May 6, 2001
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church
Pastor Ole Amund Gillebo
Gospel, John 10:22-30 In the portico of Solomon.
What is of special interest in the Gospel for today is
what is told about Jesus talking with people in the portico of Solomon.
Outside the temple there was an open square garden and outside this one there
was a great wall with gates from the city. There was an outer Court and an inner
Court. The first one was called "Court of Gentiles". This was for
different kinds of business. You could buy animals for sacrifices.
The outer Court I think made a great impression on
people because of its huge size and the many colonnades. On the south side was
the biggest Cloister with 162 columns. On the east was the portico of Solomon
which is mention in the Gospel of today.
These porticos used to be a stay for beggars and a
place for socializing. From the Acts we learn how the apostles Peter and John
taught and spoke to people on the porches.(Acts 3) The first congregation of
Jerusalem had the gatherings here on Solomon’s Porch.(Acts 5:12)
Jesus himself was walking and discussing with people in
the portico of Solomon. This was close to the temple, but still outside.
This was very much like "på kirkebakken" in Norway a long time ago.
The churches usually were located at the crossroads. People used to gather
outside the church. This was the proper time and place for announcements and
business, to get to know newcomers, to ask what is going on, to meet with a
girlfriend or boyfriend, this was like a forum for discussion. Very often a
speech was delivered. There were quiet talks about faith and different church
matters. Actually this was a crossroad for many people.
"How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are
the Messiah, tell us plainly."
The people wanted to know for sure.
People out there at "kirkebakken" or in the Solomon’s porch are
wondering and asking and they are seeking the truth. They really want to know.
If they do they will believe. They claim the proof previous to faith, but this
does not work. We cannot decide the conditions for faith in our lives. Faith
does not relate to proofs. We did not choose Christ, but he chose us (John
15:16) Thus it was from the beginning. He said: Come to me, follow me, listen to
me. So they did.
So it is at the crossroads in our lives today.
We are not convinced by arguing. Faith shows up when we
are listening to his voice. Jesus said: the Father and I are one. My words and
works testify to me. When saying this, the people
picked up stones to throw at him. But some believed.
Faith is relationship, a relationship to Jesus Christ,
not to any proof.
That is why he is saying: "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they
follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will
snatch them out of my hand."
I myself love the sanctuary. I love the worship
service. It does not matter what happens, I think nothing can measure what
happens in this room. Sometimes I miss the old Opening Prayer and Closing Prayer
used in Norway and Europe for some hundreds of years: Lord, I am entering this
your holy house to listen to you my Creator and what you are saying to me….Lord,
I give you thanks for teaching me how to do….
But finally I want to say: We are in need of Solomon’s
porch, we are in need of a cross road for faith and doubt and a room for
different faith as well.
This is why the Church Council and Neighborhood Committee are considering how to
communicate and establish a relationship to our neighborhood. This is why our
congregation has decided to strengthen our mission involvement and give support
to a young missionary couple serving in Japan. The language and cultural classes
also is a kind of widening the inner room of Mindekirken.
We need to understand more of our faith, but also
understand more of the faith of others.
We will continue to invite people to our worship services at Mindekirken, but at
the same time we are challenged to go out and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are to listen to the questions and the life experiences out there. We have to
give from our money to help in different kinds of needs. And we pray. We might
pray the Prayer of Jabez:
"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your
hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not
cause pain". 1 Chronicles 4:10
Why do we continue this service at Mindekirken?
Because the one who said, the Father and I are one. I give them eternal life.
He is the good shepherd who is leading to the Kingdom of
God.
Glory to God the Father and the Son and The Holy
Spirit.
Amen.
