Waste - 11-17-2019

Ian Reed Twiss Sermons

Wouldn't it be nice to have the perfect argument that silences those we oppose? Of course, when you think about it, the argument that leaves people gasping for words is really a thing of fantasy. In any dispute there is always a comeback. In fact, the notion that argument alone can sway somebody is sort of a dream in general. With most people, by the time you're in an argument, each side has long since shut down to the other's point of view and is listening for one purpose only: rebuttal. In fact the only kinds of words I can imagine that might truly flabbergast and silence one's opponents are not words that construct the perfect argument, but words that surprise enmity with love. Words that do not toss grenades but extend olive branches. Words that sidestep the oppositional dynamic of debate in general, and instead insist on our common humanity, our common susceptibility to transformation for the better. Today, a story of a colleague of mine who found those words to say. For more information about the life of the church where this sermon was preached, find our website at www.holycrossnovi.org or our facebook page under the name “Holy Cross Episcopal Church.” Or join us for worship, Sunday mornings at 8:00 and 10:00 at 40700 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375.