Yom Kippur: Sermon

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFkDq_8QuDY

Sermon

As the final shadows of night cling to the edges of Egypt, the air buzzes with anticipation, thick like the earth before a storm. The horizon shimmers with the first light of dawn, casting a golden hue over the land, which has long borne the weight of oppression. A pivotal moment unfolds, transforming the very soil beneath the Israelites’ feet as they prepare to break the chains of centuries-old bondage. The blood of the Passover lamb glimmers like dew on freshly cut grass, illuminating the darkened doorways as if each drop were a tiny beacon of hope. This sacred act of marking their homes stands as a testament to their shared sacrifice and unwavering resilience, a silent declaration that they will no longer be defined by their suffering.

As they gather their belongings, their hearts race in sync with the earth beneath them. The ground seems to tremble, echoing the pulse of their collective heartbeat, a reminder that liberation is not merely an individual journey but a profound shared awakening. The scent of the land, rich and loamy, swirls around them, grounding them in the moment while also propelling them toward a horizon filled with uncertainty. In this electrifying instance, the earth becomes a mirror of their spirit, urging them to embrace the unknown, to shed the fears of the past as they stand firmly in their roots. They are ready to step into a future where the promise of justice can take root, blossom, and flourish, a verdant landscape of possibilities awaiting the touch of their hands and the breath of their hopes.

Exodus 32 and 33 tell the story of the Israelites traveling through the wilderness, focusing on themes like disobedience, God's presence, and the power of atonement. While Moses is receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grow restless and ask Aaron to make a golden calf for them to worship. When Moses comes down and sees this, he becomes so angry that he breaks the tablets with the Commandments and calls for action against those who worshiped the idol, which leads to the deaths of about three thousand people. This shows the conflict between faith and disobedience and the consequences of turning away from God. Moses then asks for God's forgiveness for the people, but in Exodus 33, God decides to withdraw their presence because of the people's stubbornness. Moses continues to plead, stressing the importance of having God with them. Finally, God agrees to guide them to the Promised Land and even allows Moses to see a glimpse of their glory. These chapters teach us that true atonement requires both reflection and action, inviting us to be accountable and hopeful, much like the rituals of Yom Kippur.

The stories in the Old Testament can often be complex and troubling, especially because of the violence they describe. For many Unitarian Universalists, reading these stories can feel uncomfortable, as they may go against our values of peace and justice. But these texts also give us a chance to think critically about our spiritual heritage and understand the historical and cultural context behind them. By facing these difficult parts of our faith, we can deepen our understanding of our spiritual paths and the shared responsibility we have to promote healing and compassion. As we honor the process of purification and renewal, let us work to create spaces where justice and humanity can grow together.

Threshold energy is clearly present in both Yom Kippur rituals and in moments of life and death; those sacred times that hold the potential for deep change. Whether through atonement, freedom, or the end of life, these moments ask us to pause and reflect on what it means to be human, encouraging us to explore our emotions and experiences. In death, this threshold energy creates a sacred space, asking those who gather to honor the passing of life. It is a time to recognize the complexity of loss and the beauty of what once was, inviting us to think about our relationships and the legacies we leave behind. In a similar way, Yom Kippur invites individuals and communities into a spiritual space for reflection, atonement, and forgiveness, creating a sacred time that encourages us to reckon with our actions and their effects on others.

The idea of threshold energy is seen in the rituals of Yom Kippur, as a moment when we are called to stop, recognize the weight of our past actions, and prepare for change. In the story of the Exodus, the Israelites stood at the threshold of freedom, between slavery and liberation, needing to let go of the old to move into something new. This image of crossing a boundary shows us how important it is to release what no longer helps us so we can fully embrace what lies ahead. It speaks to the feelings of vulnerability and possibility during major life transitions, calling us to embrace discomfort in order to grow, and to see these moments as chances to reshape our lives.

Navigating these important moments requires us to balance the uncertainty of spirituality with a commitment to doing what is right. The rituals of Yom Kippur, like the sin offering made by Aaron, are symbols of the community's desire to become pure, reminding us that reflection must be paired with real acts of responsibility. When we are faced with uncertainty, we need to hold space for complexity while staying true to our values. The tension between accepting uncertainty and seeking atonement is at the heart of Yom Kippur, showing us that real change involves both deep thinking and taking action. It challenges us to face the injustices in the world, not only recognizing our mistakes but also working to repair and heal. By doing this, we honor the sacredness of the moments we encounter, building a culture of compassion and understanding that helps bridge the gaps between us and others.

The story of Exodus is about freedom, wandering in the wilderness, and making a covenant, showing the balance between accepting the unknown and doing what is right. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness, a place of uncertainty, required them to face challenges both outside and within themselves, leading to their encounter with God at Mount Sinai. This key moment, when they received the law, represents the mix of uncertainty and responsibility, showing that true transformation means dealing with both. In the same way, Yom Kippur is a spiritual journey of atonement and forgiveness, inviting us to face uncertainty while staying true to our core values. Just as the Israelites stood at the beginning of a new identity, Yom Kippur calls us to reflect and navigate the complexities of our own lives and relationships.

Reflecting on the meaning of Yom Kippur today, we can't ignore the weight of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. This conflict has now spilled over into the larger Middle Eastern region, reminding us of the connection between the ancient story of Exodus and the current suffering faced by so many people there. The emotions it brings up—sorrow, fear, and anger—are undeniable, and remaining silent would go against our values and shared humanity. On this anniversary of October 7, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) joins those calling for an immediate and total ceasefire, the restoration of power and water to Gaza, and the admission of humanitarian aid to save lives. We condemn the ongoing bombardment, the "total siege," and the forced displacement of Gaza’s residents, while also acknowledging the pain caused by the attacks of Hamas on that day. It's crucial that we honor the lives affected by this conflict and push for solutions that prioritize the dignity and safety of everyone involved.

Today, in our Time for All Ages, we talked about a simpler version of atonement, how a lost cookie could be made right with an easy solution. As adults, atonement is much more complex. As we continue on this journey, the challenges we face are similar to the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, pushing us to reflect and seek atonement not just for ourselves, but for the systems we are part of that cause harm. Like the Israelites confronting the harsh realities of their journey, we must face uncomfortable truths and name injustices that have often been ignored. By doing so, we can work toward a future where barriers to freedom are taken down, and we build a community based on fairness, compassion, and hope. We know that true freedom is connected to the freedom of all, and we are committed to taking actions that bring about healing and renewal. Standing at this point of change, we embrace our responsibilities; each step we take together in solidarity is an act of hope. Just as the earth shifts and reshapes beneath us, our actions can create a more just world, reminding us that even in sorrow, hope can grow and flourish. Amen, and so mote it be.