What Not to Wear

Pentecost 11C  8/8/10

Luke 12:32-40

Grace and peace to you from God our creator, and from our savior, Christ the Lord.

Have you ever climbed Mount Washington? Then you know those signs that are posted at each trail head that leads to its summit. They warn climbers that they are about to enter an area that has some of the worst weather in the world, and advise them to turn back if the weather changes, and to be equipped for extreme conditions.

So I’m always amazed at how blithely some people act towards making an ascent of Mt. Washington. I’ve seen people heading up a trail late in the afternoon, dressed in shorts and t-shirts, wearing sneakers, with just a day pack and a bottle of water. Having never climbed a mountain before. These are the people you meet as you come down the trail, whose question is always, “How much farther to the top?” The experienced climbers call them “goofers,” and they account for a majority of the high mountain rescues on Washington—and the deaths. Their lack of awareness, lack of preparation, and lack of the correct protective clothing results in disaster.

They weren’t dressed for action. And you gotta be—if you want to survive. As the old mountaineering adage says—summiting is optional, getting back down is mandatory. You need to be ready for what ever might come your way—rain, snow, high winds, slippery rocks, cold and heat, brilliant sunlight or dense clouds. Conditions are unpredictable and could change at any moment. Who knows what you may be called upon to do? You must be dressed for action.

In today’s gospel, Jesus advises us to “be dressed for action.” He’s not talking about mountain climbing, though—but the two relate.  Jesus is still talking about the kingdom of God which it is the Father’s good pleasure to give to us. The question is—when can we expect that kingdom to arrive? The answer is—it will come, some day. But until that day, because of the faithfulness of God, we can live as if the kingdom was already here—even as we are watchful and alert for its in-breaking. That paradox—already, but not yet—describes the relationship we have with others. And it also explains what Jesus meant by “dressed for action.” It means we suit up for the eventualities that present themselves while we stand ready. Just as a good mountaineer equips himself for every possible scenario.

The difference between the mountain climber and us is that the alpinist suits up to protect him or herself, to perhaps achieve the prestige of attaining the summit, but definitely to make the mandatory descent. While the action for which we dress accordingly is in service to others, in the name of Jesus, and to his glory—not our own. Jesus bids us dress for action that will hasten and ease the kingdom into place—whatever that may be.

So, you gotta think—are we dressed right for this “action?” Or are we goofers stumbling about in the dark as the kingdom rushes over us like an avalanche? Unprepared. Unawares. Unequipped. Are we ready to welcome the Master, dressed to the nines, with lamps burning to light his way, or are we sitting around in boxers watching Jersey Shore?

Now, you might ask, “What should we be wearing, Pastor Tom?” (answer) Well, I’m going to give you some hints. And true to form, I’m going to do that by telling you What Not to Wear. Ever see that TV show? The smug, style-conscious hosts take the contestant, who obviously has a warrant out on them from the fashion police, and run through her clothes closet, picking out and discarding everything that is “what not to wear.” Then they teach the contestant what style clothes would suit her, send her out on a shopping spree, and then insult her fashion sense some more, before giving her a makeover and revealing the new and improved her in clothing that satisfies the hosts, if no one else.

Using that template then, I would like to present to you What Not to Wear if You’re Dressing for Action. But fear not, I’m not going to pick one of you and go through your closet. I already went through mine and picked out some examples. And for the what to wear for each I will be presenting an alternative, kingdom-style garment that will help remind us what we are to be doing. A couple of examples anyway.

First, I found this shirt. (hold up luau shirt) I don’t think anyone here would consider this to be fashionable. I don’t—and it’s my shirt. But the hedonistic, leisure lifestyle that it sometimes represents is something that most of us would desire. It’s cool in our society to be the devil-may-care, rebel who thinks only about himself. So, it’s hard to toss this apparel away—especially when it’s replaced by something like this. (holds up AMH shirt) Two turkeys from Amherst is what they call Richard and me at AMH, since we almost always make turkey dinners for the residents. This shirt represents being ready for action on behalf of the hungry, the displaced, the poor—those whom God favors in their need. Dress in a shirt like this. And since you never know what the weather or the kingdom will bring, add a coat. Not to wear. To give to one who has none. You have plenty.

This hat was in my closet. Again, it wouldn’t get raves on the red carpet. But it does say something about the wearer. It says, “I’m not convinced that you won’t hurt me, so I’m going to look out for myself. If you have any sense, you’ll wear one too.” Compare that hat with this one. It states for all to see that you are associated with Messiah Lutheran Church. Now, just because I wear a Red Sox ball cap doesn’t mean I’m going to get on the field and play. So too just wearing this hat doesn’t fulfill your call to worship and service. But—wearing this hat, you’ll be open and vulnerable to people asking you about it and the church and your faith. It is a hat of welcome, rather than one warning others away.

Shoes. Here’s one—not from my closet, someone else’s, who shall remain nameless. Now, far be it from me to call these shoes ugly—even though that’s obvious. I’m told they’re quite comfortable, and I don’t doubt it. But they are limited as to what they can do. They can keep your dogs from barking around town and at home. What they can’t do is protect your feet from cold, wet, hilly, swampy, rough terrain. These are more suited to that. And if we are to follow Jesus, and tend to this earth and all creation as responsible stewards—the path is going to get rough, and we’ll need all the traction we can get, and all the protection. To be ready for action we need to not be afraid we’re going to get our feet wet in another’s tears, or stub our toes on the obstacles put in our way, or sink in the muck and mire of human suffering. We need to be ready to stomp on the temptations that sway people from the pathways of righteousness. And we need to be careful to not stumble when the way gets rocky and steep.

What to wear when climbing Mt. Washington is serious business. It could actually mean the difference between life and death. What to wear to be dressed for action as Jesus’ followers is also serious business. Our salvation does not rest upon it—Jesus has done that for us, and the Father has promised us the kingdom. But it is a matter of life and death—or more correctly—of death to sin on the cross of Christ, and new life in Jesus for those who hear about or experience God’s grace and love through your action.

Get dressed.