Scriptural Basis
John 1:29-42 (NRSV)
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).
Blog Reflection
There are still some religious and monastic communities in which when a postulant enters the novitiate she or he assumes a new name. The new name is not to in any way make a quality judgment on the original name. A novice is beginning a new chapter in her or his life. She or he is making a transition from one community and/or way of life to another.
As we continue through the Season of Epiphany (ie.revelation) we read in our Gospel about Jesus after his baptism was called "the Lamb of God" to take away the sins of the world. The story is followed by Jesus calling his followers and giving them a new name. The new name also assumes a new sense of identity. As Christ's followers we are empowered to live with ourselves and others with a sense of honesty. Our baptism is the Sacrament that makes us Christians. Being a Christian is more than just a name. It is an identity by which we live and grow into an understanding about ourselves and our relationships with others. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer poeple cannot be true to our relationship with God and others if we live our lives by the lie that is the closet. This is why the work of ex-gay ministries is such a deed of destruction to what being a Christian is all about. There is a reason we refer to ex-gay survivors as if we are talking about a cancer survivor. Ex-gay ministries and groups are toxic. Not only to lesbian and gay individuals, but also to society as a whole. Ex-gay groups rob lesbian and gay people of our identities as they strip society of a diversity that enriches every thing from the arts to journalism, clothing design, diversity of personal expression and so much more.
As LGBT people of faith we are empowered by the identity of Jesus Christ so that we are "not lacking any spiritual gift." (1 Cor 1: 7). Regardless of our race, culture, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, religion, language, employment, wealth status etc Jesus Christ gives us the wonder of our identity as adopted daughters and sons through the riches of God's grace. Jesus manifests God's awesome presence and love as God confirms all of us as God's beloved with whom God is well-pleased. That which is unique about all of us, is the result of God's grace working in and through the diversity of each person.
This weekend we are also celebrating the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders of all time. Martin Luther King challenged America to go beyond our racism and learn to embrace every person as our sisters and brothers. The late Harvey Milk also challenged America as the first openly gay person elected City Supervisor of San Francisco, to see beyond our heterosexism. Thirty-five years or so later since Harvey Milks assassination and we are still not over heterosexism. Forty-three years since Martin Luther King was shot and we are still facing racism, sexism, heterosexism and religious discrimination of all kinds. Over this past week since the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Tuscon, Arizona we have heard so much about the violent rhetoric that comes from one group of people to another. The violent rhetoric is not only politically motivated, but it is also linked to the bigotry that still grips our Country and even the Church. Unless people identify exactly as we think they should, we can justify just about anything we do in response to our prejudices. We can talk however we want about anybody, and it is "free speech". We forget that with every right there is a responsibility. When we use our rights to justify actions the result in violence, death and cruelty from one person to another, we are neglecting our responsibility to love one another as Christ has loved us. Jesus Christ loves us to the point where we are given a new identity as God's Beloved. Therefore there are no excuses for scapegoating. Christian charity and concern for the common good of all people is the business of all who take seriously the message of the Gospel. The message of the Gospel is about accepting and loving those different from ourselves. Not finding new reasons to hate and destroy one another.
As we meditate on the new names given to the disciples, let us think of what the name Christian means for us. Especially those of us who are LGBT Christians and people of good will. Society and the Church has had more than enough of Christians using the Bible and Jesus as excuses for violence, hate and apathy. If the Christmas and Epiphany message should change anything in Christians, it should be looking for every reason and opportunity to become more inclusive of all of God's Beloved people. The name calling, the violent rhetoric and the justification of political, social and religious based discrimination should not even be questioned for acceptance among those who claim to have been redeemed by the Paschal Mystery of God's perfect revelation. It is time to give Jesus Christ and the Christian Church a new Name and identity. The very name and identity Christ has given us sends us as missionaries to share the Gospel through creating and nurturing inclusive, accepting and celebrating diverse communities.
Prayers
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for the Second Sunday After the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, page 215).
Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for Martin Luther King, Jr. Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 307).
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