SERMON: “Peace to All Who Enter Here” July 7, 2013
Proper 9, Is. 66:10-14, Ps 66:1-8, Gal. 6:1-6, Luke 10:1-11Peace. It is priceless. I especially think of this when my inner peace is challenged, such as when I am at the airport waiting in the security line along with hundreds of other rushed and somewhat irate people...all of us taking off our shoes, getting x-rayed, patted down and our luggage inspected by TSA agents.
Even when I am traveling in my military uniform, there I am being forced to take off my boots, my belt and be x-rayed. I say to the TSA agents, "Hey, we work for the same boss here!" But, to no avail.
Sigh. Another opportunity to practice my spirituality!
So much chaos these days… We are in the long, hot summer now…and this week there have been some terrible tragedies. We don’t know why these things happen, but they do. And we pray.
The chaos and busy-ness of life is one reason why I am attracted to calm and peaceful places, like being out in nature, gardening, doing creative things, walking and hiking in the desert, (well, not when it is 115 degrees!).
Think about this…think of a time when you felt a deep, intense and amazing spiritual moment, where you intensely felt God’s presence and peace. Hold that in your mind’s eye.
Isn’t it wonderful?
Most of us have experienced an amazing spiritual experience or two in our lives. Perhaps more. This would be a good question to contemplate and share in a “Spirituality Discussion Group” or a retreat.
I would be willing to bet, that most of our deep spiritual moments have been in the quiet, or in solitude, not in the noise and chaos!
God is always knocking on our door, so to speak. But can we hear God’s communication over all the 'noise'?
Hospitality is very big in most world cultures, and is still especially big in the Middle East. The tradition was, and still is, if someone comes by for a visit, you stop what you are doing and take the time to visit with them. Most places you go, shops, small businesses, etc., will quickly offer you a small cup of tea. So, expect to drink at least three cups at each place you visit. One cup when arriving, one while visiting, and one for the road!
Very different than our culture here, where work and ‘getting stuff done’ seems to comes first before taking the time to visit.
I wonder if those 70 disciples Jesus sent forward drank lots of tea with the people they visited!
Jesus instructed them to say, “peace to this house”, and “the kingdom of God is at hand”.
The phrase is also quoted as the Kingdom of God is within you…
Is the kingdom of God really within us?
In Luke’s gospel, Jesus was asked when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus replied, it is not something people will be able to see and point to. Then came these striking words: “Neither shall they say, Not here! And not there! For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)
And in the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus says, ...”the Kingdom of God is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, (wisdom) and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living God. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty.” (spiritual poverty)
In other words, know thyself. Awaken.
With these words, Jesus taught what is universal and timeless. Look into every great religious and spiritual tradition in the world, and we find the same precept —life’s ultimate treasure, inner peace, wisdom...love...God's kingdom lies deep within us.
As Jesus made very clear, we can experience this inner wisdom and peace — and no experience could be more valuable. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God … and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33).
Let us slow down, be quiet, and listen….. Is God is knocking at your ‘door’?
Let us open our hearts… and be hospitable to God. And there will be peace, a peace that passes all understanding, to all who enter here!
Amen.
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