Shhhhh!

“Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.”

Matthew 16:20

I think of all of the commands that Jesus gives the disciples–and by extension us today–this is THE command that with sincerity and conviction we have embraced. Episcopalians are not renowned for their proclamation to the world about Jesus–as the Messiah or otherwise.

This makes me wonder how widely accepted our new Presiding Bishop’s message of–dare I even think it–EVANGELISM will be accepted. Even more, I wonder how much that message of being the Episcopal branch of The Jesus Movement will be embraced by our church?

My sincere hope is that we DO embrace his desire for us not only getting on board with what he is preaching, but then are moved–FINALLY–to action.  Action in the form of talking about our faith, our church, even Jesus.

I believe that even in our pluralistic society we are THE BEST version of the witness of and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s life, ministry and commission to us, His disciples and God’s self-revelation to our broken and hurting world.  I use that language purposefully–not in an elitist way, but with the conviction of my personal belief.  You can be a Methodist if you want, or a Roman Catholic, or even a Baptist.  Not me, I’m an Episcopalian.   If I did not truly believe that the Episcopal Church was THE BEST I would not be an Episcopalian (and probably you wouldn’t be either).

NOW is the time for us to follow the disciples lead–even though Jesus orders his disciples to not tell anyone that he is the Messiah…they tell people anyway. They can’t help themselves. They have found the way the truth and the path to new life and they cannot keep that a secret.  How could they?  How can WE?

What are the reasons why you think that the Episcopal church is the best? What are the reasons you come to church? How does our church help you to understand more fully God’s true and unfailing love and presence in your life?

Think about it.  Now, go and break Jesus’ command: go tell someone.

In Christ,
Matthew+