Treasuring Diversity

Devotional Reflection, Monday, December 27, 2021

The first Sunday of Christmastide

The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th.D.

Key phrases for reflection from today’s reading:

59While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.

The Feast of St. Stephen, deacon and first martyr. (See below.)

Daily Office Lectionary Readings

AM: Psalm 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7

PM Psalm 118; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 7:5-8:8

Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, Book of Common Prayer

Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer), Page 127, Book of Common Prayer

Daily Office Epistle Reading, Acts 7:59-8:8

59While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.

8 1And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.

4 Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8So there was great joy in that city.

David’s Reflections

Diversity generates friction and friction generates heat. Episcopalians certainly understand that concept. We embody all sorts of diversity. Some of us are more protestant, some, more catholic. Some prefer elaborate ritual and architecture, while others feel more comfortable with fewer symbols and less ritual. Some of us tend toward a more traditional and literal way of understanding the Bible, while others prefer historical and literary modes of interpretation that may be less compatible with a more dogmatic reading of the documents.

Stephen represented a nonPalestinian orientation where relationships with nonJews was concerned. His perspective was less centered in the Temple and more open to the direct inclusion of nonJews directly into the Christian faith without circumcision. His sermon, as reported by the author of Acts, concludes with the rejoinder, “God does not dwell in temples made with hands.” The sermon includes a litany of events where God revealed Godself, key moments in salvation history. All those events took place outside Palestine. The Stephen of Acts was questioning the fundamental orientation that saw the Temple as the holiest place of all. The racial and religious elitism that resulted for the devout in Palestine was alien to Jesus’ own outlook.

The Stephen of the Acts account presents us with a radical approach to reaching people, spirituality with a minimum of boundaries between those of faith and those without faith. That spirituality does not allow itself to be intimidated by those of faith with a more elitist and less inclusive perspective. Would that our churches will increasingly and aggressively seek to shower God’s love on people and to draw them toward faith and into meaningful community.

May it never be said of anyone in our relationship networks that they are not “our kind.” And may it always be that we exert ourselves to invite and receive all and make our worship as welcoming and accessible as possible. Also, may we ever be communities where people are more crucial than ideas, a place where theological diversity is not only tolerated but valued, a place where the stranger can experience hospitality and divine grace. May we not just tolerate diversity but treasure it and resolve to listen deeply to those who differ.

Archbishop Tutu died this last week at age 90. In 2004 the Anglican New Service shared this quote from an interview with him.

Anglicans must keep in mind that the chief characteristic of

Anglicanism is that it is all inclusive. It is especially important for Anglicans to

promote this because the world finds it impossible to deal with diversity. . . . Everyone

is an insider, there are no outsiders, whatever their beliefs whatever their colour,

gender, or sexuality. We all disagree on many things, but those that I disagree with are

still my brothers, are still my sisters. That is the gift that Anglicans should be giving to

the world.

[Archbishop Desmond Tutu in an interview reported in ACNS 3789, 27 FEB

2004.]

Collect of the Day, Christmas I

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Today is the Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr. You will find a biography, readings, and prayers at the web link:

http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Stephen.htm

Collect of the Feast of St. Stephen

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand: where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

A Collect for Grace

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 100)

In the Order of Worship for Evening

Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, creator of the changes of day and night, giving rest to the weary, renewing the strength of those who are spent, bestowing upon us occasions of song in the evening. As you have protected us in the day that is past, so be with us in the coming night; keep us from every sin, every evil, and every fear; for you are our light and salvation, and the strength of our life. To you be glory for endless ages. Amen. (BCP, 113)

A Collect for Mission

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. (BCP, 101)