In Sunday’s gospel reading from Mark, the disciples didn’t understand Jesus when he was foretelling his death and resurrection. Yet they were too afraid to ask him questions at that moment. Throughout our lives and faith journey we too have questions. Sometimes, we like the disciples are afraid to speak up and ask the question that is on our mind. 

 

In my sermon Sunday, I reminded us that here in the Episcopal Church we encourage wrestling with the questions! We know that asking the question is more important than getting the right answer. I invited our congregation to write down any question about faith that they have, but have not yet asked. Then courageously turn to a partner to share one question or wondering about faith. This stirred wonderful conversations and even revealed some answers to folks' questions! Truly there is Wisdom in community. 

 

As promised, I said if folks were willing to hand in their questions, I would pull a few to address in this week’s e-news. I have sorted through the many fabulous and thought provoking questions, and noticed many themes. Questions around faith, doubting, bible literalism, afterlife, multifaith, evil and violence in the world, free will, and what does it really mean to be a “good” Christian. As well as questions around our liturgy, regarding the Nicene creed, Lord’s prayer, robes and stoles, altar hangings, homiletics, communion, confession and reconciliation, the lectionary, and holy days. 

 

We wrestle with these questions of faith in our hearts, in prayer, in community and conversation. I wish that we could all sit down and go through each question with precious care, together exploring the possibilities! After much prayer and consideration, what I think could actually work is to have an Instructed Eucharist to help address the liturgical questions, invite you to participate in the Confirmation class to learn more about creeds and prayers, and for me to take these larger theological and existential questions to our Adult Formation team so we can work in series on these topics. 

 

Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I didn’t directly address at least one question. The one that rose from the pile is this: 

 

“What does it mean if you have never heard the voice of God loud and clear like some others say they have experienced? Am I not a good Christian?”

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Oh my, what a great question. Thank you for asking!! We all experience and “hear” God in different ways. Some have the spiritual gift of hearing God’s voice “loud and clear” as you mention. But most do not. Some people hear messages of wisdom from God in their dreams, others see signs in nature, or feel God through imaginative prayer. 

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I often experience God’s presence through what I call Divine goosebumps. I find this experience to be a way of the Holy Spirit giving an affirmation for me or whomever is talking to me. Sometimes I get divine goosebumps as a way for me to pay attention to who or what is in front of me. In discernment and prayer over life decisions, I often feel God’s guiding presence in this deep sense of peace around a choice. I also hear God’s voice through others, particularly when multiple people in different areas of my life say the same thing to me, I make sure to perk up and pay attention. 

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All this is to say that how or how often we hear, feel, or experience God does not determine our goodness nor faithfulness. In your very being of who you uniquely are, God cherishes you and calls you good. You are enough. You are beloved. 

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We can look at Jesus’ disciples and see human imperfect people who tried and failed often, yet were Jesus’ best followers. Even with all their doubts, strivings, misunderstandings, and humanness they were still pivotal in spreading the good news of God’s transformative love! We each have our own strength and growth areas. Our own spiritual gifts God gave us to use to spread the good news of God in this world. 

 

Thank you each for sharing and trusting me with your questions. Together we will wrestle with our wonderings and dive deeper in faith.

 

Stay curious,

Mtr Jess