Sermon series on Health Care

The Church’s Role in Health Care
Begin Three Part Sermon Series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing
INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Matthew 25:34-40
Jesus’ life and the life the church is called to moves farther and farther to the margins as it unfolds. Jesus begins his ministry in the midst of a synagogue, reading the words of the prophet Isaiah (Luke 4:14-20) and proclaiming that the scripture is fulfilled in their midst. Yet, as he leaves this seat of importance, his ministry then unfolds in a way that not only brings him into contact with the outcasts (tax collectors and prostitutes) as a healer and teacher, but also as one with them in fellowship, they are welcome at His table. This journey finally brings Jesus to the fellowship of criminals who are rejected by the religious authorities and crucified by the empire (Luke 23:26-49). It is to them (the ridiculed and despised) that he makes his final promise: ‘Today you will be with me in heaven!’”[1] Our text for reflection on health care is unequivocally ethical in nature. Jesus is not concerned with right belief but right action. This is why the text is unequivocally ethical in nature. The parable is not concerned with right belief but right as followers of Jesus.

34Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

Acts 8:5-8
Jesus went to Samaria and met a woman at well. She evangelized her whole town. The ground had been prepared to hear the Gospel and what an amazing reaction to this good news when Philip arrived. Philip would never have left Jerusalem, even though Jesus had command them to go to the ends of the earth. It was the prod of persecution that sent him out into the world.

5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8So there was great joy in that city.

SERMON
First let me address the question, “Why in the world would you be preaching on health care?” Some may say that it is a political issue, and the church does not belong in politics. It is true that there are Christians and denominations that see the church’s life as separate from secular life. But that would not be most denominations and certainly not true for Presbyterians since a signer of the Declaration of Independence was a Presbyterian ministry. King George was quoted as calling our American revolution a Presbyterian revolt. But even in the Bible, speaking to power has been a charge of the faithful, particularly those called to the Prophetic ministry.

There is the long tradition in the church of healing and care of the suffering. Our denomination’s Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study chose the Micah passage as this year’s focus: “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.”(6:8) The very word hospital comes from the same root word as hospitality – the Latin word hospes (host). Hospitality is an ancient call to care that goes back to Abraham and Sarah welcoming strangers who turn out to be messenger from God. It was the monastic movement in the 1300’s that saw their roll as care givers during the plague and these religious people were some of the few who would bury the dead. During the time of Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland the refugees fleeing persecution were welcomed and given whatever they needed. In the US care for the ill and all forms of compassionate ministry have grown from Jesus’ command to love one another. It has never been just about caring for our own family, neighborhood or one’s local community. Ever since Jesus answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” with the parable about a good Samaritan, followers have sought to care for those Jesus cared about, anywhere there is need.

Now it is our time. Believers’ voices must not be silent. The message of Christ resounds with “go and do likewise.” Love the unlovable. Care for those who cannot care for themselves. Help one another carry a burden. We need to redirect the discussion from health insurance to access to good health care. Ultimately the church yearns for everyone to have access to good health care just as the church provides access to Jesus himself for everyone. Today we celebrate communion, where we demonstrate Christ’s hospitality. All are welcome at this table, those who have access to health care and those who do not. Those who yearn for Medicare for all and those who would just as soon see an end to the whole program, those who shout at town hall meetings and those who are afraid to go because of the shouters are all welcome at this table. So are all those who are struggling in the middle of these debates. Believers can be the voice that recalls that the discussion is about access to health care.

Here people wait in line for health care in Malawi. I can remember when Beck Loomis was a doctor at Embangweni hospital and she was considered well supplied because she had clean bandages and hydrogen peroxide! Our hearts are moved by the plight of these children of God and their lack of health care. We send money and missionaries to help. But are they any different than this group of people who came to a free clinic in Wise, VA. Some of them camped out for two days. Or the young man I meet this week who has insurance but was denied coverage through a five year legal battle. But the surgery he needs will cost $100,000. Like many of us, his insurance only pays 80% that leaves him with a $20,000 bill! Is this access to health care? Remember the people who that carried their friend to Jesus to be healed? They couldn’t reach because there was such crowd around him. So the friends climbed up to the roof and tore it apart and lowered the paralyzed man down. Now that is access to health care!
In the Congo a full operating room brings access to health care from your mission giving. In Hendersonville, Tennessee - Haven Free Clinic is supported by First Presbyterian Church.
By what the church does and where we put our resources, we have already witnessed to God’s call to care for the least of these. But if you think the church has the resources for all that is needed, think again. Our job is about transformation in people’s lives. We can be the table were diverse people gather to listen to one another and struggle together to solve problems. We are called to hold the Sauls, the Davids, the Hezekiahs and the Pilates of this world accountable to God’s call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Speak out and get involved and pray, and pray, and pray! Two-thousand years ago, a woman was having female problems. She had spent her considerable fortune on health care. Now she was destitute and excluded from Temple worship because of her condition. She took a terrible risk and sought the healing power of touching the hem Jesus’ robe. She was healed. It was amazing! But she was still broke. Who healed her financial ruin? We don’t know the rest of the story. We can only hope her community helped her.

Political advocacy, mission work, fund raising are all legitimate responses to “do for the least of these” so that all will have access to more than just health care. All will have access to Jesus the Christ. Amen.

What is a Public Option?
A Community called to care
Three Part Sermon Series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing
Scripture: Psalm 72:11- 20 (read responsively)
Deuteronomy 15: 6 – 11 and John 21: 15-17
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ September 13, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, IN

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Psalm 72:11- 20 (read responsively)
Psalm 72 was probably written for the installation of a new king. It is not about a particular king but about the office and vocation of ruling a people. Leaders are expected to be instruments of God’s reign by bringing justice to all the people, protecting all the people and providing for the well-being of all the people. At the conclusion of the psalm please join me in the affirmation of “Amen and Amen.”
11May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
12For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
13He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
14From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight.
15Long may he live! May gold of Sheba be given to him. May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all day long.
16May there be abundance of grain in the land; may it wave on the tops of the mountains; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field.
17May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun. May all nations be blessed in him; may they pronounce him happy.
18Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
19Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth.
Amen and Amen.

Deuteronomy 15: 6 – 11
The word “economy” comes from two Greek words that mean rules of the household. Deuteronomy 15 list rules of God’s household. They cover debts, indentured servants and sacrifice of animals. The year of remission was when all debts were forgiven. So you may not be willing to lend if the debt would be forgiven in a few months. The Deuteronomist reminds us that both the lender and the bower our living off the largess of God.

7If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. 8You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be. 9Be careful that you do not entertain a mean thought, thinking, “The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,” and therefore view your needy neighbor with hostility and give nothing; your neighbor might cry to the Lord against you, and you would incur guilt. 10Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. 11Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”

John 21: 15-17
I alluded to this passage last week as we considered the church’s role in health care. Have you ever talk to someone and felt the message was just not getting through? Most of you probably know that the Greeks had at least three words we translate as “love.” Eros is physical love, philo is friendship and agape is sacrificial or divine love. Jesus keeps asking Peter if he loves him sacrificially and Peter keeps replying that he should know that he is his friend.

15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

SERMON
One of Jesus’ most common concerns for his disciples was that they not be afraid. Jesus knew that fear can keep us from action or listening to the truth. It is why I chose the second title of this series on health care as a question: “What is a Public Option?” As our nation has discussed health care the greatest amount of fear has been generate around a public option discussion. In Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural address he spoke the legendary words, “We have nothing to fear but fear it self.” I always thought he spoke this after Pearl Harbor, to confront the fear of war, but he was speaking of the fear of financial ruin that was gripping this country. Rarely is the whole quote given. Which I think is worthy of our consideration during this health care discussion:
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.[2]

As a servant of Jesus Christ, my job is to give good news and that begins with weaning people way from acting out of fear. Giving into our fears will strip us of our ability to face reality and make good decisions. “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”[3] On the very night of his arrest, Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid. Human fears can so distort our vision and hearing that we cannot see or hear the message. If you can tell you are becoming anxious pay attention to the source of your fear.

So without fear let us consider what is a public option for health care?
Among the many aspects of health care reform there a number of public plans that would look like Medicare or the health care of federal employees. Many people do not trust insurance companies to treat them fairly or approve their claims, offering coverage through a not for profit public plan would be attractive to many people. Economists also believe that competition from a public insurance option would help keep down health-care costs. But others see that the public plan would create unfair competition and might ultimately put insurance companies out of business. They are concerned that a public insurance program would control prices and shift costs onto people with private coverage. Some people legitimately worry that this would lead to only public insurance options. While others would just as soon that there was a single payer system. They believe that such a system would both eliminate wasteful spending from insurance companies which is estimated at 350 billion dollars

As the body of Christ we are a community called to care. A community called to care wants resources provided for everyone. Remember the birth of the office of Deacon came when leadership of the gentiles came to the apostles and complained that their widows and orphans were being neglected.[4] Deacons continue to encourage us to compassionate ministry for all people. Our own deacons have recognized that teacher do not have all the resources they need especially for students with limited income. Supporting their care of these students is one way we can follow our Deacons leadership.


Healing Touch
A service of healing
Three Part Sermon Series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing
Scripture: Jeremiah 8:18-22 and Luke 22:47-54
Preached by Linda Jo Peters ~ September 27, 2009
Unity Presbyterian Church ~ Terre Haute, IN

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 8:18-22 (read responsively)
The prophet Jeremiah lived in the turbulent and dark last days of the independent kingdom of Judah. It is clear that the prevailing spirit of the people was one of fear, despair, and perceived abandonment. When we suffer, we may also identify with the people’s feelings of abandonment by God. The bleakness of the prophet’s lamentation here is startling, but it is important to remember that it is not the last word, for Jeremiah, for the people of Israel or for us. In chapter 29 the promise is given that God would restore them to Jerusalem, “for surely you know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, plans to give you a future with hope” (vs11).[5]

18My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick.
19Hark, the cry of my poor people from far and wide in the land: “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?” (“Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their foreign idols?”)
20“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
21For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.
22Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?

Luke 22:47-53
This is the story of Jesus’ arrest. In the midst of this terrible crisis, Luke tells us a story of healing. In his darkest hour, betrayed by a friend, when righteous anger would have been very justified, Jesus, once again, chooses a different way. His response to hate, rage and violence is healing touch. As his disciples can we do any different?

47While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

SERMON
We have been on a journey together in this series on Health Care: A Tradition of Healing. First we looked at the church’s historic role in prophetic ministry that challenges any status quo that supports injustice. The church is called to be a voice for the voiceless. In following our Lord’s example, the church has also been a source of healing and care for those who are suffering. As such we are called to redirect the discussion from health insurance to access to good health care. Ultimately the church yearns for everyone to have access to good health care just as the church provides access to Jesus himself for everyone. We have listened to the various reasons people have a difference of opinion about the best response for providing good health care for everyone from a single payer system to a public option. I encouraged you to get involved with this political process as disciples of Christ by following two practices. First to be attentive to any fears this national discussion is generating in you. Being aware of fear’s destructive power in your life can free you to make good choices. And the second practice is to pray for God’s grace and wisdom. So last week’s worship service on prayer lead by the NISH group was very appropriate. Today we are considering healing touch that is necessary for all our health care.

We're all born with a great need for touch. To thrive, newborns must be fed touch as much as food. Studies in orphanages and hospitals repeatedly tell us that infants deprived of skin contact lose weight, become ill and even die. We know that premature babies given periods of touch therapy gain weight faster, cry less, and show more signs of relaxed pulse, respiration rate and muscle tension.[6]

The first sensory input in life comes from the sense of touch while the fetus is in the womb, and touch continues to be the primary means of experiencing the world through infancy and well into childhood, indeed playing a major sensory role throughout our lives.[7] The need for touch is one reason so many nursing homes value the place of pets for their residences. In the passing of the peace in worship, we deliberately reach out and touch one another, demonstrating the gift of peace found in touching one another.

So what does all this discussion have to do with the national health care debate? When was the last time you remember someone getting a massage in the hospital as a regular act of healing? Now think about having insurance companies pay for a regular massage of people suffering from connective tissue diseases, muscle spasms or atrophying, or people receiving chemo treatment. I can imagine the ranting over such a request when the opportunity to discuss end of life decisions with one’s physician became “death panels.” Healing touch needs to be part of our personal health care and valued by our national health care.

Though a study on distant prayer and the bedside use of music, imagery and touch therapy published in 2005 did not show a significant effect upon the primary clinical outcome observed in patients undergoing certain heart procedures… therapeutic effects were noted among secondary measures such as emotional distress of patients, re-hospitalization and death rates. The study marks the first time rigorous scientific protocols have been applied on a large scale to some of the world's most ancient healing traditions.[8] Was this a waste of money or was it an affirmation that healing touch seems to have a significant place in anyone’s healthy living.

In ancient Israel the fir trees of Gilead produced a sap that could be mixed with oil for a healing balm. It was not a quick fix, but took time and effort to create. As we have seen in the discussion on health care, solutions will not be quick fixes. When God asks the people through Jeremiah, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” It is a rhetorical question. Because of course there is a balm in Gilead, the resources that are needed are flowing through the trees. The affirmation in the spiritual given out of the suffering of the African slaves in America. There is a balm in Gilead, there is a balm right here in the US, and we just have to be willing to invest our energy and resources to provide the balm. In the book of Revelations we are given a picture of the Holy City, of heaven. John writes:

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. (Revelations 22:1-2)

Till there is a new heaven and a new earth, the church is called to be instruments of healing through prayer and healing touch but also through advocacy. Amen.
[1] Stephen G. Ray Jr. Stephen G. Ray Jr. is Assistant Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. see: www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org
[2] March 4, 1933, as published in Samuel Rosenmand, ed., The Public Papers of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Volume Two: The Year of Crisis, 1933 (New York: Radndom House, 1938), 11-16.
[3] John 14:27b
[4] See Acts 6
[5] See: “ ‘A Balm in Gilead': Mental Health Care & The Church," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2007.
[6] See: library.adoption.com/articles/the-importance-of-touch.html
[7] The Importance of Touch, Tiffany Field, University of Miami School of Medicine and also see: www.touchfactor.net/Touch.htm
[8] The report from Duke, which appears in the July 16, 2005, issue of The Lancet, is based upon data from the Monitoring and Actualization of Noetic TRAinings (MANTRA) II study.