This sermon was recorded and released before hearing about the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Such reckless violence and cruel loss of life adds weight to the need for Christians to act boldly.
I once had a pastor who loved Taco Bell. It was his go-to. I think their taco supreme and nacho cheese chips were a staple in his diet – that is, until the day he decided to participate in a boycott of Taco Bell.
This was back in 2001. There was a nationwide boycott of the restaurant chain in support of migrant farm workers – the ones who pick the tomatoes for the tacos. The concerns included poor working and living conditions and extremely low wages for workers who had very little power to stand up for their rights. Several denominations supported it – the PCUSA, the United Methodist Church, the Disciples of Christ, as well as the National Council of Churches, all promoted the boycott to draw attention to an injustice and put pressure on a corporation to deal more fairly with these workers.
I remember when this pastor spoke about it from the pulpit. He wanted us to know that he believed in the power of taking such actions if, by doing so, you could improve the lives of vulnerable people. After all, isn’t this what Jesus taught us – to care for the least of these?
The boycott finally ended in 2005 when the corporation that owns Taco Bell finally agreed to work with the farmworkers organization. For four years our pastor had lived without his tacos and nachos. And he again spoke from the pulpit to let us know the boycott was ending because they had achieved their goal. Also that he was looking forward to hitting the drive-through as soon as possible.
Some people laughed at him. They thought it was a quirky thing, or even a silly thing for him to do. But he wasn’t embarrassed by it. He knew in his heart that he was doing the right thing, and he rejoiced when the boycott ended.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott is a similar example of bold action taken for the sake of justice, a desire to make a change for the better. Many churches were involved in organizing and supporting this effort, along with all the other efforts for civil rights. This boycott turned the city’s transit system on its head; it required considerable sacrifices from the participants and those who supported them. It took a year to achieve their goal of desegregating the bus system. And the people rejoiced when it ended.
Boycotts are just one, relatively simple, way to stand up and take action for the sake of making a change for the better.
This story in Matthew’s gospel about the calling of Simon and Andrew and James and John is a tale of bold action. It might strike us as impulsive action. It seems as though they were in the middle of one action – Andrew and Simon casting their nets; James and John mending theirs – when they all suddenly dropped their nets, stepped out of their boats and followed Jesus. No telling if they already knew him or if he was a perfect stranger. No telling if they had already been thinking about this when Jesus approached them or if it just came out of the blue.
And it doesn’t really matter exactly how it happened. The point of the story is this: when it is about following Jesus, sometimes bold action is necessary. Sometimes certain sacrifices are required. Risks need to be taken.
These men took the risk of following Jesus as he unfolded a vision of a more just world. They took a risk every single day in the years that followed. And after Jesus was executed, they continued to follow his vision, his way – as the Holy Spirit guided them in bold action.
I see people of faith taking action every day as they follow Jesus – to love and serve their neighbors. Most of the time they are doing it quietly, even anonymously. But there are also times when we are called to muster our courage, come together, and act boldly.
Christians are still called today to respond to an unjust and sinful world with their bold actions. At our best, we do it together. Like the communities of faith peacefully protesting in the streets of Minneapolis: protecting their neighbors; guarding day care centers, because young children have been used as bait to draw parents out, so they can be detained and removed. Imagine this happening to your own child. Taking bold action for a more compassionate world is an appropriate Christian response.
Simon and Andrew and James and John didn’t know what they would be called to do until they were called to do it. None of us knows, either, until the moment we do.
May the Spirit give you strength and guide your steps when you hear the call.
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