A Parable for Momentum Sunday

By
The Rev. Janice Ford
Once upon a time there was a small group of people who had an idea about something.
They thought it was the best idea in the world, and were convinced that it would be
really helpful to many people. The groups members were so moved to share the idea
that they put every bit of their time and resources into getting the idea out there. There
was excitement in the air each time they met, and as the weeks, months and years went
by, the number of people reached grew exponentially. Pretty soon the group sharing the
idea was so large it had to be broken down into smaller groups. The small groups
would meet to talk about the idea, and began to develop rules about how the group
should conduct itself when it met. They also came up with guidelines as to who was
really a member of the group and who was not. Leaders were brought in to oversee the
small groups. Books were written about the idea and those books were used to
educate new members. Pretty soon the idea had spread across the world. Almost
everyone had heard of it, though not everyone was a member.
Many years later, a newcomer stopped in to where some group members were meeting.
The newcomer was greeted by a group member. The newcomer said, Ive heard about
your group, but I dont really know what you do. Ive heard it has something to do with a
particular idea. Whats it all about? The group member said, Well, if you want to know
about the idea, you need to come here to learn about it. Its pretty complicated, and
there are some things you need to do in order to become a group member first. The
newcomer replied, Oh, I dont know if I can come here often enough to learn about the
idea. Is there some other way I can become a member and learn more? No, replied
the group member, We really need you to come here. We dont have enough members
any more to go out and spread the word. Plus, we try not to do too much with the idea
in public too much anymore. People get upset when we do. It makes them
uncomfortable. Wow! Thats too bad. I guess it must not be much of an idea then if
group members dont feel they can talk about it any longer. I heard it used to be really
popular. Yeah, replied the group member. Back in the day the first members were
all in. Now, its just too hard to do what they did. Theres too much risk involved. We
have a hard enough time keeping the members we have. Going out there to talk about
the idea can be dangerous. People might think we are some kind of fanatics. Who
needs that? Who, indeed? answered the newcomer. And Jesus wept.
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soulWith great
power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great
grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:32a-33 NRSV)
I chose to write this parable as the means to more fully understand the impact of the
readings we heard this morning. What we hear in the Book of Acts provides us with the
best possible vision of what things were like for the disciples after Jesus death and
resurrection. There was passion, energy, and determination to spread the word of the

Way of Jesus. Even as they feared for their lives, the disciples were relentless in their
mission.
Today we participate in Momentum Sunday. This is a day to remind us that our
identification as Christians means more than just celebrating the Resurrection on Easter
Sunday. It reminds us that because we are followers of Christ we are bound to spread
the Good News in both word and deed. More than ever before, our world needs to hear
this News.
John wrote to his followers, We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we
have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched
with our hands, concerning the word of lifethis life was revealed, and we have seen it
and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was
revealed to uswe declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may
have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son
Jesus Christ. (1John:1-3)
May God grant us the will, courage and resolve to do likewise. Amen. Alleluia.