Awakening - John 14 - Easter 5A

Awakening 

Tony E Hansen

Reflection based upon John 14: 1-14, Acts 7:55-60

May the words my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable in your sight …

We start off May with baskets of goodies and chilly mornings that delay parts of the garden. That along with a wedding between couple friends. A little respite from life’s dealings.

I personally have been dealing with bits of stress. Not like Saint Stephen’s experience - but stress and yes I still pray.

When you have stuff just working and then the premises underneath change, this causes a fair amount rework and feels like a house of cards.

The result is confusion and tendency towards apathy - throwing up hands.  There is a feeling of “not important” because my work depends upon those ahead of me. There are important details in play that are being decided and handed out without collaboration or consultation. 

Not that everything should be a meeting. I rather enjoy peace of just working and figuring out things. Yet, when you are constantly churning to correct for changes, (latest card to collapse…) it's time to pause until there is a proper way. 

The situation impacts more than just progress on potential outcomes. It creeps into the rest of life. 

Plenty of questions. Why do I feel like the-last-to-know or even an after-thought rather than something closer to the decision? Am I worthy? Am in the right place? What am I doing? Why do I feel so alone? 

Maybe you’ve been in this position… maybe the current world feels chaotic like that?

We partially think what that path is and what kind of dreams people have shared. So we work to build the components of that path and dream. I want to hold onto that dream - walk a good path (not just for me but for those around me and especially my kids.)

Thankfully, we read the Gospel of John - some respite from all of life’s dealings.

This Gospel has some beautiful mysticism and the teachings of the final discourse showcase that. There are 7 of the “I-am” statements, and this one “I am the way the truth and the life…” invites us to something profound and uniquely intimate.

Jesus, in saying “I-am” invokes Exodus of YHWH to Moses question of who are you, that response something like “I am who I am” - simply “I am.”

For most of my life, especially as a youth, I would look up in the sky somewhere abstract and talk to God as someone off and aloof even. That God was somewhere but I not knowing exactly where - that Heaven was some place above us.

Now that we see images from the reverse thanks to flights like Artemis and Apollo, where is Heaven exactly? Where is God?

The universe shows us spectacular display of constellations, clouds, galaxies, comets as many cosmic array of wonder.

Then, I am just this speck on a planet in a wide universe in a wide expanse of time. Why am I here - at this moment - in this place?

That is a massive consideration and also quite humbling. For some, it is draws to despair and hopeless because the enormity of it all and my tiny part starts to feel less than consequential.

That is one of the reasons Jesus says “I am…” bread, the light, the door (gate), the good shepherd, the resurrection, the way, and the vine. “I am” the food, the opening and protection, the guide and protector, the new life and new beginning, the path and the journey and the connection to all. 

The way and the path is important here because the destination is not the point, but rather what we do and who we are - rather who I am. 

A foundation of what Jesus says is in these proclamations as paths for us.  “I am the way” then is invitation to a journey and purpose. 

Why and why do I care about that?

For all that expanse around us, there is something fundamental here. For all of the places we look for God and all of the ways we may communicate with the Divine, Jesus reminds us that Divine, the Spirit, is much much closer.

Jesus (and John the Baptist) call out “the kingdom is near,” that God is near. The Spirit is near. What does that mean?

Jesus reminds us - YHWH as “I am.” Jesus invites us to discover the living Spirit living right inside - each and everyone of us. (John 14:11). 

What is the first thing Jesus does when appearing to the disciples, "Peace be with you." 

Other religions of the world share some notion of this. Understanding this is waking up: An awakening. 

That changes the way we think about things; the way we interact with others and the world large. Because, when you consider the Spirit much closer to you and within… Suddenly, God is no longer abstract and aloof but tangible, right here and within. I have access.

The words “I am” become an amazing consideration and not just identity - and maybe a bit scary. What am I supposed to do with Spirit inside?

When you really consider this, everything you do and think suddenly has identity and purpose beyond a singular ‘me’. I am part of (and important to) a wider existence. I don’t think in terms of selfish or even resenting. No matter what happens to me or around me, I can have peace. I can be peace. 

That does not exclude people because of their proximity of birth and life circumstances are no where near John's Gospel. The Divine invites us to connect with strangers because they are part of God's love just the same.  

The world and the universe are not just large constructs but immaculate beings and marvelous progress growing together. “I am” invites us to see and listen to the Spirit living within - feeding, protecting, enlightening, calling to us, giving direction and life, and yes connecting us to everyone and the whole cosmos.

(Similar to how Paul describes the community as a body with many parts. 1 Corinthians 12) 

When I think about it like this, John’s Gospel opens up completely. Wars and violence are totally unnecessary because one does not fight with another child of the Divine. One does not hurt parts of the body. 

I am not saying we are each walking Divine, but we are parts and connected to that Divine. 

We may not agree on everything or see things the same way. We may not have the same skillsets. 

I may not be able to do all the things that God can. I can however live God’s peace and love in my being. I can talk to God anytime I want. Then, Church is there to help us understand how to connect well with the Spirit.

When we witness the Spirit near us and within, we understand the Gospel as a way of being - part of a wonderful journey with purpose. We don’t have to worry because we have identity, we have connection and thus, purpose - a God-given purpose.

World stress goes away. 

We can breathe. 

I breathe. 

I have peace. 

I am peace.

Peace.

Thanks Be to God.

Amen

Dinner with Jesus - Luke 24 - Easter 3A

Dinner with Jesus 

Tony E Hansen 

Sermon based upon Luke 24:13-35. Psalm 116, Acts: 2:14,36-41

Opening prayer:

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen !

There are many shows we see where a "boss" will go into their place of business - incognito mode. The attempt then is, theoretically, to observe how the people work and how they treat customers. Some might argue this as a sinister plot to pick on people. That may be but lets give benefit of the doubt. 

Do we treat people differently because we know them or don’t? Do we treat them differently because they dress a certain way or talk in my accent versus some other dialect or whole other language? 

What happens when people are observed versus just going about our work day? 

When we knew “corporate” was coming to the store, we run around doing the flight of bumble bee to clean everything, face product and make sure everyone was saying the correct things. e.g. You know you can use your store card to get rewards and cash back on that purchase??

What happens when these visits are unannounced?

This raises more questions. 

Do we treat people differently because we know they worship differently or don’t believe? What if they exhibit all that Jesus teaches us? Jealous maybe? What if they, like the Pope, preach the lessons of the Gospel about peace, love of neighbor, love thy enemies, and forgiveness?  Will we listen? How about dinner? 

In our lesson today, a couple guys are walking along when another person joins them. They are talking all about what has happened to Jesus “…a prophet mighty in deed and word before God…” and how women reported seeing him alive. 

They, being hospitable, invite this person to dinner to realize this is “that guy!” What a moment that has to be! The Boss has come to observe and teach again! 

You know their questions involve, “Did we measure up? How did we not know?”

Good thing this wasn’t at the pearly gates. no? What happens then?

What would you do if you realized you were having dinner with Jesus? 

I think that is part of what I see happen when I go on routes with UBFM.  

When you hand a meal to someone on the street and they just light up with joy - that someone even saw them, let alone give them food. For a brief moment, we have dinner with Christ because you see Christ there - bringing us together in place and sometimes prayer. 

That burrito may seem plain to us, but it sure tastes awesome when given with radical love and hospitality. 

We don’t know the circumstances of how people get there and what they have been doing to get out of there. They often share that. That person is there no less and they are deserving of love, hospitality and grace just as much as anyone.  AND they will show you a vision of Christ - if you let the Spirit work.

That is why we call experiences like this as, “God moments.” 

Yes people of all different beliefs serving people in the community without judgement. Some may just be doing required community service. Some may do it for this reason or that, but the volunteer, along with their heart, is in the right place at the right time for an experience.

God happens, Christ appears, the Spirit shows up -> and in ways that aren’t announced or planned, but the divine shows where there is space for grace and love to exist.  We don’t even know what they believe or don’t but the Spirit guides us and welcomes us into the presence.

That is why the Gospel message is pretty direct and simple but is not easy. Following Jesus is simple to say but not easy to do. 

How do we act and think or choose words when we think God is not watching?

We don’t need just UBFM time or Sunday morning for God to happen because God doesn’t keep schedules like that. 

We are to be love, grace, hope and forgiveness to all and everyday of our lives (and every hour). That Beloved, is why following Jesus is not easy!

The Gospel doesn’t ask us to do easy things and go with the herd.  It doesn’t ask to take the tally of socially viable or if you align with some litmus test for being conservative or liberal.  Nor is it a virtual vending machine or transaction.

The Gospel is the truth and requires us to look deep into ourselves first to find the love of God inside us and also to witness that love in the people around us - regardless if we like them or if they have done right to us.

If we question whether someone should have a weapon (or even bigger weapon). That is moot when the people complaining are using pretty big ones themselves. That sounds more like a bully and not exhibiting what Christ teaches. 

Perhaps instead of throwing punches, we sit and talk to see what we do together. Let the Spirit work to help find space for the divine in our lives rather than looking for blame - or a fight.

If we let the Spirit guide us and calm our fears, there would not be worry nor blame. There would not be questions of faith and grace because we would be the example of Christ to those who need to see it - especially to those we think might be hostile to us. 

Beloved, the Boss has come to visit, wants to know what we have learned and if we express the Gospel of love. The Boss invites us to dinner, what will you say? What will you do? 

Thanks be to God! Amen!

What Do You Believe - John 20 - Easter 2A

What do you believe

Tony E Hansen

Sermon based upon Psalm 16, John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1: 3-9

Happy Easter … times 2! And Peace be with you!

After a week of anxiety and fear, sitting on the edge of seats and wondering how this war saga was going to unfold after the ranting and profanity displayed.  There are still plenty of questions, anxiousness and unsettling as a result. When is there other shoe going to drop and what is that going to look like??

Thus, this Gospel story couldn’t be more appropriate!

Familiar story of questioning Thomas but something remarkable happens around this that we often overlook.

Jesus has appeared to the women at the tomb and to the disciples behind closed doors. Thomas doesn’t want to miss out. 

In telling this portion, the Gospel is also the telling of the resurrection as a day of Pentecost x 2.(Pentecost incidentally is on weekend of my birthday.)

More ways to celebrate Easter and holy days !

Jesus breaks forth into their world and the first word is “Peace.” Jesus offers peace.

Despite doors being locked, despite fear and credible concerns, Jesus comes to them where they are.

This is reassuring and it is inviting. For whoever we are on our journey Jesus can come into our lives, and bring us peace. 

Yet not all were present and not all believe this. Still Jesus shows and in different ways.

Regardless of shut doors and regardless of questions, Jesus comes and breathes peace.

Still, there are people in disbelief. How can this be?

Did you see what what I saw? Do you see and hear what I see?  Do you have to hear it and see it the way I do ?

People can have their own Jesus moment. Even if you don’t even know who Jesus is, there is something that is offered to you. You who witness and display the love and grace in your life are a witness to divine love too. 

The Spirit blesses with peace and invites you into the presence of love and grace.

Beloved, the question is laid there for you and me, what do you believe? What would it take for you to believe ? What would happen if you did believe?   Or do you need to see injuries and the wounds in order to determine for yourself and your speculation? 

Take your own wounds for examination and let the Spirit heal you.

We often think about the resurrection and Easter as the physical manifestation but forgetting that Easter is more than chocolates, rabbits or cute outfits we wear on a spring day.  Resurrection isn’t some private event even or only for a few.  Jesus meets us where we are. 

Resurrection is spiritual - manifestation of birth and - rather - rebirth of what we forget. Rebirth of hope, of faith, of love, of grace in our lives - despite the anxiety, edge-of-seat fear . Resurrection is peace for you and me - a respite from all of the world for us to find the divine in our lives.

The resurrection happens and it can happen to you - as Richard Rohr suggests, we don’t have to wait until our own death to witness it. We like Thomas may have not been there the first time, but God is ready to break forth into your life and now - regardless of the questions - even especially because of the questions !

There are many things in our lives that warrant questions and cynical consideration, but God’s gifts are ready for us as an answer to our fears and our isolation.

God’s gifts, blessing and our witness of that is for us to truly understand life. “That life exists and identity- that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.”

These words from Whitman encapsulate that fear and those questions as well the divine answer to the question. 

This then is a living answer through resurrection as a new birth of hope and faith for you and me. 

These words also are what Jesus assigns to them in the room. Not only do you have God’s blessing and the witness of God, but you are to go into the world and share that blessing, share the forgiveness , share the blessing and witness so that others might experience this grace breaking forth into their lives.  

It isn’t for us to hoard and keep in boxes for a single Sunday or even a season, but for us to live and witness in our lives as part of our lives and our interactions with people.  

You don’t have to hear it, see it or witness this presence in the same ways.  Be invited to seek out the truth, to feel, - to be assured in our way.  

Ask the question, seek and you will have an answer given.  Your witness does not have to be the same as mine, but let your witness be of truth. Let your witness of the divine spirit move you and show you. Let the Spirit send you into the world with that love and forgiveness on your heart so that you and I can teach others the power of that love and forgiveness .

Then perhaps negotiations for wars are unneeded because when we go with that in our hearts, there is no blame and there is no fight. There is no worry because we share that which has been blessed upon us and that which is blessed upon all. 

With divine love and forgiveness, we have no blame, no fight and no war.

Beloved Children of God, Receive the Holy Spirit and go with peace into the world!

Peace be with you! Amen