Message: Love, the Fulfilling of the Law

Romans 13:8-14

The First Sunday in Creation Time, 2023

South Stormont Pastoral Charge

Rev. Min Hwang

        In 2001, I watched a Korean movie called “Bungee Jumping of Their Own.” I barely remember what the film was about, but one particular scene still lingers in my memory. It’s the moment when the main character, In-Woo, a high school teacher, first meets his students at the beginning of the semester. He says: “Imagine placing a needle in a certain spot on Earth and letting a piece of thread fall from somewhere in the sky. The probability that this thread will land and stick on that needle, an incredible probability that cannot even be calculated, is the same probability that you and I are here together now. Among the countless countries on Earth, we met in Korea. Among the numerous cities in Korea, in Seoul. And even within Seoul, at this high school. Within the school, we met in the second grade, and even among the second graders, we met in class 5. You’ve met your classmates here against incredible odds, and that's how you’ve met me too. That’s what we call a relationship.”

I believe that the same goes for our relationship in this community of faith. In the millions of years since the emergence of humankind, we live in contemporary times. Not only that, but in the vast world where 8 billion people reside, we’ve come to worship together right here as sisters and brothers in Christ. What a wonderful miracle this is! How great a blessing it is!

In his book “I and Thou”, Jewish philosopher Martin Buber (1878-1965) asserts that “all real living is meeting.” This means that authentic life needs relationships rooted in deep trust because the true self, the “I,” can only fully exist when in connection with “you.” No one can exist alone. When we build respectful relationships with God, fellow humans, and all living creatures, we become aware of who we really are, how precious we are, why we live, and what we are meant to do.

For this reason, Buber says, “In the beginning was the relationship.” Indeed, the creation story in the Bible is a profound love story that beautifully illustrates the relationship between God and the world. Interestingly, even before the final composition of the Book of Genesis, there were ancient creation myths in the Near East. The ancient Israelites, in particular, were acquainted with the Babylonian creation epic known as Enuma Elish, as many of them had endured captivity in Babylon for several decades during the 6th century BCE. 

According to the creation myth, the world came into being as a result of a conflict between the gods. The god Marduk killed Tiamat, the mother of the gods, and divided her body into two parts, forming the sky and the foundation of the earth. He then killed Kingu, his subordinate, to create humans to serve as slaves. This myth reflected the worldview of the Babylonian Empire at the time, where the world was seen as a product of violence, war, and discord. Furthermore, this story was regularly performed in Babylon, serving to justify the king's authority and oppression by describing him as the successor to their god, Marduk.

However, despite such circumstances, the ancient Israelites in Babylon never gave up their hope. This was because the God they experienced was different from Marduk. In the Bible, we find the creation story of God who loves and liberates all people and living creatures. God shapes the world with the Word, not through violence. God creates harmony, hope, and light out of chaos, emptiness, and darkness. Upon beholding the created world, God rejoices and proclaims, “It is good.” God makes the first humans in His own image, calling them His partners to make the world more beautiful and better.

In the Bible, God creates the world like a magnificent sculpture. The whole creation was formed from God's affection, love, and dreams. In the creation by the Word of God, our ancestors of faith saw, heard, and experienced God's care, hope, peace, and freedom. They held unwavering faith that God’s love never died. With this faith, they did not yield before the swords and spears of the empire. 

As Christians, we believe that God's love forms the bedrock of the whole creation and our faith community. In today's first Scripture reading, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that “love is the fulfilling of the Law.” His statement is not intended to diminish the significance of the Law itself. The Law represents the covenant established by God with the Hebrews following their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Thousands of years ago, the Law was given to them as a set of guidelines, facilitating the practice of God’s love in the context of that era. 

Nevertheless, there were times when the Law was misused as a tool of oppression by religious and political leaders seeking wealth and power. This is why Paul consistently underscores the importance of love. Just as God's love transformed chaos, emptiness, and darkness into a beautiful world, only our love can mend broken relationships cast under the shadow of the law. Love serves as the beginning of the relationship between God and the world, the cornerstone of the fellowship uniting Christ and the Church, and the fulfillment of the covenant between God and us.

About a month ago, I was on the way from Wawa, Ontario to here, which reminded me of Anne of Green Gables as she was on the way from the train station to her new home with Matthew. Along the way, Anne exclaimed, “Home, what a wonderful word!” (CBC, Anne with an E). Since then, I have felt blessed to live in the wonderful manse, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and nice people. 

However, I am also aware that, just as Marilla, who initially longed for a boy, was disappointed to see Anne not what she expected, there may be moments when some of you might feel disappointed in me, or when I may encounter hurt within this community. Yet, in those moments, I will draw inspiration from the story of Anne of Green Gables, where despair and sadness do not have the final say. Anne, Marilla, and Matthew embrace their differences, learn from their conflicts, and, in doing so, deepen their love for one another.

I hope that our new relationship will help our faith community to be a Green Gables in South Stormont. Guided by the love of Christ, Ingleside-Newington United Church and St. Andrew 's-St. Mark's United Church will serve as a home for those who yearn for a home, a family for those who need a family, and a companion for those seeking a friend. With the care of the Creator, we will become a community of prayer and action, spreading love to those experiencing loneliness, hope to those in despair, comfort to those in pain, and liberation to those oppressed. Fueled by the winds of the Holy Spirit, we will be a sailboat charting a course for all creatures that suffer from climate change and environmental crises toward a new heaven and a new earth. 

        The world still hungers for the Gospel of Christ. The Creator God calls upon us to be faithful stewards. There's no need to fear, for we are not alone — God is with us. Amen.