Preaching during the Tarleton Village Scarecrow Festival ALM Sophie Gornall started her sermon by recounting a conversation she had this week in which she was asked “Who is Jesus to you?” , and went on to talk about how the Scarecrow in the Wizard of OZ can teach us something: “The holding of the scarecrow in their state of weakness, reminds us that we should treat people with respect and be mindful that we are all precious. “
The Sermon in full:
“Thanks for answering all the questions about your transition into year 7 in September. Now, Do you have any questions to ask me?” I stated confidently, relieved that I had completed in a smooth manner my first transition form for an 11-year old pupil joining the school where I work.
“Who is Jesus to you?” inquired the boy.
Oh….. I Thought, not the question I was expecting. My mind became like frozen ice.
All I could say in response was “I am sorry, could you repeat the question”
“Who is Jesus to you?” said this time with more force. I felt like my weakness had been brought to light, sharing my faith to world. This felt far from experiencing delight like the reading in Corinthian suggests, and more like fear.
But what if I didn’t answer the boy’s question? What would he think? Would it be a bit like saying, see you later Jesus! Not Interested in you right now.
So with a deep breath I said “Well, as a Christian I believe in Jesus within the trinity father, son and holy spirit” Words began to fall out my mouth, without hesitation, speaking more in the present. I started speaking about Jesus in a much more personable way, mentioning his love for us all through sacrifice. I went on to ask the boy what his beliefs were about Jesus. He talked about Jesus being a great teacher in Islam and a well-respected figure in the Quran.
It was a real joy to share and learn. I realised from this experience that being authentic is important, despite any weaknesses we may feel. We are reminded of this in Today’s Gospel reading when Jesus instructs his disciples to take very little with them. Jesus invites us to come as we are. This is echoed in the reading from Corinthians, be yourself, you are wonderful as you are.
In my experience on the transition visit on Monday, it was as if God knit a connection of joy. Although, we shared different perspectives on who Jesus is, I felt unity in the sense that we had both found relationship with God. Our faces grinning as wide at the Cheshire cat’s as we shared. And I am pleased to say that there was no shaking dust off our feet as our conversation ended, something that the Gospel warns is a potential negative consequence of not sharing respectfully.
Of course it was a gamble to take this risk in sharing faith, the gospel mentions that this may not always be welcomed by but is the potential reward worth it?
How shall we relate this to the event that is currently happening in our local community? Well, as you will certainly know it is scarecrow festival in Tarleton this weekend.
I hope that you have all spotted …. marvelled at … enjoyed …
The word scarecrow makes me think of the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. A kind and compassionate character who does not realise his own strength because he is overwhelmed by the weakness he feels through not having a brain. His search to tackle his weakness leads him to gain joy in having a friendship with the other characters who are also searching for a solution to their particular problems. The scarecrow achieves more than he could imagine by becoming the ruler of Emerald City. Accepting the areas of our life where we are weaker is itself a sign of strength. Accepting that we aren’t perfect is the first step to making improvements.
But don’t worry Father Mark and Father Joe – I’m not suggesting for one second that there are theological parallels to be drawn between the Wizard of Oz and the Bible!
Actually, before doing my research for this sermon I did not realise that scarecrows featured in the Bible at all. But they are mentioned, just once.
In Jeremiah, scarecrows are described as not doing harm or not doing good. They stand guarding a cucumber patch or melon plants, depending on which version you read.
This reading suggests that scarecrows have little purpose, much like how the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz feels without a brain.
In contrast, the reading mentions that scarecrows ‘must be carried.’ This phrase reminds me of what it is like to be counsellor, working with individuals to understand their vulnerabilities. The word ‘carried’ and the associated phrase ‘being held’ describes the importance of a counsellor listening the client in a way that makes them feel secure so that they can feel safe enough to explore.
The holding of the scarecrow in their state of weakness, reminds us that we should treat people with respect and be mindful that we are all precious. In my experience of being a counsellor, individuals coming to counselling because they are courageous and willing to share what they feel are their weaknesses. They often told me that they experienced relief with being honest even though this honestly may have been challenging and painful to express. Showing again this theme of acceptance being painful but having benefits perhaps in longer term.
But back to the scarecrows……Perhaps some of you here today have made a scarecrow for the festival this weekend. Maybe this was a worry or a concern for you? Perhaps a bit like me craft is not area you feel comfortable in. But yet you have done it anyway, you have confronted your fears. I may get a telling off from God in this situation as I did not confront my weakness and create a scarecrow!
People who visit the village to look at the scarecrows will see the benefit, will see a community that seeks to unite in something. As my mum and I walked round yesterday we saw many amazing creations such as: the karate kid, horse show jumping, weight lifters and diving scarecrows. To name but a few. Wonderful to also see the scarecrow created by our Sunday club, Samson and Deliah, brilliant to see how they connected the powerful old testament story of strength with the Olympics. Well done to everyone who has taken part in the event, whether you are a viewer or creator – amazing to see the strength and to witness the delight in community spirit
But let’s not stop there…… We are called to take as many opportunities as we can to share our faith with others. As we have gathered from the gospel this is not an easy task, even in our community where we may feel more comfortable to be ourselves, this can still be challenging. Jesus tells us it’s ok to be weak, it’s ok to feel powerless. But through trusting in God we are made strong. Like the song ‘faith as small as a mustard seed,’ with small growth we can move mountains metaphorically, do great things with our faith.
Let us pray:
Lord,
We give thanks for Jesus’s example in being courageous to share faith. When we feel weak or unworthy to proclaim our faith, remind us of our unique strengths that you have given us. Help us to continually grow in our relationship with you and to grow collectively as a church in being a beacon of light and love in the community.
Amen
