SUBVERSIVE

Sermon for April 11 , 2010

Scripture: John 20:24-29

AD 33

This time each year

those subversive Jews grow restless

remembering their stories of deliverance.

Then some would-be emancipator arises,

to be properly “dealt with,” and his cronies,

are, shall we say, “dissuaded.”

No doubt that Nazarene was one like that.

You need to control such things

if you want to keep this Empire going.

So, he was dispatched - -

a persuasive public spectacle that was.

Still, there are those fools

who claim he somehow lives!

Disturbing the peace

with their haranguing and healing

in his name.

Well, we will see.

Wise old Gamaliel may be right:

if they are deluded

they may just fade away.

But, if their claim be true?

God be with them!

No doubt, Thomas, you are one of them,

beaten but rejoicing “at being counted worthy

to suffer dishonor for the name.”

Not alone in your initial doubt;

not alone in your astonished conviction;

not alone in your subversive certainty.

AD 50

The monsoon winds of God

carry you to Malabar's harbors and hills

where fellow Jews first hear from you

about the dead but living Lord.

Seeing His life in you, they believe.

As do others, pariahs, outcasts

from Malabar to Mylapore,

welcoming your message of deliverance

from the bonds of perverse custom

and profound prejudice.

AD 72

Still, those privileged by tradition

recoil from your beguiling, subversive challenge

to the ways that things have always been.

On a hill near the eastern shore,

One, frightened and enraged,

Seeks to silence your voice of hope,

not knowing the message will never die.

AD 2010

Today, Mar Thoma, “The Believer.” is revered

who brought the living word to India 's shores.

“Doubting Thomas?” hardly:

“Saint” he is called, and rightly so,

inspiring all who sometimes doubt

that even death has been conquered

by God's subversive love.

Rev. David C. Gallup

April 11, 2010

Back to Sermons