of heaven has come near. Jesus lived among us, not to predict some future and yet-unachieved utopia, but to proclaim that God\u2019s mercy, justice, and love are already here \u2014 manifest, in this place, now. So close we can touch, taste, smell, see, and hear \u2014 if that is what we are listening for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not to deny the sometimes-painful realities of our world \u2014 not to forget about hunger amidst so much waste, or homelessness amidst economic vitality, or sickness amidst amazing healing power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is to say we are all of us sinners, and that we can make a choice whether to dwell on life\u2019s problems or to look for life\u2019s opportunities. Are we going to wrestle with the devil, or dance with the savior? Taste and see, for our God is gracious \u2014 and God\u2019s kingdom has drawn near.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, look around for signs of the kingdom, here and now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And as for the future: Jesus says, \u201cFollow me, and I will make you fish for people.\u201d We are called \u2014 each and every one of us, and all of us together \u2014 to bring the light of lights into the world, to proclaim to all people the Good News of salvation, to make known the glory of God\u2019s marvelous works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our calling as a Christian community is not to repair the roof, or balance the books, or print up the bulletin. Oh, these things are important \u2014 essential to the building up of Christ\u2019s body, really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But budgets and reports and achievements \u2014 they are not our mission, they are not what Jesus calls us to listen to, they are not what our Lord and Savior commands us to value. When we follow, Jesus makes us fishers of men, ambassadors of Christ, evangelists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we follow Jesus, we acknowledge and admit that we are marvelously made, that God\u2019s works are wonderful, and that we know this very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s like suddenly noticing a light that has been burning all along, or hearing a cricket that has always hidden underneath the din our existence \u2014 for the only thing that changes is our attitude, our perception, our choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So\u2014this is the charge to us today: \u201cLet it shine.\u201d Repent, and it will shine. Look for signs that the kingdom that has drawn near, and it will shine. Follow Christ, and it will shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And what will happen if we let it shine? What is it, exactly? What will we let shine, precisely?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will the bills get paid if we don\u2019t open our mail? Will we continue to have bake sales or a sewing group or a garden guild if no one volunteers to work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will the copy machine repair itself if we simply pray? \u2014 probably not. We need to attend to these things, to be sure. But if, instead of harboring resentments, we work toward forgiveness, instead of marking divisions we seek agreement, instead of simply praying we pray simply \u2014 then what will shine will be the very light of salvation, the sure and certain hope of everlasting life, the gifts of God for the people of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pray simply, repenting of your past mistakes. Pray simply, proclaiming that the kingdom of God has drawn near. Pray simply, promising, \u201cYes, Lord, we will follow you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how can we put this into action? Simple, just ask yourself these three simple questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol style=\"list-style-type:1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Am I a sinner? If your answer isn\u2019t \u201cyes,\u201d you are lying \u2014 to yourself, to others, and to God.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do I want to change? If you answer isn\u2019t \u201cyes,\u201d you need help \u2014 the kind of help that is offered at the holy table of God.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And, do I believe? \u2014 truly and earnestly believe in my heart of hearts \u2014 that God\u2019s kingdom has drawn near? If your answer isn\u2019t \u201cyes,\u201d you are exactly like all the rest of us, everyone here \u2014 skeptical that God could love us so much as to allow us to make such important choices.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And then make those choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose to repent of past sins. Choose to look for signs of the kingdom here in the present. Choose to follow Jesus into the future \u2014 and he will provide all you need to fish for people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repent: that\u2019s not a commandment, that\u2019s an invitation. If you don\u2019t know how, then ask, and it will be given to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look around us for the kingdom: that\u2019s not a game of making something happen, but a matter of noticing what has already been accomplished. If you don\u2019t know where to look, then search, and you will find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And follow Jesus: that\u2019s not a quick fix to all life\u2019s problems, but a promise that walking in the way of the cross will fling wide the gates of heaven. Knock, and it will be opened for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repent. Look for the signs around us. And follow Jesus. For God\u2019s grace did invite us, and God\u2019s love shall unite us \u2014 to work for the kingdom and answer our call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This sermon was written by <strong>the Rev. J. Barrington Bates<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-93aac7a5-151a-4b75-8a29-2a40c2f943be\" href=\"https:\/\/www.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Sermon-Epiphany-3-English.docx\">Word \u2013 Epiphany 3 (A) Sermon<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Sermon-Epiphany-3-English.docx\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-93aac7a5-151a-4b75-8a29-2a40c2f943be\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-a6c5625e-09dc-41bc-afdc-92fdf240109b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Sermon-Epiphany-3-English.pdf\">PDF \u2013 Epiphany 3 (A) Sermon<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Sermon-Epiphany-3-English.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-a6c5625e-09dc-41bc-afdc-92fdf240109b\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[RCL] Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 5-13; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23 There\u2019s a story about a farmer from a rural part of the country. And this farmer comes to visit a relative in a major city. They\u2019re walking down the busy and noisy main street, amidst the clamor and confusion and traffic and general hubbub&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":201212,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[32,43,52,3],"tags":[144],"class_list":["post-629679","sermon","type-sermon","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-epiphany","category-sermons","category-sermons-that-work","category-worship-and-prayer-menu","tag-epiphany-3a"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":32,"label":"Epiphany"},{"value":43,"label":"Sermons"},{"value":52,"label":"Sermons That Work"},{"value":3,"label":"worship_and_prayer_menu"}],"post_tag":[{"value":144,"label":"Epiphany 3A"}]},"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":[],"comment_info":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon\/629679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/sermon"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon\/629679\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3477071,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon\/629679\/revisions\/3477071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=629679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=629679"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=629679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}