Remember!

Even those who claim a long and distinguished pedigree may have paid someone to do some, shall we call it “creative remembering” to fill in the branches of a family tree.

It is simply a fact of our existence – we forget.

“Remember the Alamo” doesn't stir us the way it once would have.

Especially if the subject is a particularly dear loved one, we may get a panicky sadness when we can no longer remember just how she turned her head, or what he would always say in a particular situation.

Our lessons this afternoon have not fallen into that pattern, have they?

These writers do not dwell at all on the limitations of their own memories.

Those things will all fade away at length.

Rather, the writers urge us to hold onto the one thing which endures absolutely.

“Look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,” says Hebrews, “who gives us a kingdom which cannot be shaken.”

That is just what the thief on the cross asks Jesus: “Remember me,” he says, “when you come into your kingdom.”

The best that we can do with our own memories all eventually fades away.

The inscriptions on grave stones become more faint each year.

The burial service is very matter-of-fact:

“...earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust...”

But the other part of that sentence in the burial service is equally matter of fact: “We commend to Almighty God our brother or sister....” in trust and confidence.

What endures is the Gospel Good News that God remembers us.

“Truly, I tell you,” Jesus says to the thief, “you will be with me in Paradise.”

That promise of the Lord Jesus Christ takes away the desperation of our fading memories of those whom we have loved.

Relax! Details fade, but the bond remains strong, because we are bound together in the one promise of Jesus.

In confidence we pray as one hymn-writer phrases it:

Remember, Lord of life and grace,

How once to save our fallen race,

You put our human vesture on

And came to us as Mary's Son.

One precious truth outshines the sun:

Salvation comes from you alone. [LBW#49.4&5]

Remember, Lord.

And he does.

Each time we gather at his holy Table, he renews the promise and demonstrates the connections we have with all the saints through him.

And that will be enough for us to go on, muddling through as best we can,

remembering a little, forgetting lots, but praying always: “Remember, Lord”!

And he does.

Let all the people say Amen.

Please note: The preceding sermon is provided as a resource for the thought, prayer, and meditation of the members and friends of St. Mark's. It is the residue of a verbal event, and thus it does not have academic footnotes and other details that would be expected in a written document. The writer gladly acknowledges the prior thought and work of many Christians before him.