"Be Still and Know" (Communion)

Readings: Psalm 37:1-8, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Mark 9: 2-8, John 8:2-11
Preached at Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, August 7, 2022

Ecclesiastes 3:7
"There is a time for silence and a time for talk"

There are times when saying nothing can communicate a lot more than using words. Words are not always the best vehicle to express things. As part of our communion service, we have time for silence and reflection. We should make the most of such times as, sadly, with the pace of modern life, such moments are all too few.

As we come to the table I would like to reflect on some times, recorded in Scripture, when words were inappropriate.

Casting the first stone.
JOHN 8:2-11

The account of the woman caught in adultery. The teachers of the law and Pharisees bring  a woman to Jesus saying that because of her behavior the law demanded she should be stoned to death. They are talking at Him, rather than to Him. He bends over and starts writing something in the sand. Then He straightens up and challenges them, "O.K. Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her". He bends down and starts writing in the sand again.

Slowly people put down their stones and quietly walk away. Jesus looks around. Everybody's gone. He asks the woman, "Is there no one left to condemn you?"

"No" she replies.

"Well, then, I don't condemn you either, go on your way and sin no more!"

If we were in the crowd, clamoring for justice, would we have qualified to throw the first stone? Who amongst us could say they have committed no sin?

The silence is a telling moment. It reminds us that not one of us is good enough to come into God's presence. It reminds us that we are all sinners in need of the grace and mercy of God. The passage also talks of the forgiveness of Jesus towards unworthy people. "I do not condemn you, now go, but sin no more"

In the silent moments around our communion celebration there is time to think about the sort of people we have become, to examine ourselves, put ourselves to the test, and realize we are not all we could or all we should be.

As we reflect on the symbols, they speak of the forgiveness of Jesus who was crucified for our sakes, the bread… His broken body, the wine… His poured-out life. We come to the table, not professing our innocence but because we need the renewing touch of God upon our lives.

On Trial
Mark 14 & 15

My second passages are found in Marks gospel, where Jesus is put on trial, firstly in Mark 14, before the Council, secondly, in Mark 15, before Pilate. During these trials Jesus is being lied against and accused of all manner of conflicting things. Jesus enemies are desperately trying to cook up evidence to have Him condemned. But every single accusation they throw at Him is met with a response of silence.

Before the council we read, "Jesus kept quiet and would not say a word" (Mark 14:61)

Before Pilate, "Pilate questioned Him again, "Aren't you going to answer. Listen to all their accusations." Again, Jesus refused to say a word and Pilate was amazed." (Mark 15:14-15)

For Jesus to have protested His innocence would have been a waste of breath. That's how much hatred and animosity there was towards Him at that point in time. Whatever He said would be twisted and used against Him. Yet even to Pilate, His innocence was crystal clear. Pilate, according to Mark 15:10 "Knew very well that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him because of their jealousy". By not speaking Jesus said more than words could ever express.

The love of God is put on trial by every generation. People dismiss Jesus as irrelevant, the gospel as outdated, the church as a lost cause. We can shout out against God, we can rebel against God’s  will, if we so desire. But through the silence our empty words will echo unceasingly and rebound upon us.

In the simple act of breaking bread and sharing wine, though nothing is spoken, a great deal is said. We share communion in the setting of a world which still has little room for the Son of God. We need not offer words in His defense. By celebrating His life around a communion table, we say a lot more than words could ever express. 'For as often you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim His death until He comes.'

Peter... Be quiet!
Mark 9: 2-8

Our third passage concerns the Mount of Transfiguration, that time Jesus went up a mountain with Peter, James, and John, and on the mountain top, Jesus is transfigured before their eyes, and they witness Him talking with Elijah and Moses in the midst of a cloud.

That was some scary stuff! The disciples were totally awed by what they saw happening before them. They should have kept their mouths shut. But Peter started to ramble. “Wow, Lord, this is gggrreatt! Is it good to be here or what? I've got it, I've got it, Let's put up three big tents, one for  Moses, one for Elijah, one for Jesus, and people can come up here,, and... and.."

"Peter - Be quiet". He was scared. He wanted to capture the moment for all time for everyone. He didn't really understand the significance of the event before their eyes, that it was something to prepare them for the days that lay ahead when Jesus would be crucified and rise again. Words weren't called for. It was a time for silence, not for talk. Talk was simply inappropriate.

I often think of communion in the same way. It doesn't matter how carefully you explain it, how you describe it, what you make of it. It is something that can't be framed by words. It is not something we can capture or crystallize. It's an ongoing holy mystery.

It's a place over the years where people’s hearts have been melted like wax before a flame, sin confronted, lives renewed and changed as they have taken bread and wine in the faith that here was a meeting place with God. Words may speak to the mind but communion speaks to the heart.

Silence can be a noisy thing. Ever heard the expressions, "a deafening silence" or a "roaring silence"? Silence can make us aware of conflicts within ourselves and recall thoughts that trouble rather than comfort.

"Be still and know that I am God"
is translated in some bibles as
"Stop fighting and know that I am God".

When we have fighting's within, we need the touch of God's Holy Spirit to sort us out. As we be still before God, may we know God is God, our Father, Our Creator. As we take the elements of bread and wine, may we know the assurance that Jesus is our Savior and know His love as a present reality able to touch the depths of our lives.

 Friends… Be still. Be still. Be still.

The wisdom of Ecclesiastes is right on target.
"There is a time for silence , a time for talk".
As we come to the Lord's table it is time to;
'Be still and know that God is God'.

 The Reverend Adrian J. Pratt  B.D.