Sermon - 2018-11-18

“Look at the large stones and what large buildings.”  This may seem like a statement that came from a not so intelligent person.  However, how many of us have spoken similar words? Going into a major city and seeing the large towering buildings that human hands have created.  Someone just like you or me. This can be an inspiring moment for us to bear witness to.

This is the same idea behind the large cathedrals that are scattered throughout Europe.  So I thought about asking the council for funds for all of us to travel to Europe but didn’t think it would get approved so here is the next best thing.  They were constructed out of stone to represent the permanence of God’s Word and God’s House among the people. The building was large and towered above other buildings so that when people would look upon them, they would be able see them for miles. Not only that, but in the construction of the building other messages were conveyed about the people and their relationship with God.  

In the construction of the doors, a message of who else was in the Scripture.  The building itself told the story of the Gospel for the people who could not read or understand the specific language to understand that this was a holy place of God.  Upon entering the building you enter into a vast hall in which you feel so small and insignificant because you are compared to the vastness that is Creation. However as you come forward to the Altar area, you enter to the beautiful and warm presence of God.  A humbling feeling but still amazing.

I take you on this journey of Notre Dame because I want you encounter a similar experience to what the disciples may be experiencing.  As beautiful and majestic this Cathedral of Notre Dame is, it is constructed by human hands. It can easily be destroyed. For in a moment or an instant, the building itself can be levelled.  However, we do not worship a building. We worship the message that is delivered here in the church, The Word of God.

When we begin to trust more in the efforts of humankind, in the buildings, institutions or even in a person.  We must also be reminded that these are finite things. So we are just like the disciples. We want to know when this will happen?  What should we put our faith and trust in? Jesus tells the disciples to be prepared for what they will witness is the beginning but that God will never forsake them.  

A simple message when on paper but so hard when you are the one being challenged or overwhelmed by messages against you.  May you hear God's Word and believe that message for you. Amen.