In this season of Easter we are seeking to open ourselves to the Risen Christ in our midst. This Sunday as we share in Communion and explore two intriguing Scripture passages we are invited to let our lives become more sacramental. In Acts 16: 9-15 we read about Paul as he and his companions spread the message of Jesus to new communities. Planning such things takes surprising turns. As Luke tells us the Spirit blocks Paul when he plans to go one way. Instead in a vision Paul is urged to go another way–across the sea to Macedonia. He obeys. Once there he meets a surprising woman named Lydia. She is a Gentile businesswoman, attending Jewish worship, searching for a deeper connection with God. Paul—as a rabbi with a new message–speaks during worship and before long Lydia and her family are baptized into Christ. This is how the new mission into Europe begins—at the urging of the Spirit. It’s clear in Acts that Paul, Lydia, and all the others, are part of something much larger than themselves. When they resist that ‘something greater’ the way is blocked. When they obey these subtle urgings of the Sprit amazing things occur.
In the Gospel of John (14:23-29) Jesus is speaking to his disciples on the night before his crucifixion. He tells them he is going away but that he is also coming to be with them, that divinity will come and dwell among them along with a spirit of comfort and guidance. Again, there is this message that if we will open ourselves to the Spirit we will be guided and directed in surprising ways. What does this have to do with us? Think of a tiny seed saying to itself, “How could I ever make a difference in the world? I’m so insignificant!” And yet the seed obeys a deeper urging and opens itself to life and new life flows into the world. My meditation, “Seeds of Transformation” will pick up this theme of obeying a deep wisdom that is hidden within us, urging us to follow in new ways. This is what living a sacramental life is all about. Come and listen for the voice within you as we share together in worship, song, reflection, and communion.
Following worship we will head to Barrett Hall for coffee hour and then join in a pot-luck lunch to do some sharing and listening from deep places. If you can stay, bring a dish to share, and gather for a guided discussion as we share stories about the joys and struggles of life here in the Berkshires. What do you love about living here? What’s being a challenge for you and your neighbors in this time? I will guide the discussion as we listen to each other and gather ideas for the upcoming Assembly of Berkshire Interfaith Organizing (BIO). From discussions like ours taking place in faith communities across the county BIO is seeking inspiration for helping to improve life in the Berkshires. It is an exciting journey of creating community and positive change. Come be a part of it! The Mission Board is assisting me with preparations. Ann Roche and helpers will provide child care in Cooke Center. And with your contributions of a dish to share and thoughts from your heart, seeds will open and new life will flow.
At 2 p.m. Ann Roche and available families will go shopping for food for the Pantry. Finally, as I was writing this late Thursday afternoon the Isham-Morton family stopped by with bags of food. It was so tender to see Molly and Beth happily wrestling grocery bags of pasta, cereal, and crackers up the stairs. They know they are part of something larger than themselves. It’s so holy, so sacramental. Blessings. See you in church.
— Rev. Joel