The first reading from the opening chapter of the letter to Ephesians reflected that vision of blessing - poured out
on us by God as we become members of one family. It speaks of human life shaped
by forgiveness and hope. The second reading is far darker for it reveals the
complexity of our human nature. It is Mark's account of the beheading of John the Baptist. And it seems as if the fate of all concerned
hinges on the response to a dance.
Dancing is part of what makes us human: dance is embedded in our
social customs. The couple's first dance at the wedding reception is as
anticipated as the best-man's speech and the cutting of the cake. Dance gives physical expression to human
stories; we find identity and meaning in rhythm and movement; in the
uninhibited delight of children or the trusting elegance of ballroom.
Dance sustains conventions of gender, race and class, but also
disrupts them. It is far removed from
the modest reserve which has hitherto been considered distinctive of English
females'said The Times in 1816. This intimate embrace and rapidly whirling
nature of the Waltz was shocking. In
2013 the singer, Miley Cyrus sparked media outrage sparked by "twerking".
Provocation, desire, dance and power are closely aligned: Herodias' daughter came in and danced, she
pleased Herod and his guests.
It's intriguing tale: the dance itself is a decisive moment. A young woman captivates her audience. A weak
ruler makes a rash promise. A jealous wife demands brutality. Her daughter unleashes events beyond her
control; Herod capitulates.
Chris Gollon - Salome 2013
Herod's flash back reveals the frailty of human nature: our
capacity to be seduced by power and popularity; to vent our hostility and
jealously; to be consumed with desire or vanity. John had fearlessly spoken out
against the chaos of Herod's personal life; his challenge to the double divorce
and remarriage chimed with popular opinion, yet following arrest the king
continued to listen to John, his holiness was both compelling and perplexing.
Herod is trying to make sense of Jesus on the basis of what he
knew about John - he authoritative, charismatic, prophetic. In speaking
truthfully about human nature and God forgiveness, John pointed people to Jesus; he prepared the
way for us to hear Jesus' message by inviting us to turn back to God. The key question for Mark is "who is
Jesus?". All that we do in worship is a
trusting response to that question: in prayer and song, in water and blessing,
in bread and wine.
As we celebrate the baptism we
also recognise our human tendency to mess things up. Our desires get
misdirected; we wound or undermine others; we selfishly pursue what we want.
That's what we mean by sin: it's reflected in broken relationships. God's response is to love us - not just a
little bit, but abundantly. He longs to bless, forgive, restore. That is the
meaning of our salvation - to be brought back into right relationship with God
and each other.
In the water of baptism we experience God's "yes" to us. In
Christ we are cleansed, refreshed and renewed. The good news of Jesus Christ is
that God is with us - taking on our human nature and meeting us where we are.
All all that Jesus said and did, in teaching and healing, in his suffering and
death, reveals that there is no where where God is not. Sin is defeated. Death is not the final word.
In Jesus' risen life we find forgiveness and peace.
Therefore, we praise God, the source of life and love, because he
has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. We are God's children. He has adopted us. The
language of Ephesians is full of hope. It reminds us of who God created us to
be. God blesses us - with wisdom, insight, hope and glory. God is generous in
forgiving; and lavish in the gifts he gives us. In Christ, the fullness of God
dwells with us; at the end of time God will gather all things in his love; here
and now God's Spirit gives us glimpse of that reality.
But what does that look like? Very often we think that holiness
is a bit dull; a bit too otherworldly.
Yet it when we encounter it, it is irresistible. When we are met with
kindness and understanding; when we are encouraged or forgiven; when we see
resilience in the face of adversity; in pursuit of justice and the common good.
In human lives, we glimpse holiness.
Holiness is more than "rule book" or merely hoping we will "do
the right thing". Holiness, within the fellowship of the church, is a matter of
practising - just like a dancer.
She rehearses choreography until it looks effortless; muscle
memory means her movement is instinctive.
An experienced dancer readily adapts to new rhythms and melodies.
We are called to practice the dance of faith. To be so rooted in
God in worship, that our lives echo his holiness; to know the story of God's
love and improvise on it in our daily life.
To learn pray as our Year 6s did at their Leavers' Service last week: saying thanks, please and
sorry. That dance is compelling,
beautiful and inclusive - full of forgiveness and joy, patience and
self-control, day by day. We do this strengthened by God's Spirit. We do this
for the sake of God's world.
To gather together in worship and fellowship is to be surrounded by a
community of encouragement. We share gifts with one another - of music and
hospitality, or administration and pastoral care, of voluntary service and civic or political engagement. We draw near to the altar to
receive communion; to receive God's blessing. Here, we encounter Christ. We are
his people, shaped by the Spirit, living lives that reflect God's love. Dance
then, wherever you may be; follow the Lord of the dance, in a dance of love.
© Julie Gittoes 2015
© Julie Gittoes 2015
