On Saturday, March 25th, Guilds of St. Joseph celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph at Christ Church Cathedral. Guilds from elsewhere in the Diocese of Fredericton were invited to attend. The following is the sermon by the Dean, part of the celebration of the Eucharist that day.

Lections: 2 Samuel 7:4,8-16;  Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.

In the history of the people of Israel, David was the greatest of the kings. History, and in fact the Old Testament, looks fondly back on king David. David was not perfect but he was exceptionally noteworthy. David came from humble beginnings, a lowly shepherd boy was he, who rose to sit on the throne as king over Israel. He was human. Adultery and murder were among his sins. If you remember, David had slain the giant Goliath and was also found in relationship with Bathsheba, a woman not his wife, after which we orchestrated the murder of her husband as a cover up. David was well on his way to breaking not just one, but several of the big Ten Commandments. Even still, David is remembered most for his humility, his willingness to repent, and his heart for God. Even though he was the best Israel had to offer, the true strength of Israel was not in its kings, but rather in its God.

Through the prophet Nathan, God tells David that rather than the house he will build, the greatest temple, God himself will build the house. The prophecy is somewhat vague in its iteration, but looking back with Christian eyes it becomes all too clear. God promised to raise up one who would establish his kingdom for ever. Generations later, Jesus was heir to the throne of God.

Both the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke take great pains to list the lineage of Jesus, connecting him to the kingly Davidic line. Both Joseph and Mary have significant family history. There is some discrepancy as to the exact number of generations, but its clear that the gospel writers saw the prophecy of the Hebrew Scriptures being fulfilled in Jesus.

Among his positive attributes, King David was a builder. The House of David, the temple, the tabernacle, was among David’s accomplishments. God spoke of an even greater and everlasting house. His Son Jesus would establish his kingdom which would last forever. The Gospel of John tells us:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us …”

The Greek word, translated as “dwelt” is more exactly translated “tabernacled.” “The Word became flesh and ‘tabernacled’ among us.” The kingdom would no longer be flesh and blood, wood or stone. The established kingdom of God is a spiritual house that will last for ever.

Joseph was by trade a builder. There’s good evidence that Jesus himself was not a bad carpenter. David and the whole line of kings were builders. For centuries their success was attributed to the favour of God as they built a house. Failure was a sure sign of falling out of favour with God. But God said, “Moreover, I declare to you that I will build you a house, an everlasting kingdom.”

Guilds of St. Joseph carry on that legacy of building. And while what is physical plays a part, maintenance and repair of the temple, the tabernacle, we too are engaged in the spiritual building of the kingdom of God. Hammers and saws create a reason to get together, but most would affirm that it’s the fellowship – the working together – that’s the most important aspect of the association. Through our labours, we are witnesses and fellow builders of an everlasting kingdom.

Today, we give thanks for St. Joseph. We give thanks for Holy Joes everywhere. And we pray that our efforts will continue to build up and serve the kingdom of God established among us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.” Matthew 6:1

The word “piety” rings with a negative tone in most ears. One who we describe to be pious is not one we hope to be. We know the pious one to be overly centred on the self, showing a false face, only concerned with the outward gestures.

There are two kinds of piety. The word comes from the Latin which means “dutiful” or “devout.” There is physical piety, what we see. It’s the piety we like to detect and tips us off that someone may not be the real deal. There’s also spiritual piety, what’s going on on the inside. Neither are a bad thing, it’s the connection between the two that Jesus talked about.

The connection between what’s happening inside and what happens outside is rather fascinating. The Church has long taught that if we discipline ourselves to walk the walk of faith, those actions can actually usher our souls towards a right spirit. Attend worship even when you don’t feel like it; read your Bible as a daily routine, give to the charitable works of the church even if you can think of something better to spend your money on. But still, lots of us are cautious of making the sign of the cross in public, kneeling or folding our hands to pray, being seen entering the church on a weekday. What will others think? They might think I’m …. pious. In fact, one result may well be, that you indeed become so. Praise the Lord!

What happens inside and outside can be connected. Its also quite possible that an inner spiritual piety actually shows on the outside. Being spiritually devout – pious, will affect our actions. We’ll exert effort to execute acts of kindness, be actively involved in seeking justice, do for others, all because our outside reflects who and what we are on the inside. Its when our spirits take the steering wheel and do direct our bodies.

It was this connection that Jesus was speaking about in the latter part of his Sermon on the Mount. Beware of those who are pious only on the outside. Obviously it was a problem then, just as it can be today. Its not about the show, Jesus says.

What he doesn’t say is that we shouldn’t strive towards piety. Being pious is a good thing. A good thing if what’s happening outside mimics what’s going on inside. “Don’t disfigure your faces so as to show others you are fasting.” I’ve heard many often try to make this verse say something it doesn’t. Some use that verse as their reason not to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. “Jesus said so,” they say. Well, no he didn’t.

Ashes are an ancient sign. Christians for centuries have worn the dust of the ash as a reminder that we are but dust. Today you’re invited to share in that sign if you choose. And for those of us who do, we might remember the instruction of Jesus, may our outward piety image the piety of our hearts and vice versa. Jesus said, “Beware … beware of practicing your piety before others … in order to be seen by them.”

GMH