Pentecost 19c - Conclusion

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 37:1-9, 2 Timothy 2:1-14, Luke 17:1-10

Some fifteen years ago I gave up the Buckeyes for the Long Horns because two Ohio transplants did the Texas Two Step and had a native born son. I didn’t feel it was right to make my son follow an out of state team so after considering all the options Joshua and I picked the Horns. I know our home town bleeds purple and has a fine school Pr. Kyle loves - although the folks at Dutch’s take a long time to get a burger to a hungry man wearing burnt orange – but to be fair fifteen years ago the Frogs were without a prince to kiss. Now the Bucks are #2, the Frogs are #5 and Texas… well, it doesn’t matter because thanks to some kind members of Calvary (who would grow horns if they could) Josh and I will be sitting on the 40 yard line behind the OU bench doing what true fans do – wear your colors and root for your team no matter what. I have my father to thank for that. He’s a Chicago Cub's fan. As the week wore on I found myself connecting the texts for Pentecost 19c with the state of the church which by all accounts is in decline. For a long time the church has been a front runner and with little effort was able to declare, “We’re #1”. Now the people in the pews are decreasing in number even as their collective age is increasing. We could lament that statistic and despair or with Amos we could write the vision that does not lie in letters larger than life. With the psalmist we can delight in the Lord and despite the present difficulty chose not to fret. With young Timothy the faith rekindled will light a fire in a new generation who will not be ashamed to live the life of love. And hearing the word of Jesus we of mustard seed faith will uproot what appears impossible and plant it in places improbable. “Hook em Horns!”