Love, Peace, and the Holy Spirit-- today's sermon

Today I preached at Fort Oglethorpe UMC.  We had an unexpected death last weekend and the service was this past week.  The music leader took a break last week and this week as it was her brother who passed.  Because I had worked ahead, I hadn't revisited the Scriptures or title for the week until the first of the week.  It was appropriate for the week.  But not just for the recent death in this family and in this congregation.  Looking around the worship space today, there were at least 3 other families who have experienced deaths in their families since my appointment.  There have been deaths in our other two churches too.  There is brokenness in lives.  If not due to the death of a loved one, then for other reasons.  There is a need for wholeness and healing in all lives.  Today's message, "Love, Peace, and the Holy Spirit" speaks to that wholeness and healing that Christ spoke about to the disciples.

As with any sermon I post, what is written below is not always what is said verbatim in a service. Things are added or omitted, but it gives you a general idea of the message.

"Cry Out to Jesus" by Third Day (This was the Special Music played prior to the sermon. It was an added blessing to the service that had brought healing to others as they had watched it during the week.)

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"Love, Peace, and the Holy Spirit"

May 1st, 2016 (Easter 6)

John 14: 23-29 (NRSV)

Fort Oglethorpe UMC

John 14: 23-29 (NRSV)

²³ Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.

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THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

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Today is the 6th Sunday of Easter.   "Christ is Risen!  Christ is Risen indeed!"

We come together this morning to worship the Lord of Lord and King of Kings in the midst of life—continued grief and continued celebrations.  We join together in community to hold one another up, to encourage one another, to pray for one another as each of us has different concerns, burdens, struggles, joys, and celebrations. 

Today’s passage brings us a message of hope in spirit and in truth that we are not alone.

Let’s begin in verse 23.  It is a tad odd that the lectionary passage chooses to start with a verse that states: “Jesus answered him” and without looking back, we don’t know who asked or what the question is.  The context for the passage is that Jesus is in the upper room, sharing his final discourse with the disciples.  Here is verse 22: “Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”

Knowing the question helps us better understand the answer … or does it?  Jesus has a way of not always answering the exact question answered.  Jesus answers here in verses 23-24: “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.”  The answer doesn’t directly answer Judas’ question about revealing himself to the disciples, but talks about those who will love Jesus, how they will respond, and how the Father will respond to them.  Jesus also clarifies that the word heard is from the Father, reminding the disciples of Jesus’ relationship with God.  To simplify these 2 verses, we love God and Jesus by keeping the words of Jesus which are of God.  Remember when Jesus put it very simply for the disciples to remember how to show love in context of what is the greatest commandment? 

Matthew 22:36-40 --“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” ³⁷ He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the greatest and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Love.  Jesus taught about love in word and deed.

The next things Jesus teaches here is about the Holy Spirit and peace.

Verses 25-26—“I have said these things to you while I am still with you.²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

Jesus is trying to prepare them for his departure in this final discourse.  He is sharing everything that he can with them while he is still with them.  But he wants them to know that when he is gone, the Holy Spirit will be with them.  Here, the term “Advocate” is used.  Other terms are: counselor, guide, helper, companion, comforter, encourager.  The Father will send the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name to be with the disciples to remind them what Jesus taught and to continue to teach them.

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God sent to minister in all these ways.  How have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life? Have you experienced the Holy Spirit as Advocate? Counselor? Guide? Helper?  Companion?  Comforter? Encourager?

Earlier in this final discourse, in John 14:17, Jesus told the disciples that they will know the Holy Spirit: “You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.”

How amazing is it that we are not left alone, but have access to the Holy Spirit who abides with us and in us?

Jesus uses the teaching of the Holy Spirit to lead into that of peace.

Verse 27—^“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Though there are many powerful teachings in this passage, for me, this is the take away verse for today, the central verse.  Notice the bulletin cover.

Jesus is telling the disciples that he offers them peace.  Not as the world gives, but peace.  It is a peace that often defies understanding and flows deeper than our circumstances.  For me, it is the type of peace that one has when your brother has been in a race car accident and is in a coma for several months and you don’t know what is going to happen.   It truly is the peace that passeth understanding.  Even though I have heard this saying, I didn’t know its origin, so I looked it up: Philippians 4:7 (KJV)—“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Other versions use “transcends” or “surpasses” instead of “passeth”.

How many have known this peace in difficult situations?  How many sitting here today can testify to that peace even in the midst of Jim’s untimely death?  This peace helps us through the difficult times and helps us heal in the broken and wounded areas. 

Jesus continues his teaching in this passage in verses 28-29: ^“You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.”

Jesus has tried several times to let them know he would be leaving them.  It hasn’t been easily understood.  Even though they walked with Jesus, learned first-hand from Jesus, lived with Jesus, they didn’t always understand him.  In fact, they often misunderstood him.  I continue to be grateful for Jesus’ grace in working with the disciples because I know that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will work graciously with me as well.

When Jesus tells them that they would “rejoice” knowing that he is leaving, he isn’t telling them not to grieve.  He is setting up the bigger picture for what his purpose was and is.  He realized that because of the relationship he had with them, his leaving would be difficult. The Easter joy of resurrection and being with the Father does not negate grief of losing the relationship.  Jesus knew that grief when he wept at the grave for a friend.  There is a way to experience both joy and grief in loss of a loved one. 

What Jesus offers the disciples (and us) in today’s passage is love, peace, and the Holy Spirit.  What Jesus is reminding them and us is that we can be made whole.  Today, we celebrate Holy Communion, a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and love for us.  It is a time of remembrance, but not one of grief.  It is a time of celebration as we recognize that we are made whole in Christ and whole as the body of Christ. 

As we prepare for communion, I want to share a poem (“Well-Being” by Sudha Khristmukti from India) from page 16 of the May/June edition of AliveNow: Wholeness. 

Listen to these words: [read aloud during the service; I cannot post on my blog because I haven’t requested permission at this time]

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

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NOTE: By clicking on the Alive Now link above, you can read the editor's comments for the Wholeness edition.

May there be love, peace, and the Holy Spirit on your journey, leading to wholeness and healing.

Debra

Reflections caused by "The Journey" by Mary Oliver

Cumberland Trail, from Retro-Hughes Trailhead, October 1, 2014

Cumberland Trail, from Retro-Hughes Trailhead, October 1, 2014

Cumberland Trail, from Retro-Hughes Trailhead, October 1, 2014

Today a friend shared a poem with me.  A poem I have been introduced to previously during my 2 year Academy.  Just seeing the name on the poem, "Mary Oliver" brought a deep sigh of coming home that I cannot explain.  Then I looked at the title, "The Journey".   Ah... a deeper sense of settling in.  Then I began to read the poem and it struck deep into the core of my being.

In the midst of requirements, daily living, family situations and issues, etc., sometimes the voice gets drowned out.  Sometimes the chaos swirling around seems too much.  I attempt to be still and listen in the chaos.  I attempt to create time and space for God even more during the times of chaos by getting into nature, just sitting still, writing, reading, or some other way of communication with the Creator God.

Yet, even so, there are still times when I struggle to remember my calling, my way, my path that God has called me to.  And even when I remember and know without a doubt the way, it is difficult to imagine living into it when the way isn't clearly cut at this time.  But I am reminded that God can make a way when there seems to be no way.  I am reminded that I can trust the Voice that called me and that guides me.

Yesterday there was a picture of mountains on the Contemplative Photography by Diane Walker Facebook page with this quote:

There is a way,
a path carved in to the cleft between these mountains.
Whenever things begin to loom like this,
you'll simply have to trust.
There is a way, a path for you to take,
a hand to guide you through:
but first you'll have to ask...

I shared the picture and quote to my page, adding my reflection: "The way isn't always clear. The path gets difficult. Ask. Trust. Allow the guidance of the Guide."

Here is Mary Oliver's poem, "The Journey": 

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice – – -
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
‘Mend my life!’
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations – – -
though their melancholy
was terrible. It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice,
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do – – – determined to save
the only life you could save.

I would encourage you to read the poem through a couple of times slowly.  What word, words, or phrases stand out to you?  Reflect on those things.  It might also be good to think about what are you learning about yourself on the journey. 

When was "the one day I knew what I had to do" and began?  One of the significant markers for me was the 5 Day TN Academy in 2010.  There were several things that happened during that week that clarified to me what I was to do.  There were also some seeds planted.   The big first step that came from that week was my re-application to seminary for the M.Div.  I also learned about the bilingual 2 Year Academy that week and made some connections that allowed me to teach Lay Servant classes on beadisciple.com.  Several ongoing relationships stem from that week too.  

The journey over the past 4 years has taken me deeper.  Deeper into knowing myself.  Deeper into my relationship with God.

I still have quite a bit of learning and growing to do.  I have many more questions than answers and my life doesn't always reflect the love and light of Christ.

Yet, I remain on the journey.  And, for me, that's the most important part. 

What is it that you know you are to do?  May you be graced with boldness and courage to begin!

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Poured out Love--Rumi, kenosis, Philippians, Christ's example

I was able to go to the Centering Prayer group yesterday, making it back two weeks in a row now! Hurray!  We are still working through Cynthia Bourgeault's book Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening.  The section we read together on Friday was primarily on kenosis, the act of self-emptying. 

As part of the reading, there was a poem by Rumi on love.  Bourgeault mentioned that this poem goes well with the hymn found in Philippians 2:9-16 (which she had discussed earlier in the chapter as an example of kenosis, page 83).

Rumi's poem:

Love is recklessness, not reason.
Reason seeks a profit,
Love comes on strong, consuming herself,
          Unabashed.

Yet in the midst of suffering
Love proceeds like a millstone,
Hard-surfaced and straight-forward.

Having died to self-interest,
She risks everything and asks for nothing.
Love gambles away every gift God bestows.

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These words by Rumi speak to me (as do the verses in Philippians 2:9-16 and kenosis). 

Love radically given and poured out for others..... that's Christ's example for us.  It is truly an awesome example.  Not so easy to model.  It resonates within; it just doesn't seem to flow out so readily, at least not all the time.  I think some drops drip or ooze out from time to time.  There might even be a steady flow here and there, but then my selfishness and humanity plug up the open places from where the love was flowing and then the outpouring isn't pouring out so much anymore. 

Desiring to be like the One who died to self and gave everything up for others, yet not always being able to live into that skin.  It's an ongoing growing process.  It's a journey.

Thankfully, we're not in this process or on this journey alone.  We are surrounded by others who are seeking to grow and learn and love too.  We are able to encourage and support one another in the ups and downs, in the ebb and flow, in the ins and outs.  Community is a true blessing, whether that community is visible, local, or across the ocean.

Blessings on your journey,
Debra

"The Way It Is"-- a poem by William Stafford for the journey

I've been introduced to some new poets and poetry this week during our morning curriculum sessions and in yesterday's after lunch session.  I've enjoyed reflecting on these this week.

This morning, we heard "The Way It Is" by William Stafford.  Before I say anything about it, let me just share the poem.  But, first, a little bit about the poet.  William Stafford (1914-1993) was born in Kansas.  He wrote about 22,000 poems in his life time, of which 3,000 have been published.  For more, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Stafford_(poet) and http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/224.

"The Way It Is"
William Stafford

There's a thread you follow.  It goes among
things that change.  But it doesn't change.
People wonder what you're pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can't get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you can do can stop time's unfolding.
You don't ever let go of the thread.
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Read it through a couple of times.  What words or phrases stand out for you?  What is the thread for you?  How do you see your life connecting to this poem?

For me, it's a picture of the journey, of the faith journey.  The thread that doesn't change for me is God.  "It goes among things that change."  The journey is an ongoing adventure of change.  People probably wonder what I'm pursuing... I imagine people wonder about quite a bit that I do.  Some may; some may not.  It doesn't really matter.  My concern is to follow the thread.  I try to explain about the thread.  For some others it's hard to see; yet there are those who see it too.  Lots of life stuff has happened and will happen along the pathway of this journey.  I can not stop time from unfolding, but I can hold on to the thread.  I can hold on to the thread through my doubts, through my fears, through my joys, through my pains, through my growth, etc.  It is a word picture of my spiritual formation journey, my adventurous journey of faith.

So, I'll ask again.  What is the thread for you?  How does this poem touch you, connect with you?  What are your thoughts?

Here is a link with the poem and a picture image of a canoe and a body of water.  Maybe it will help to reflect on the poem from this website: http://www.panhala.net/Archive/The_Way_It_Is.html

Following the thread,

~Debra