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SERMONS Sean Gilbert Christ Church 11/3/07 Psalm 63 Thirst Mary Oliver’s ‘Thirst’ It’s curious, I think, that whilst for both the psalmist and the poet, the language of thirst, desire and soul always lies close at hand, but for the average Christian – if there be such a thing – not only do these words sound a little foreign, they actually appear somewhat dangerous; murky waters, hidden and largely unchartered streams within human consciousness. Far better to stick to what we know or least what we’ve been told we only ought to know. Yet this would be a tragedy, indeed it is a present day tragedy - played out on a very large scale - that would have Christians not only fearful of the inner spiritual life, but largely unaware of its power for change and fulfillment. And whilst religious conventions may be followed, beliefs defended with no small amount of vigour, even rancour, that which stirs our creative juices, causes deep longings within us, makes for a sense of lack or thirst; these are often not recognized for the potential gifts that they are: definitive and unique sign-posts toward life in its most fruitful and fulfilling sense. I guess in many ways this was the battle ground that Jesus acted his ministry out upon; A struggle against institutionalism and clericalism that by its very nature is concerned with maintaining power and influence over others. I mean if our ultimate goal is conformity to a religious ideal (creed) and to a community formed in its name, the language of thirst or more particularly the naming and honouring of desire, is hardly going to rate a mention. In fact, it will be quickly labeled as less than orthodox and hardly fitting for upright and ‘Christian’ citizens; indeed, it might only be seen as the gateway to the dark side, the opening of that much feared pandora’s box. Well thankfully there are other less hierarchical and rigid streams of tradition within Christian history that simply won’t abide with such fearful prudence: The monastic and mystical traditions to name but two. For by experience, human desire is known to be the holy meeting place between God and God’s people; The very energy for life and creative transformation so needed in us and in our world. The touching place, to use a well known metaphor from the Iona Community; that place where we are most honest, open and receptive to Spirit, where we bring the whole of our lives and not just the ‘respectable ’bits, and all for the sake of ongoing wholeness, purpose and vitality, albeit authenticity. So that the ‘lack’ we often feel, the ‘yearning for more than this’ that we feel, need not be seen in a negative or dismissive light, but more fully understood, it is that part of us reaching out to the love and mercy of God for integration and more particularly, for empowerment and expression. So many latent, creative and compassionate energies, many times diffused because it all feels beyond our control or because of the pressure to conform to a religious standard set by somebody else. In a word, the recognition of thirst and the naming of desire before the wholeheartedly gracious God, is all about freedom and the ensuing courage to be. A freedom of spirit, a movement, in the words of Anne Carson, “…that carries yearning hearts from here to there, launching the mind on a story.” A story wherein genuine discoveries can be made, original thought can be expressed, and merciful love can be readily given; and all this in the name of the One whom we call Christ, the author and pioneer of faith and exploration, never certainty and confinement; The One who courageously goes before us, enflamed by his desire and his thirst for a more just and peaceable world. A desire named, honoured and honed in the very presence of God; A desire or vision ultimately more precious than his own life. In point of fact, that pearl of great price which defined and shaped him as a human being. To do anything less than give his life for this impossible dream would’ve been to sell his soul and not to treasure the gift that it was. Friends, a community of faith which truly wants to welcome others into its midst, will know that dreams and visions – however small and fleeting - are not be trodden on heavily - in the imagery of Yeats - but to be valued and deeply encouraged; Beckoned out of us, in other words. And it strikes me that we have a God-given responsibility to one another to do just that; to know and relate to one another at a soulful level, not merely a superficial one. To be able to say, ‘how is it for you’ or ‘where is it for you at present’ and to offer the encouragement needed for that person to keep following that, which at the core of their being, gives them life, hope and love. But of course, this will look and feel different for all of us. Hence that dread temptation to demand a conformity of thought and practice within our midst. For another’s thirst and desire may well be outside our life experience or even our comfort levels for that matter. But if they be within the broad love and being of Christ, they are to be led out and nurtured. They are to be respected and even more than that, to be learnt from. So that conversion moves out of the realms of clichéd words and theories into the more difficult arena of genuine acceptance and genuine love. In other words, when we allow the so called stranger to change our perspectives and re-shape our own dreams, well then, due hospitality – the healing hospitality of Christ - is really being offered. This is a great day in the life of this community and it speaks volumes for its stability (sense of place and presence) and the living faith we thirst for and seek to practically live out. A faith built not upon certainties but upon a seeking, a desire for more than this. And a spirituality expressed not as imposition but as an invitation to yet more discovery, more self giving, and yet more light on our common paths into the gift and mystery that is life itself. And so to God be the glory, now and forever. Amen.
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