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Ruby Gray Memorial - Sunday, December 14, 2003 In the 13th chapter of Luke - Jesus is confronted by the leaders of the synagogue for breaking the religious rule of healing on the Sabbath. He was starting to get into danger from all directions. So I’d like to share with you a portion of how he handled that multi-layered conversation: Luke 13: 18 He [the leader of the synagogue] said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it?" 19 "It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." 20 And again he said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God? 21 "It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." 22 Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Sermon: Sometimes it’s the little things: A mustard seed, a measure of yeast, a kind word, shared laughter. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to those little things that make a big impact. He said that you can take the tiniest seed there is and grow it into a tree where it can become a home for the birds, or you can take a small measure of yeast and turn wheat and water into fresh baked bread. This is what faith is all about. We each take our small gifts that we sow or knead into the world in hopes that they will grow. That is what Ms. Ruby Gray was all about. Ruby was a person who spent many of her days wiping runny noses, drying tears, bandaging scraped knees, and sowing many, many seeds into the human spirit. The children that she taught remember her by name, but even more importantly, they remember her permanently in their hearts. Her teaching skills were only surpassed by the ways in which she was a mother hen to everyone. She was the comforter and care-giver not just to her sons, but to nieces and nephews, to her students, to her friends and acquaintances, and to her church family. She sowed her seeds of laughter and joy quite plentifully. Her heart reached out to those in need which called her to a quiet service of helping others with everything from lunch money to a family crisis. When it became Joe’s turn to care for her, she continued to strengthen others, even from a posture of perceived weakness. Like Jesus, she saw the hurt and pain and the blessings of her own community in and around Oak Ridge and longed to gather so many, so many under her fiercely protective wings. Like all of you, I have much admiration for this woman whose life we celebrate today. We mourn her loss to us, and yet we know, absolutely and without a doubt, that she now knows the joy of rest in her Savior, Jesus Christ. The love she shared was not hidden in the least; it was worn proudly on her face and carried through gracefully in all of her actions. I’m going to miss her. However, as much as I will miss being able to talk with her and hear her laugh, I know that a spirit such as Ruby’s etches itself deeply onto our souls and our experiences of her will refuse to tarnish or fade with time. Our "Ruby" moments will persist. They may make us laugh and they may make us cry, but they will be a reminder to us to live faithfully and as a blessing to all. This is a day not just to mourn, not just to remember, but also to reflect on what it means to be people who trust in a "resurrection" faith. What I mean by that is this: we all must learn to trust in the God who uses mustard seeds, or yeast, or the light of one small candle to break the power of our darkness. It isn’t easy in a world that takes our breath away sometimes. Families collapse. Wars continue. Children are treated like prisoners in their schools and it’s called "education." Turning the tide of our fear will take courage and persistence. To resist what is wrong, and pursue what is right will take dedication to the little things. We will lament, as Jesus did, that there are always those who would tear us down or tear us apart. But the human spirit persists. As Paul once reminded the faithful followers, there are many things that will distress us, but: “Nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” For those of us who are gathered here today, I hope that it is at least some small consolation that Ruby died as she lived, surrounded by people whose lives she had touched through tears and through laughter. Through the light of God’s mysterious way, I believe Ruby knew that her closest family had gathered to support her with their love, and that she left this world only when she was satisfied that those very same people would still be able to laugh, and remember, even through the pain, that the joy of life is most most certainly enough. Amen |