Monday, May 18, 2020

Sermon from the 6th Sunday of Easter


May 17, 2020
6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22

Please pray with me,
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable and suitable in your sight, O God, our rock, our strength and our redeemer.  Amen. 

At the beginning of the year, I etched out my running goals with my coach. 
The initial plans included some speed work on shorter distances, a race with my sister, joining an ultra-team for a relay race and a marathon in late fall. 

The racing season has not panned out as I, or many other runners, anticipated. 
May originally contained a 10K and a half marathon.  The half marathon would have been yesterday.  Well, with races being either cancelled or postponed, the runners have continued to run.  I registered to run a virtual half-marathon through Fleet Feet Sports in West Reading.  It was like a ‘regular’ race…with a t-shirt, bib, and even finishers medal.  Proceeds went to Opportunity House. 


After you registered, you had between May 1 and May 11 to run your registered distance and submit your race time. 

Two weeks ago was my half marathon.  It was a beautiful spring morning, I got to run in capris and a tank top and, even though it was a solo race, I did not run it alone. 

My other coach, Billy, rode his bike alongside me for 13.1 miles. 
Some were faster than others, some were more grueling than others…and some, he didn’t ride too closely.  Well done, Billy, way to read the situation.  😉

While my half marathon was technically unsupported (no porta-potties, water stops or mile markers) my half marathon was supported fully by Billy.  

He was with me every step of the way, never leaving my side, cheering when I needed it, and more importantly, just being present when not being alone was all that I really needed. 

Just being present…so I knew I wasn’t out there on my own. 

In today’s gospel lesson Jesus talks to his disciples letting them know that they are not alone, nor will they ever be alone. 

Similar to Yoda’s word of hope, “There is another.” Jesus tells the disciples that another one is coming.  An advocate is coming, the Holy Spirit is coming, the one who is called to be alongside of you.  The Holy Spirit. 

Through Jesus’ words, the disciples are reminded just as God has always been with them, God will continue to be with them in the future. 

The Holy Spirit will be sent into their midst to accompany them on their journey.  Jesus promises the disciples that they will not be alone…in the midst of a future that is uncertain, in the midst of a future when Jesus as they know him will not be with them, in the midst of their daily lives to come…the disciples will NOT be alone. 

The Holy Spirit, will abide with them.  Being present in teaching, leading, listening, guiding, encouraging, nurturing and just being present. 

What a comforting promise Jesus makes to the disciples in their time of fear, worry or uncertainty. 

What a comforting promise Jesus make to us, in our time of fear, worry or uncertainty. 

Jesus will ask the Father and the Father will give us another advocate…to be with us forever. 

Jesus promises the disciples, AND US, that we are not alone, the advocate, the Holy Spirit is called to be alongside us.  God who has always been with us promises to always be with us into the future. 

The advocate will be with us, will accompany us….
What will that look like? 
It will look different for each of us. 
It means that the Spirit will be with each and everyone of us in the ways God accompanies each of us. 

What does it look like to have the Spirit beside us?  Supporting us?  Guiding us?  Comforting us? Nurturing us?  Encouraging us?

It’s similar to Billy’s support in my half marathon.  Accompanying me didn’t mean Billy needed to run 13.1 miles, I don’t know if that would’ve happened…scratch that, I know that wouldn’t have happened.  Billy doesn’t run.  But, big BUT here, he was willing to ride 13.1 miles.  It meant he was ready and willing to be beside me, not necessarily doing the same thing, but being present for the experience. 

So often the church, the ministry that happens through this place happens because we are able to gather together in this space.  When we do, we hear and share stories, highs and lows and prayer concerns.  We connect week after week and through that physical presence as we accompany each other on our life’s journeys. 

Well, friends, we still accompany one another, don’t we? 
Even when we aren’t in the same physical space together each week. 

So often we think about walking alongside someone and physically being there with that person. 

What does accompaniment look like for you right now? 
How are people walking this journey with you, especially if you live on your own? 
How are people caring for you by providing physical space, but remaining emotionally present and present in relationship? 

Take time to reconnect with those who you would have seen in worship this morning either in a text, phone call or hand written note.  I bet, not that gamble, but I bet that if you send a note to someone this week … and all it said was …you are not alone. That it would make a world of difference in their lives. 

If you’re not sure about the impact it could make…think about walking to your mailbox and receiving a card that says, you are not alone.  How would that touch your heart…your soul? 

How would being reminded of another’s presence with you provide comfort and hope in the midst of an uncertain and worry-filled time? 
I think it would make a difference in many hearts. 

Just a simple note: You are not alone. 

You, we, can accompany one another on this journey as the Holy Spirit is at work in us and through us. 

It doesn’t mean we are called to experience this season in the same way as everyone else, but it does mean we are called to go the distance.  Called to be present, to listen, to love, to encourage, to nurture, to support, to strengthen and to just be.

I pray that you know and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life when you are in need of that love and comfort, nurture, care, support and encouragement. 

Because here’s the thing folks…and it’s one more running analogy…
This time and place, this season of our lives….it’s a marathon, not a sprint. 
There is a long road ahead of us. 
And we cannot proceed without the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

When this situation started to take shape around us in early March, we thought about the next few weeks, and then we thought about the next few months…and now…we don’t know how this journey will unfold for us. 
We are constantly adjusting and readjusting our plans of action. 

As this season unfolds around us, be certain of the Holy Spirit in your midst, in the midst our families and community, comforting, encouraging, supporting, nurturing and being present in the midst of all that is happening. 

Know that you are not going through this alone.
Take a moment to remind others that they, too, are not alone. 

Seek solace and comfort in that. 

And may the peace which surpasses all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and let all God’s people say, amen. 

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