"Sharing Jesus' Peace" - John 14:27, John 16:33 and John 20:19-21

“Sharing Jesus’ Peace” – Andrews Chapel Campus of Jackson FUMC – 8/24/2014
Peace – what comes to mind when you hear this word?- Is it a river, a mountain, or the desert; somewhere away from all of the noise and clutter of our modern world; is it time alone in your home without your family making demands on or is it a day without screaming, fighting, or shooting?
Peace as defined by Merriam-Webster has many meanings – including “freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions, freedom from civil disturbance or harmony in personal relationships.” The opposite of peace is “war, anguish, anxiety or worry, according to the dictionary.
In 1938, Neville Chamberlain entered the UK into a non-aggression pact with Hitler stating that Germany would never go to war again with them. Chamberlain infamously described this accord as, “Peace in Our Time”. He firmly believed that there would be peace and another World War had been avoided. However, as we know in hindsight; it was not long before Hitler violated this agreement and bombs were being dropped on the UK. (For further info visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/30/newsid_3115000/3115476.stm)
As illustrated by this story; we as human beings more often than not experience external peace temporarily. We come to an agreement or settlement or we go off by ourselves for a while. However, in our own strength, it is nearly impossible to maintain our agreements and most of us cannot permanently leave our jobs and families. Yet even for those who are called to a contemplative life; the external trouble cannot be escaped. Thomas Merton was in the monastery throughout much of the Civil Rights Movement and the upheaval of the 1960s. However, no matter hard he tried; Merton could not ignore these events and God’s call to speak out through praying and writing about them.
Our scriptures this morning remind us that there is another kind of peace; a lasting peace that is freely given to us by Jesus Christ. A peace that exists not just in the quiet but also in the swirl of our modern world. For Jesus himself acknowledges that we will have trouble in the world. In our verses; from chapters 14 and 16; Jesus speaks peace to his disciples during their final hours together. Yet it is a different kind of peace than they expected; it is not freedom from Roman captivity
or violence. It is an inner peace; a peace that comes from knowing God and acknowledging his ongoing presence in all aspects of our life.
After his Resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples and add offers them his peace and just as his father has sent him; sends them out to share this peace with the world.
However, before we can share Jesus with the world and offer peace; we must know Jesus ourselves. Once we dedicate our lives to Him, them we must continue to spend time in His presence. In Henri Nouwen’s book; Discernment: Reading the Signs of Life written with Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca J. Laird; he describes 4 ways of spending time with God; in my own words they are:  
1. Reading, reflecting and interpreting scripture
2. Abiding in prayer
3. Worship and sharing in the Lord’s Supper

4. Remembering Jesus and our ‘burning heart’ experience of experiencing God’s presence or as John Wesley described it; “my heart was strangely warmed”(found on pp. 118 Discernment: Reading the Signs of Life, Harper One, ©2013)

When we regularly spend time in these spiritual practices

We can offer hospitality to those who cannot return our invitation and are in need of a friend. Consider inviting those who due to unemployment, grief, violence, mental illness, physical disabilities and addiction are in need of Jesus’ peace and love. Consider offering food, shelter and clothing to those in need by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, at your local soup kitchen or the Salvation Army. Volunteer at the school in your community. Participate in crime marches; attend local events and get to know your neighbors. Smile at strangers in the grocery store. Be counter-cultural by letting cars out in front of you; giving up your place in
line to someone who appears frustrated or pay for a strangers’ meal in a restaurant. These are all ways we can share Jesus’ Peace in our day-to-day lives.
However, I would contend that we sometimes jump into these works of justice too quickly and try to do them in our own strength. We neglect to pray for others and place them in God’s hands. It becomes difficult to offer peace and love to others without spending time in Intercessory Prayer. Jesus changes hearts and minds; we simply point the way with our words and actions. In his booklet, "Beginning to Pray" Anthony Bloom relays this story of a monk who worked beside many peasants in his monastery workshop. The story illustrates how interceding on the peasants’ behalf made a difference. One day, one of the other monks asked Father Stravinsky (not his real name I could not pronounce his Russian name), “how is it that the people who work in your workshops work so well even though you never supervise them, while we spend our time looking after them and they try continuously to cheat us in their work?” Father Stravinsky replied, “I don’t know; I can only tell you what I do about it. When I come to work in the morning, I never come without having prayed for these people, and I come with my heart filled with my heart and compassion for them. I give them their tasks and then I pray for each of them individually all day long saying, “O Lord, remember Nicholas” and go down the line praying for each one. Consider praying for those whom you see daily in your work and for strangers whom you see without the day. Jesus often uses prayer in unexpected ways and often like Father Stravinsky we do not see it until someone asks us about how are we able to be so patient and compassionate.(Retold in my own words from its retelling on pp. 115 Discernment: Reading the Signs of Life, Harper One, ©2013)
As we remember those in our families, our work and those strangers whom we pass, we need to remember to pray for the overwhelming situations in the world that bombard us in our 24-hour news society. I would invite you this week to consider praying for one situation in your community – learn the names of some of those involved and pray for them. Then choose a situation in a place that you are unfamiliar with, perhaps Ferguson, MO, Luhansk, Ukraine, or Beersheba, one of the communities in the Gaza Strip. Praying for those in other places; unites us with those who pray for peace in their communities around the world.
As I mentioned earlier one of the practices that needs to be a regular part of our life is worship. It is difficult for us to pray for unity in the world if we are not regularly gathering with our community of believers and praying for them
throughout the week. Pray for your congregation; its leaders and its ministries throughout the week.
Together through prayer and works of justice, we can permeate our life, our family, our church, our community, our country and our world with Jesus’ peace.
Will you join me in praying for peace?

The Rev. Elizabeth Tapia, director of Mission Theology for Global Ministries, wrote these  prayers for peace in observance of World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel 2013 World Week for Peace , which calls for justice and peace for all people. United Methodists are encouraged to use these prayers in both personal and corporate prayer times.

Gentle Spirit,

Breathe in us the wind

of truth, wisdom and righteousness.

May your Presence inspire us

 to create labyrinths of peace.

Compassionate One,

Make our hearts burn with love,

honoring all peoples  and creation.

Bless all nations, every family and community

 while we seek to work for justice and unity.

Prince of Peace,

 Lead us to ways of healing and reconciliation

  we pray with those who suffer and struggle. 

 Bless us with your reconciling love that knows no boundaries as we seek to live in community, justice and peace.

So be it.

 The Beatitudes and Prayers for the Christians in Palestine

A humble encouragement to the Christians living in Palestine...

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mathew 5:6)

God of Peace, as our sisters and brothers in Palestine hunger and thirst for righteousness, freedom, land, unity and safety, fill them with your transforming grace, that they keep on trusting You as they keep on being peacemakers.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Mathew 5:9)

God of Love, help us to love and respect all your children on earth, to care for those who struggle and persecuted in many ways.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v. 10).

God of Justice and Grace, grant us courageous and pure hearts, so we may see you more clearly and dwell in your land with harmony.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (v. 8)

We pray in the name of the Triune God, Amen.

 —Rev. Dr. Elizabeth S. Tapia (from the Philippines),

 Office of Mission Theology

General Board of Global Ministries of the

United Methodist Church, New York City

etapia@umcmission.org

Other websites to visit: 

General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church

http://www.henrinouwen.org/ - Henri Nouwen Society

http://merton.org/ITMS/ - International Thomas Merton Society 

World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel 2014

Jesus’ Final Priestly Prayer: Mission and Unity Andrew’s Chapel Campus, Jackson FUMC – June 1, 2014

In our technological word; we like data; we like to be able to google something and find all there is to know on the subject. We find it odd if a person or business does not have a web presence of some kind whether it be a web page or a social media account and heaven forbid if they do not have an e-mail address.  Just as an aside; I cannot imagine doing a sermon without the Internet and its wealth of resources and I share my sermons on the Internet; just check out my blog.  However, our Gospel passage from John this morning  existed orally long before it was written down on papyrus.  It is more like the person or business who is operating below the technological radar.  This passage of scripture requires faith and a willingness to be a Christ-follower.  For the writer of John 17; the facts about a historical Jesus or the actual events do not matter.  The writer is referring us back to the Prologue John where it is written, “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God.”  Christ is the Word or as expressed by Dr. Alexander Shaia; “the Way of Love”, has existed since the beginning and will continue to be forever. The Word or as expressed by Dr. Alexander Shaia;  author of This text points us to eternal life through Christ and being one in Christ; the path of love.  While it is the path of love, it is also a path of suffering.  As the commentary for Preaching God’s Justice says, “These tensions show that the Christian life is neither absent of pain nor comfortable.”

Jesus has eaten his last meal and washed his disciples’ feet in the Upper Room.  This prayer is a part of his final discourse before he is arrested and crucified.  It is not only part of the final discourse but it is his final priestly prayer before being nailed to the cross.   Jesus begins by acknowledging that the time has come and prays for himself.  However, Jesus is not asking for circumstances to be changed but for God; the Father, to be honored and be known to all of Jesus’ followers.  In the second part of the prayer, Jesus is praying for his followers.  He demonstrates his love by asking the Father to protect them and to unite them as one. 

Two major  principles for us in this passage:

(1) Following Jesus’ example of  praying for our mission as Christ-followers both individually and corporately to be fulfilled – not for things to be made simple or less painful but for God to be glorified  and all to  be led to experience  eternal life not in the future but now meaning  that

“And this is the really real life across all time – that The Source of All is the deepest truth of the cosmos, and Jesus the Christ (the full teaching of The Way of Love) teaches us that matter and spirit, death and life, light and dark, time and eternity, earth and heaven and all people are One as The Source of All and The Way are One.” –  © Dr. Alexander Shaia, Heart and Mind: The Four Gospel Journey for Transformation

(2) Unity – we are to be One not a group of individuals but One – but what does unity look like, it  does not mean agreeing on every single doctrinal point or every single interpretation of scripture;  but it does mean loving each other as Christ followers.  We often are very good at building houses together or feeding the hungry or handing out clothing but what about how we treat people outside of those service opportunities?  I remember one Sunday as teenager when our family had to leave church immediately following the last hymn so we sat in the very last row; while some people arrived after us and said it was their pew and then proceeded sit down in front of us and act miffed during the entire service.  Alternatively, perhaps we are nice to be people when we see them at church and then act as if we do not know then outside of the church. This is not unity either.  Compassion is to be practiced both inside and outside of the Christian community.

Practicing compassion is refraining from judgment or advice giving  or trying to figure why this happening to that person before you decide to help but rather being present and letting them know Christ is with them and that suffering is a part of living.  Sometimes it is the direct result of sin or consequences of sin, however; it is not our job to point out other people’s sin but to care for them. Compassion is also not criticizing or making fun of other Christians with whom we disagree.   We hurt Christ’s mission more by our own infighting within the local church and within the universal church. Because we as Christians are composed of so many different groups; most of the time the world sees conflict and not love. 

Believing that we are under the Father’s protection means we have no need to fear or to understand all of life. Christ is asking us to accept whatever comes our way and to work with all those who follow Christ as well as those who do not. This is a tall order, which is why we cannot be Christians by ourselves because in our sufferings, our doubts, our joys and our celebrations we need community.  So where do we begin?  Jesus’ prayer this morning offers for us an example of humility and obedience second to none.  It also emphasizes how trust is key in all relationships.  Jesus trusted the Father; the Father protects us and as we will hear next Sunday; the Father gave us the Holy Spirit as our advocate.  Regardless of our knowledge or lack of knowledge of why God has done or not done certain things in the world; the Bible provides us with a picture of God who since the beginning of time has desired relationship with us.  Now have we always thought that God got it right or did we always respond to God appropriately probably not but again the past is not important.  What is important is us trusting in God.  We show God our trust by being honest with Him.  We cannot experience the redemption and love of Christ unless we tell God that we are scared; angry, fearful, excited or remorseful etc.  Trust is the first step in identifying with the Way of Love.; from there we can seek to glorify God and to become united with other Christ Followers as one.

So does trusting Jesus ensure that I will be happy probably not because even our modern psychologists have stated that  If anything, pure happiness is linked to not helping others in need. “ which is contrary to Jesus’ teaching.

After surviving the Holocaust; the famed Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist, Victor Frankl wrote a book entitled; Man’s Search for Meaning that was published in 1959; and in it he writes ,

“This uniqueness and singleness which distinguishes each individual and gives a meaning to his existence has a bearing on creative work as much as it does on human love. When the impossibility of replacing a person is realized, it allows the responsibility, which a man has for his existence and its continuance to appear in all its magnitude. A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how."

In another words, when we know our purpose then we can endure any kind of suffering.  Jesus knew his purpose and desires us to find our purpose in Him.   Even in our great technological age; a group of psychological scientists have just finished a study that will be published later this year in the Journal of Positive Psychology concluding that “Meaning is not only about transcending the self, but also about transcending the present moment”.   They go on to say that “While happiness is an emotion felt in the here and now, it ultimately fades away, just as all emotions do; positive affect and feelings of pleasure are fleeting. The amount of time people report feeling good or bad correlates with happiness but not at all with meaning.  “

Atlantic Monthly, further quotes this study in their article, “There is more to life than happiness”, by stating that: “Meaning, on the other hand, is enduring. It connects the past to the present to the future. "Thinking beyond the present moment, into the past or future, was a sign of the relatively meaningful but unhappy life," the researchers write. "Happiness is not generally found in contemplating the past or future." That is, people who thought more about the present were happier, but people who spent more time thinking about the future or about past struggles and sufferings felt more meaning in their lives, though they were less happy. “

So how we do carry out Christ’s mission and discover meaning in our lives?

(1) Identifying with Jesus as the Way of Love -    the website Living Space says –“To know the Father and Jesus is to have as full as possible an understanding of Jesus’ message and to have assimilated it into one’s whole life. It is not just a knowledge of recognition but a mutual identification of vision and values.  Further  As the Jerusalem Bible states: “In biblical language, ‘knowledge’ is not merely the conclusion of an intellectual process but the fruit of an ‘experience’, a personal contact.  When it matures, it is love.” (Jerusalem Bible, loc. cit.)”

(2) Commit to praying – follow Jesus’ example – praying for ourselves(to glorify God in all things and that our hearts and minds may be united in one purpose) so that we can pray for and be in unity with other Christ followers. 

(3) Commit to being a part of a faith community not just in name or by occupying a pew but by  being immersed in it by praying, serving and fellowshipping with other Christ followers.   Find others in your own church and beyond to encourage and share in your spiritual growth and service-(Facebook and Twitter are great ways to connect with other people; I have friends now from around the world who pray for me and we share in each other’s lives as Christ-followers some of them I don’t even know what church they go  to or what there theology is; we simply share and support each  other as Christians).

(4) As a Christ follower take responsibility for your own personal growth through regular study of scripture and spiritual reading; be willing to share your journey and help equip others.

(5) Serve and reflect Christ’s love in the world, which is sorely needed, as at least a quarter of Americans do not have a strong sense of what makes their lives meaningful according to Atlantic Monthly.

This is where our focus needs to be.  Jesus is not concerned with what happened in the past or what might happen but what we are doing together in this moment to be united together as One in Him that the world sees his love from us.

 I close now with a prayer from Michelle Francl-Donnay’s Homily written for this Sunday and published in the book,  Naked. And you Clothed me. “May we have ears to hear the poor. May we have eyes to see the root of injustice.  May we have the courage to bear the crosses placed upon us. May we have the will and the strength to take up the crosses that are not ours.  And may we ever bear with joy and hope the weight of glory.” ©2013 Clear Faith Publishing, Homilists for the Homeless series

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

To connect further with the resources mentioned visit: 

www.quadratos.com

Homilists for the Homeless
Preaching God's Transforming Justice
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/theres-more-to-life-than-being-happy/266805/
Journal of Positive Psychology
http://livingspace.sacredspace.ie/
Jerusalem Bible

Second Mile Love: Matthew 5:43-48

Second Mile Love – Matthew 5:43-48 – Parsons UMC – February 23, 2014

Jesus in these verses is telling us that answering his call is about a different kind of love.  Jesus calls to a second mile love; a love that continues regardless of how we feel.  In our culture, we are frequently taught to love only those who are nice to us and give us something in return.  Politicians pass laws that favor those who given them the most money.  Contracts are awarded to those who do extra favors.    Every day in the news, we hear about people being assaulted or even murdered for just being in someone else’s way.  They could have been an obstacle to the other’s career or relationship or to winning an election.   So perhaps we think we do not have any enemies since we do not engage in unjust behaviors.  I mean after all we are friendly to everyone.  We are not planning to murder, assault or bribe anyone.  On the other hand, maybe we say to ourselves I already pray for my enemies; I mean I pray for the Taliban in Afghanistan and for the gang warfare in my community so I am set right?  However, what about the person at work whom you make sure you never sit next to at lunch or the person at church whom we avoid.  Are we not by our actions classifying them as enemies?  Do we pray for those who have different ideas than us about how the Sunday school should be run or are we still holding a grudge against the chairperson of the rummage sale committee because they did not take our ideas?  In God’s eyes, we are no better off than the murderer because our sins of bitterness and resentment keep us trapped too.

Perhaps we are like the 98 year old man in the story; Father James Martin tells who stands up and says I have no enemies and when the priest asks him how this is so?  The man replies,” All those bastards have died!”  Yet he still has enemies.   Why? Because his anger indicates that, he is still holding grudges against them and cannot move on.    This bondage is not what Jesus wants.  He wants us to live a life of freedom.

However, God gives us free will.  We can hold to our grudges and stay stuck in past.  Yet over time, this does not accomplish anything.  I can think of times in my life when I was so angry that I lost sleep for several days and could think of nothing but plotting revenge.  Did brooding over this situation do anything; in fact, it brought suffering on me.  I wasted a week of my life preoccupied with hate rather than living in the freedom Jesus desires for me.  Jesus is always waiting for us but we have to choose to surrender. 

Now; just to clarify for a moment; we are not going to like everybody nor does Jesus expect us to open ourselves to abuse and mistreatment.   Loving our enemies means treating everyone with respect and not reacting in anger but rather responding with love.  Sometimes this might mean being silent or other times it might mean going to someone in authority.  Most often, however; what is required is for us to allow God to change our hearts. 

Where do we start?  First, we must start with surrender and admit that since only our Heavenly Father is perfect that we need God’s help.  Then we need to admit our own shortcomings before God and admit that we are in many ways like our enemies.  Next, let us consider listing our enemies. Then perhaps we can start with one or two specific people and pray for them every day. 

The Episcopal Priest, Linda Taylor, describes it this way, “Praying for our enemies means to go with them into God’s presence. We cannot simply send them there, and we cannot just send God after them. We cannot sic God on our enemies as we sic a dog on an intruder. Praying for our enemies means going with them into the Presence—being part of the healing—seeking healing for ourselves just as we seek healing for those whom we see as evil. Above all, the decision to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us means opening our deepest selves to transformation—daring to take one step out of the familiar into the places where we have yet to go.”

Our enemy (real or perceived) may never stop their taunting, their indifference or intimidation but our perspective will change.  We will no longer worry about what our enemies will do or not to do but will simply be free to respond with love. 

As God changes our hearts and we are filled with the Holy Spirit; then we will seek to be salt and light to the world as Jesus has asked us to.  What does this look like?  It means that we will stop using the word hate and take the time to teach others not to hate.  We will not allow those who are different us to be demonized; nor allow ourselves to be influenced by the protests; signs; commercials and speeches that promote hate.  They tell us to have nothing to do with those who are Muslim or homosexual or those who are Latino or who are poor.  They tell us to not even to speak with those in the opposite political party or try to understand those who are Afghan, Iraqi, or North Korean.  All of these people are God’s children whether they believe in Jesus or not.  Loving our enemies means allowing the transformative power of God to work through all.  It means making tough choices.

A Cambodia man whom I will call John because I cannot pronounce his given name tells one incredible story of choosing love not hate.  John at the age of 14 saw 13 members of his family murdered by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.  While plotting his revenge, John lived in a number of refugee camps and eventually immigrated to Canada.  Yet his plan was still to find those responsible and kill them.  In Canada, John came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior and began to experience God’s healing.  However, as time moved on; he realized that his preoccupation with desiring to kill these men was destroying him.  John needed to turn his bitterness over to God and as he sought to forgive those who killed his family; he discovered a new purpose.  John began to feel called to find the men who hurt his family and tell them of Christ’s love.  Several years later, John made trip to Cambodia and found two of the men involved in committing those atrocities.  He shook their hands and said he forgave them.  John continues to serve as a missionary in Cambodia. 

The writer and activist; Shane Claiborne who speaks often on the subject of loving your enemies talks about one life-changing experience he had.  Claiborne and some others traveled to Iraq in March 2003 to get to know the Iraqis as people and meet with Iraqi Christians.  As they were leaving the country, their car broke down in the desert in the midst of bombs coming down.  Some Iraqis came along and picked them up.  Yet they did not shoot or imprison them but rather took them back to their community and nursed them to back to health.  This town of Rutba had many reasons to hate Americans; as they had been bombed numerous times; one of those times their hospital was destroyed.  However, they chose love instead of hate; Shane and his friends were restored to health and the assisted in leaving the country safely.  A bond of friendship was formed between the Iraqis and Americans that continues.

Those two stories illustrate that the transforming love of Christ knows no bounds.  As scriptures tell us, nothing is impossible with God.   We do not need to be afraid; for when we surrender all to Jesus; he goes before us and guides us.

 Let us consider these questions. What we do need to surrender to Jesus this day?  How can we extend Jesus’ love to all people?

In the Name of the One who creates, redeems and sustains. Amen. 

Further Resources on learning to love your enemies 

http://clearfaithpublishing.com/homilies/ - Father James Martin S.J. 's story comes from the book; Naked, And You Clothed Me: Homilies & Reflections for Cycle A

www.quadratos.com - quote from Rev. Linda Taylor comes from their blog

http://theforgivenessproject.com/ - the story of the Cambodian man, John comes from this website 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypfVjQynwes - Youtube Video of Shane Claiborne discussing loving your enemies 

Keeping Jesus' Words - Moving in God's Breath

“Keeping Jesus’ Words” – John 14:22-29

Parsons UMC – May 5, 2013

Good Morning, it is an honor and a privilege to be here and to be able to share with you this morning.

Hear these words from the Gospel of John (NRSV):

Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” ²³Jesus 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. ²⁴Whoever 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. ²⁶But 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.²⁷Peace 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.

²⁸You 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. ²⁹And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.

This passage in John on this sixth Sunday in the Easter Season is a part of the four chapters known as “discourse on intimacy and union” also sometimes called the final discourse.  Jesus has celebrated the Passover meal, washed the disciples’ feet and shared with his disciples the bread and the wine.  So now imagine this; for the last time Jesus before the crucifixion and resurrection is surrounded by his disciples and is teaching them.  They are asking questions and he is providing them with commandments to live by.  In this passage one of his disciples has asked, “How is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”    The disciples unlike us had not lived through the Resurrection nor experienced Pentecost yet.  Therefore, I believe for us as Easter People; as disciples who know that Jesus has risen and conquered, the question we need to ask is, “Jesus, how do we keep your words?”  It sounds simple enough but keeping Jesus’ words is more than putting them in your pocket or remembering them once in a while.  We know also that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can love those around us including our enemies unconditionally.  So how then do we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and how can we know peace as only Jesus can give it?

Perhaps we can examine these questions better by hearing this scripture in a different form.  Listen to this translation by Alexander Shaia, author of “The Hidden Power of the Gospels,”

14 John 22-29- copyright 2013 Dr. Alexander Shaia
Judas (not Iscariot) asks, “Holy One, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to those unaware?” Jesus answers, “Those who love The Way will move with my breath and my Source, my Father, my Mother will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love The Way does not move with my breath. The Wisdom of The Way that you hear is not mine, but is from the Source/Father who sends me. “I say these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Source/Father sends in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I say to you. Shalom I leave with you; my Shalom I give to you. I do not give to you as one unreflective gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You hear me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you love The Way, you will rejoice that the I AM is going to The Source/Father, because The Source/Father is greater than I. And now - I tell you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may "know" it. ¹

Shaia translates keeping Jesus’ words as moving with God’s breath.   Sometimes when we think of the Holy Spirit we only think of prophesying and speaking in tongues but it is more than that.  In order to live like Resurrection people it is important to spend time with God and many of us do have a daily devotional time.  For the part, however; we Christians excel in “being active” in the church, whatever, that means.  I hear it all the time; “he or she is so active in their church. ”   It probably means that they are exhausted from attending meetings, planning meetings, and evaluating meetings.  A few months ago, I read an article in the paper about a city in Texas that gives an award to the family, which is most involved in their community.  The family who won the award had two elementary school aged children.  Each child played on three different sports teams, belonged to two school clubs plus took dance, karate and music lessons.  Each parent served on two community boards, belonged to two service clubs and they were active in their church being deacon, teaching Sunday school, serving on the outreach, children’s’ and worship committees and also sang in the church choir.  Their prize was a night out for dinner and a day trip to a local amusement park.  Personally I would need a year’s sabbatical in the Bahamas. 

 Moving with God’s breath challenges us to go a step further beyond being active in the church and having a daily devotion time.  We are called as followers of Christ to allow God to be present in everything we do.  Here are three spiritual practices that can help us move with God’s breath and reflect Jesus’ love at all times and in all places.

The first way we can move with God’s breath is by practicing gratitude.  Being thankful is our way of acknowledging the gifts God has given.  Therefore when we are grateful and give God the glory; the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us.  In the Old Testament; we observe in the Israelites how complaining and demanding what we want can separate us from God.  The Israelites received manna from heaven instead of meat.  However, instead of being thankful they grumbled and complained which then caused being separated from God.  God eventually gave them meat, however; they did not follow the Spirit and share equally with everyone but some gathered more than enough for themselves.  Because they were greedy and ungrateful; the Lord struck the Israelites with a great plague and many died.  As Christians with the full knowledge of the Resurrection of Jesus; we are exhorted by Paul to give thanks in all circumstances not just when we feel like it or when we get what we want.   When I lived in Johnson City, TN; I met a woman named Crystal who been homeless for over a year and lived in a tent.  When I asked her if she ever got lonely; Crystal replied, no, “I never get lonely; I have Jesus and the birds. Every day I share part of my crackers with the birds as a way of thanking Jesus for loving me. “  

This past fall; as my 40^th birthday was approaching; I thought that it would be really neat for us to go away for a few days as a family.  However, as I looked at different options; somehow the Holy Spirit kept nudging me that the timing was not right.  This turned out to be true as I became very ill the week before my birthday and in the midst of my illness; I was very thankful that I listened to God and didn’t rush ahead.  Often when we rush ahead; we miss out on God’s blessings.  Other times we miss out on God’s blessings because we are too preoccupied with what we want rather than like Crystal being thankful for what we have.   Be thankful in all circumstances; practice gratitude every day.

A second way we can move with God’s breath is through practicing simplicity.  No I am not saying give up all your technology or only wear one color of clothing.  I am saying to evaluate your priorities; how you use your time, money and talents.  Practicing simplicity means giving God your best.  Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Do not allow yourself to fill your time with frivolous activities simply to please or get the approval of others.  When I first moved to Jackson; I joined several groups to get to know people.   If anyone asked me, I would join because I was so excited just to be asked.   However, as time went on, I began to realize that some of these groups did not allow me to give God my best.  One of my involvements was the community garden project; I joined this because I liked the idea of growing fresh vegetables but after 2 years I realized that I had no talent or passion for growing vegetables.   Simplicity is also about focus.  In our 24/7 society, multi-tasking rules us.  In the car while commuting, some of us make phone calls, fix our make-up, eat breakfast and even finish doing our hair all while listening to the radio.  When we observe people on the street; they are often walking, talking on their phone, texting and/or listening to a digital book or music.  However, when we multi-task often we miss out on experiencing the blessings of one particular task through our five senses and instead find ourselves with sensory overload. We do many things okay instead of doing one thing well.  God expects excellence and demands our attention. Living simply means experiencing life abundantly with all of our five senses rather than hurrying and scurrying about all the time.  By allowing our minds and hearts to direct us and not others; we practice simplicity and make room for the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. 

One Sunday in church, a girl named Angela and her brother were sitting together.  Her brother kept giggling and playing around; Angela finally said pointing to the men in suits at the back of the church; be quiet or the hushers will get you.  While God does not send out hushers; He does give us the Holy Spirit to quiet our souls.

As we practice gratitude and simplicity; we create space for contemplation or rather more of an opportunity to be drawn closer to God.  As we unclutter our lives; we begin to notice God’s presence and hear that still small voice.  Yet perhaps some of you have thought like I did that in order to practice contemplation or be contemplative; we had to find a place and sit in silence for a certain amount of time.  While being silent is part of contemplation; we do not necessarily have to be still.  We can learn to slow down and be with God in our daily chores such as doing laundry, washing dishes, mowing the grass and cleaning the bathroom.  However since these activities are so mundane and our minds tend to wander during them at least mine does; consider beginning your contemplative practice with one of your hobbies such as walking, gardening, baking bread or taking pictures.  If you are not used to silence and normally listen to music or have a   friend with you during these activities; try doing it by yourself one day and spend at least 3-5 minutes of your activity being silent.  Focus on the present and on offering yourself as a prayer to God.  Thank God for this opportunity to do one of your favorite activities and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within you.  When spending time with God doing something I love which for me more often than not is doing some kind of art or walking outside; I notice that I feel more rested and renewed.  Move towards spending your entire hobby time in silence and then try it with one of your household chores.  Notice how you begin to recognize that there is no separation between the secular and the sacred.   I have observed that even things I don’t like to do like folding laundry become effortless when I give them to God. 

The fruit of practicing gratitude, simplicity and contemplation is peace.  Jesus says to us, “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 be afraid.”   The world views peace as the absence of conflict and stress.  However, if this is our only definition, then peace does not occur very often.  We can easily turn on the TV or the radio and become bogged down by the constant stories of war and terrorism.  As Christians, however, we  can give all of the conflicts present in the world and in our lives over to Jesus.  In our giving thanks, living simply and contemplating Jesus’ love on a moment by moment basis; we can experience the peace that passes all understanding in all times and places. 

This day let us practice moving in God’s breath and accept the peace Jesus has given us.  In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. 

¹  “One of the transitions that Quadratos invites is to move from Jesus as a static reality to one that is a dynamic presence leading us on a never ending journey of growth, love and transformation.  In the Quadratos metaphor-Jesus the Christ is The Way – and The Way is four particular yet universal paths in an every on-going journey.  To Know Jesus is to live-ever deeper-The Way of the Four Paths.”  - Alexander Shaia- for more information visit - http://www.quadratos.com/

Reconciliation: Living a Grace-Filled Life , A sermon on Philemon preached at Parsons UMC on 9/8/2013

For us as Christians when we hear these words what comes to mind?  We think about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.  In Jesus’ death the result of our sins, we are granted forgiveness and given the gift of grace.  Through his resurrection, Jesus restores our relationship with God and offers us a new life for all of eternity.   However, this reconciliation and the gift of grace are not only for making a one –time commitment to Jesus but for committing to continuing the journey.  In Paul’s Letter to Philemon; we are given a case study of how to live a grace-filled life.  Listen to these words from the Holy Scripture: Read Philemon 1-25.  

 These twenty-fives verses are a letter written by Paul to Philemon, master of the slave Onesimus.  This letter deals with their relationship and could be considered a personal matter with no application for us today.

This is just like when we pass by a dead armadillo on the road; we simply pass by and see it as no concern of ours.  Perhaps though we do ask some questions; we wonder why there are so many armadillos dead on the road and where they come from.  We may even begin to debate with others about whether or not they should be hunted.  Yet when we consider the issue long enough, we must moving from our heads to our hearts acknowledge that the dead armadillo is not just something to be ignored but a symptom of our stewardship or lack thereof for  God’s creation.  

Similarly, we often pass over and dismiss Paul’s Letter to Philemon as a personal matter or we can get caught in wanting the facts.  We can want to know where and when it was written.  We can wonder who the people are who are mentioned in the letter.  We could even begin to debate whether or not Paul is condoning or condemning slavery in this letter.  Jus t like with the dead armadillo, we must move from our heads to our hearts in examining Philemon to come to the central issue; we must admit that this letter isn’t just about masters and their slaves but it is about  relationships and exemplifying God’s love in all  of them. 

However, when we face the centrality of the Gospel; that we are to share the love of God in all circumstances and share His love with everyone; we wonder can we be disciples of Jesus with such a cost. It can be quite overwhelming and we wonder where to start. 

First, of all, we start where Paul starts in his opening lines, when we read the text closely; we are reminded that no man is an island.  This letter is not just written to Philemon but to all who are a part of the church who meets in Philemon’s home.    Paul is stressing that grace is relational and communal.  As Eugene Peterson says, “every movement we make causes a ripple effect.”   As a Christian community we are to pray for one another and support each other in the task of loving all people.

This letter seeks to reconcile Philemon and Onesimus.  So let’s look at how Paul does this; is he demanding or forceful?  Does he take advantage of his prior relationship with Philemon or invoke his apostolic authority?  No, Paul does none of these things.  Paul makes his request humbly and tactfully.  He emphasizes to the church that in spite of his own imprisonment the law of love comes first.  Paul did not have to return Onesimus; he could have had him imprisoned for being a runaway slave or could have kept him for himself just out of spite saying well he is my slave now.  Yet Paul knows that what God desires more than anything is for us not just to love Him but to love each other in ways that go above and beyond what is expected of us.  This means even in our own suffering put others before ourselves.

He reminds Philemon of how valuable his work in the church is.  Paul himself has been blessed and encouraged by Philemon’s love and prayers.   Paul shares Onesimus’ conversion and reminds Philemon of how he led him to Christ.  He even admits his own selfish desires’ of wanting to keep Onesimus with him because Onesimus has been such a help. 

Paul requests that Philemon treat Onesimus now as a brother.  Onesimus has repented of his past sins and is returning a new man.  He asks Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat him if he came to visit.  There is to be equality in Christ.   Paul desires Philemon out of love to accept Onesimus as a brother and be an example for the community.  Paul expresses his belief in Philemon that he will do the right thing and be obedient to the higher law of love rather than worry about his own respectability in the community.  Philemon is held to the highest standard as Paul led him to Christ and now he is a leader in the church.  

 Do we lovingly expect obedience and have faith in the other person to do what is needed to be done?  Often in our fast-paced instant world; we do not.  I often find myself after asking my daughter to do something; going back within only a few minutes and asking her again.  Sometimes even at work or church; I feel the need to check and recheck how something is going to be done when I am not there.  Avoiding the trap of falling back on the old cliché; that if something is going to be done right we must do it ourselves is hard to do. While there is a place for accountability; we also need to give others the opportunity to do what is being asked of them.  There are no exceptions to this.  We all have gifts to offer.  For as it says in Galatians 3:28, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”  

So how do we apply these principles of non-dominance and equality in our own communities of faith? Can we in church meetings or gatherings, when discussions become heated, act as mediators and bring it back to the issue at hand lovingly?  Can we in our Sunday school classes or small groups not tolerate gossip or judgment but rather remind everyone that no one is perfect and we are not God.  Welcoming and including everyone is not an option but a command by Jesus.  However, in the same way that Paul gives Philemon a choice so Jesus give us a choice. 

So how do we lead if we choose to follow Jesus’ way, the way of love? We need to see ourselves as servants and be patient with those whom we lead.  We cannot be tireless and demanding taskmasters either in the church nor at home nor at work.   In my Sunday school class; we practice collaborative leadership allowing anyone who desires to the opportunity to teach.  We strive during our lessons to give all who wish to an opportunity to contribute.  Yet we also trust our class leaders to make the necessary final decisions regarding curriculum and other issues related to the management of the class.  The key word here is trust as leaders we must foster trust lovingly.  Our new Bishop, Bill McAlilly; has been and continues to work tirelessly at having open dialogue throughout the Memphis Conference.  He is working to gain our trust by giving us opportunities to give input and by keeping us informed through his blog.  Bishop McAlilly is setting an example for us and encouraging us as a conference to believe that greater things are yet to come.  The Bishop desires not only our obedience but for us to listen and forge new relationships with each other.   We need to permeate the church and all of its gatherings with grace and love.  We need to take the time to listen to each other and not succumb to the disease of this age which is only paying partial attention because somehow we must be doing two or three things at once.  We must clothe ourselves in love and let His amazing grace permeate our churches rather than regulations; disagreements and traditions.   However we should not stop there; as Christians we are called to go out into the world. 

Institutions cannot change overnight but we can change how people are treated.  We can offer smiles to strangers and friendly faces to cashiers at Supermarkets and gas stations.  We can offer appreciation to those who serve such as housekeepers and maintenance crews who are often viewed as invisible.  We can tip and be complimentary when a job is well done.  We can speak out regarding crucial issues without attacking those who disagree with us.  We can urge others to get involved in their communities.

I am involved in a community mediation program that works with non-violent juvenile offenders.  This program offers an opportunity for both the offender and the victim to share their stories and reach an agreement of how to resolve the issue together.  This program stresses relationships rather than punishment.  Resolving conflicts through mediation is one way to bring reconciliation to the world.

As time goes on, maybe we can even do the unexpected.   For example at 8 years old, my sister very innocently and lovingly held the door for the doorman at a hotel we were staying at.  This made quite an impression on him.  He told her that no one had ever held the door for him before.  So what would happen if our employees saw the boss emptying the garbage, if our bosses’ saw the employees going the extra mile and finishing our reports instead of rushing off, if we did not complain about waiting our turn or did not judge those who look different from us?   What would happen if we started eating lunch with the person who has no one to eat with?  We may think that only children and teenagers leave others out for petty reasons but it even happens with adults.  When my mother was teaching in the late 1960s; all of the children went home for lunch so all of the teachers would often go out for lunch but they would not invite the one teacher who was missing part of her hand.   After several occasions, my mother asked the teacher with the missing part of her hand to eat lunch with her and thus my mother was also ostracized by the other teachers.  Are we willing to risk those relationships that are comfortable and convenient? 

 Another piece of reconciliation sometimes involves assuming others’ debts so that they can have a second chance.  Paul does this for Onesimus as a way of encouraging Philemon to accept him as a brother in Christ.  Paul assures Philemon that he will repay anything that is owed.   This may not always be in monetary terms but can also mean vouching for another’s character; offering someone a place to live or assisting them in making that difficult phone call to the person they have wronged.

Yet we cannot do any of this in our own strength considering ourselves superior or our actions will seem patronizing and self-serving.  Like Paul, we must act with humility and out of God’s transformative power.  We need to admit when we are wrong and ask for forgiveness.  We must heed the words of Ephesians 4:26, which reads, “Be angry but do not sin, do not the sun go down on your anger.”  We must reconcile relationships as soon as we can; there is no time like the present.

Sometimes however we are not going to know what the outcome is. Historically; there is some evidence that Onesimus was freed and went on to become a leader in the church but what actually occurred remains a mystery.  Like Paul, we may be called to move on to other places before relationships change but that should not keep us from always acting out of love in the present moment.

Yes this is the message of Philemon, not to condemn but to love in all circumstances and change the world one person at a time.   We as Christians are called to pray for each other and support each other in being a part of this ministry of reconciliation.  The church is to be a laboratory for sharing God’s love. 

So today I challenge us as individuals and as a church community to practice reconciliation.  Spend time each day confessing your sins to God; let love and grace permeate your household and treat everyone with a loving spirit.   Let us be known by our love in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.   

May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit; go out into the world sharing His grace with everyone.