Mount Calvary Sermons

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 2016 ACTS 9:36-43When Gazelle died she took with her the dreams of her church, the hopes of her people, the security of those who needed her. She was a holy, good woman. Like the ever-watchful, fleet-footed animal whose name she bore, Gazelle was always on the lookout. She searched for God’s beloved women and men who were experiencing hardship. When she discovered one she gave, and she loved, and she demonstrated the compassion of the Jesus she followed. She was also a skilled worker – a tailor and seamstress. She created garments and gave them away to those who had need. The community she called home revered her as a saint. Without her many on the margins would have been bereft of the resources they needed for sustainable life. “Gazelle, live up to your name.” And she did. With that name we can imagine her. Graceful, nimble, gentle. With that name we imagine her a self-effacing servant, not wishing to be the object of people’s gaze. With that name we fear