Trinity Episcopal Church

May 29, 2011

Fr. Rick’s Reflection

This Monday, Memorial Day, I’ll be speaking at the Lexington Cemetery to a group of I don’t know how many about honoring the men and women who have preserved our freedoms. I’ve done some thinking about it. Who am I as a Christian? Who am I as an American? To be one and the same is the essence of character.

Jesus was wise. He was put to the test one day as He walked through a crowded street. “Are we to serve the Roman Government or the Church?“ the religious leaders asked Him. “Are you for Caesar or God?” they demanded, hoping to trap Him in His own words.

Jesus answered. “Show me a coin.” He held it up for the people to see. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar‘s” He said, then increasing His tone and volume He gave them a demand, “and give to God what belongs to God!” (Matt. 22:15-22)

Jesus was saying, you have a dual citizenship; You are citizens of His kingdom and citizens of an earthly kingdom (Rome). I think He says the same thing to us today. As Americans we honor those who have fought to protect our freedoms. We possess the greatest opportunities for education, medical care, public service, and here in the Cros/Lex area we have a safe place to live and pursue whatever it is we want to accomplish. America brings privilege! But there is a cost…not in coins but in allegiance, sacrifice and service. Because men and women have fought and still fight to preserve that privilege.

As Christians we are devoted to God. We live the life of love, peacemaking, and reconciliation. And if we find ourselves in disagreement with what our country does, then we seek to make God’s will be done. We read our bibles (a freedom in itself) and follow our own consciences; we stand for what we believe is true; we resist evil and we advocate for the dignity of all human beings, regardless of race or religion---that’s what Americans and Christians are all about.

Jesus had faith in humanity. Jesus was big on freedom. He still is! And because we are followers of this Jesus; because we are both citizens of heaven and America, His kingdom and this kingdom--- at one and the same time---we will not fail in our devotion, neither to God nor country. This is the essence of our character!