Faith Stands With The People

Enmegahbowh was the first Native American ordained in the Episcopal Church.

This morning at staff meeting we read this coming Sunday’s Gospel lesson. We do this every week to start our time together. Always I hear something that gives me a new insight on the Good News of Christ Jesus. Usually though, someone else says those wise words. This morning though I heard something come out of my own mouth that I really needed to hear.

In regards to the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which is this Sunday’s lesson, I said this story is an opportunity for us to trust God more deeply—even when the evidence is not there. Today and every day, we have this option. We always possesses the opening to have faith. Of course, this is not always easy.

There are moments in life when our hearts are troubled. Times when we receive difficult news, when we face adversity, or when that which previously brought us strength no longer does. During these days we can respond in many different ways.

We can give up on God, try to rely upon ourselves, turn to some other substitute for God, complain that life is not fair, or avoid our troubles altogether. I have done all of these before with only pain to show as a result! And, while in the moment they may feel good and right and fitting responses, they do not in the end lead to the fullness of life in Christ. There is of course, a generous other course to take when this world seems hard to bear.

In today’s Gospel lesson from Luke we discover the wild, counter-cultural path to blessedness. Jesus tells his followers that despite what the world told them God’s hallowed ones were poor, hungry, weeping, hated, and persecuted. What? Jesus’ words make no sense! I have spent my life avoiding these negative things. And, perhaps you have as well. So, how can these things lead to blessedness?

When facing poverty, hunger, sadness, hatred, or persecution one can respond with fear, anger, or bitterness. Or, one can see these moments of hardship as blessed moments when one trusts more fully in God. Yes, it sounds illogical. Sure, it’s a bit crazy. Of course, I would expect you to look at me funny at this moment. Still, when we face big challenges and when we find ourselves without the elements of a “good life,” then we discover that we cannot make it on our own. This is a natural next step in maturing our faith, and what is more we have countless examples in the history of the Church that show us this path. And, we celebrate one such hallowed one today.

Enmegahbowh was the first Native American to be ordained in the Episcopal Church. Even before his ordination, he showed great faith in God—even against great adversity. Enmegahbowh grew up with some standing among the Ojibwa people, and he was raised to be a medicine man. Despite his position, the chief of the Ojibwa tribe imprisoned Enmegahbowh, presumably because the latter had professed his faith in Christ.

During Enmegahbowh’s imprisonment, the tribe leader planned a general massacre of white people settling in that part of Minnesota. Enmegahbowh escaped imprisonment to inform the settlement at Fort Ripley. This prevented more blood from being shed.

When after this, Enmegahbowh was offered a more comfortable life in Canada, he chose another path. Enmegahbowh’s name in English means “The man who stands by his people.” He truly lived into the fittingness of his name by staying with the Ojibwa people despite opportunities for an easier life. His faith in God meant that he would remain poor, hungry, and even hated by some for some hard years. He did this not because he expected something more, but solely because he trusted in what God was doing. Eventually his trust in God was tangibly rewarded as his people received a new settlement, a steam sawmill, and church missionaries to help assist in the mission.

This one who stood with his people shows us an example of faithfulness. We too have opportunities every day, every hour, and every moment to trust God. This is not easy work. And, in fact, it may be the most difficult thing we ever do. Still, our lives as followers of Jesus call us to have faith even against the greatest troubles we face. Our faith will not make our problems disappear, nor will we be guaranteed a happy ending on this side of the grave. But, as we grow deeper in our faith what we will discover is that God walks with us and is present with us always. And that is the greatest blessing of all.