Reflections...

A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 12 December 2010, Third Sunday in Advent, by the Rev. Phyllis Wong. The scripture readings that day were Isaiah 35:1-10 and Luke 1:46-55.


Today, I have opened this pulpit to friends sharing with us the struggles and voices of women who have been suffering from various forms of violence. We have heard the cries for change, a change for a better world in which all humanity especially women to live with respect and equality, to live with freedom and peace. We have heard a call for a just world where women can be protected and being treated equally with dignity. We have also heard a call that women should be given genuine equal opportunities and earn decent salary to support themselves and their families.

The voices of the women victims of violence we hear in the Sanctuary, are as if God’s word is being conveyed to us.

The story of struggles, the plights, the suffering and the pains of the women victims are the word of our merciful and gracious God. Our God has listened to these women and promised to liberate them. God wishes us to listen and to care for them too.

As God’s people, we are here to end any denial of the existence of violence against women. Today we are called to take up the responsibility to end violence against women, and contribute to building an equal world in which men and women can both enjoy basic human rights, dignity, peace and joy.

The prophetic voice of Isaiah and Mary we heard from the Bible today, has spelled out clearly the vision of liberation and transformation to a just world. They are timely, inspiring the church to bear in mind God’s will, and to enable people to imagine the way ahead to address the issues of violence against women, and to build a free and just world.

The prophetic voice has indicated God’s concern for individuals who are oppressed and exploited. The Lord will redeem them from captive and give them freedom. The Lord will strengthen them and take away their fear.

Today we light the candle of joy. And we heard Mary praise the Lord with joy for the amazing things God had done for her.

Mary’s song of praise is one woman’s profound prophetic vision.

This is a vision that sees God turn the world upside down. God transforms the world radically to bring justice.

“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.” (Luke 1:52-53)

God transforms the world by bringing a new power relationship and distribution of wealth. Women are respected and highly valued. Their status is raised and their contribution is recognized. The powerless and the have-nots will be given more. But the rich will be given no more. This is a new order proclaimed in the midst of a male dominant and an unequal power and wealth distribution society. Mary’s message is relevant to us today.

The role of Mary in God’s salvation has revealed also an important message.

Mary was a woman. God has chosen a woman to be co-worker for his/her salvation plan right at the beginning. She gave birth to Jesus, son of God, to bring new life to people and new possibility to the world. The spiritual significance of Mary’s participation in God’s plan of salvation is that, the liberation of the world requires the cooperation of both women and men. The movement to end violence against women, and to bring forth a world of equality and justice, cannot be a success without the genuine participation of both genders.

Still, violence against women and gender equality issue are not women’s only agenda. Mary’s prophetic vision has given us a strong promise and a powerful image of transformation.

Because of God’s mercy, we have faith and know that all victims of violence are not left alone. This is the source of joy.

Because of God’s promise for liberation, we have faith, and know that the world will be transformed to justice. This is the source of joy.

Because of God’s solidarity with people, through and in Christ, we have faith and know that we are given strength and hope to walk in this journey of justice with courage and persistence. This is the source of joy.

Although pains and suffering seem to be part of life, they would never be allowed, to take away our joy, joy of all humanity, women and men. For it is the gift from God.

To conclude my sermon, I would like to read for you two texts taken from today’s readings:

“My soul magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” (Luke 1:48)

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.” (Isaiah 35:1-2)

Sisters and brothers, let us rejoice and praise to the Lord! Amen.