Sermon from Michaelmas Sunday, October 2nd by Rev. Carol Kelly

How did we get so caught up with our land, our business, entertainment, distraction, the "stuff of life" that we rejected the invitation to the marriage feast? (Matt. 22: 1-14.) How could we have turned on those from whom the invitation came?

We can be sure that when someone or something interferes with our comfort, or our "comfort zone", like a call to spiritual activity, (journey to the wedding) there will be a fierce reaction. We could draw back the curtain and suggest that the dragon is up and awake to defend his territory, and his possessions. All of the stories and legends of the dragon report a "hoard" of gold, jewels, and untold treasures beyond measure. What if his riches are human potential? Imagine all of the human potential that is held back by fear, discouragement, disappointment, or worse, by trauma or oppression? How many people have been "dumbed down" by the educational system or reduced by a mechanization of human capacities?

We hear of the man who slipped into the wedding without a robe, who was speechless when the king came to question him. Why did he not say anything? What could he have possibly said? He has been made "dumb" and does not even know that he is supposed to be wearing a wedding garment. How could he not know that? That is a key question for us: "How have we been kept in darkness and how can we awaken?"

Michael is the guardian of "Divine Intelligence." He seeks to enkindle the highest aspect of each one of us. When we recognize the higher being in ourselves and in one another, we strengthen that part in us which lives in the Spiritual World, with him. We join forces with Michael. We thereby strengthen one another as well. We create Christ Community.

New thoughts permeate the very air we breathe. What does it take for these thoughts to ignite in us?

"Michael himself appears to the vision of the heart in a robe woven for him by the universe out of Spiritual Light. And he challenges human beings to awaken to each other's humanity. He is a spirit who says little, leaving to human beings the fullest opportunity to speak with their own voices." — Adam Bittleston

May we have the courage to speak the right words at the right time, with courageous heart forces, filled with love and inspired by Michael. Let us accept the challenge of our time to reclaim our highest potential from the dragon's might.