Sermon on Cancer

Sermon for 20 November 2022

Cancer cells are exceptional. They over function. They are our own cells that act narcissistic, they think that they are so important that the replicate and over function to the point that they stop being helpful to the body, they are toxic. This is what we mean when we talk about “works righteousness.” Sometimes we as people act like cancer cells, when we over-function and try to be exception. Maybe being exceptional isn’t so good.

Consider grace. Grace is unconditional love, and relief. What is normally expected of a cell is not that much, just exist, perform some very basic functions that are built into you, and that’s it. The life of a non-cancerous cell is a much easier less frenzied life. The same is true for us as people. God really doesn’t expect that much out of us. Maybe we try too hard. Maybe we would be more faithful if we could be at peace just being ourselves; who God made us to be.

What is faith for the person who has cancer. First of all remember that God is not in the business of punishing and smiting you. Jesus died on the cross and there our notion that God punishes for sin ought to die too. So a faithful person believes this. A faithful person does everything they can do be healthy. We use modern medicine, we take care of ourselves. That is faith.

When Jesus was dying on the cross one criminal criticized him for not being exceptional. “Get yourself down and save us too,” he said. The other one though; had compassion and felt Jesus’ pain rather than criticizing. So Jesus said to the one who showed compassion, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Today. Not in some distant future. Not in some alternate universe, but here and now. Even on death’s doorstep full of physical pain it is possible to be in ultimate paradise when your conscience is at ease and you know you are using what precious life you have to be part of God’s body, to be you, maybe even unexceptional, but blessed by grace. Amen.