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"Nothing Matters More Than_________________________" June 27, 2010 - Sherry Lohman Luke 9:51-62 I have just finished a second memoir by Kate Braestrup. She is an ordained minister in the Unitarian Church, and chaplain for the Maine Warden Service . In her first memoir, she writes about the sudden death of her young husband and calling upon her faith in her personal loss and sharing that faith. In her second memoir, she addresses relationships; not just the common relationships we consider, like in marriage, but those which can be shared, among strangers./ We tend to think of relationships as those that we allot time for; intentional time, quality time ....like a date, or a scheduled lunch or walk, together with someone we already love or know. Braestrup widens the circle to include anyone who crosses her path. She's all about borrowing from John's Gospel, for the whole of her theology, which she claims can be found in three words: God is love. The practical application of that theology, she writes, then, is nearly as simple. Be as loving as you can, as often as you can, for as many people (friend, family, stranger, foe), as you can, for as long as you live. It's as simple as that---well, really, in truth, it only sounds simple. That means loving the telemarketer who calls at dinnertime, the gas station attendant who doesn't really attend, the waitress that messes up your order. Are we really supposed to do that? We know it to be true: God is love...wherever you happen to be, and with whomever you are with...God is love. God's loving nature does not change./ Let's take it a step further to make it a little more dynamic. Braestrup offers this question: (think about it....) Nothing matters more than _________________ (you fill in the blank). What is it, for you? Braestrup contends that any word other than the word "love," will most likely send us in a circle of self centeredness. More importantly, however you fill in the blank-that sentence becomes, in effect, your working definition of God. Let's see if it works with today's scripture. Jesus and his disciples are traveling toward Jerusalem. Keep in mind that Jesus' focus is on Jerusalem---this would be his final trip to there. His mind may be occupied with what is waiting for him-and it's not looking promising. Messengers are sent ahead of him. It was their job to arrange for lodging and food. But the Samaritans in the village were not accommodating; not welcoming Jesus. They were aware that Jesus would not be staying with them, but was merely passing through. The conditions weren't right. They felt slighted. I don't know if you have family like that....those who insist you stay with them, and if you don't, they're offended. Well, that's what was going on here. The disciples hear about it, and then they become offended. Suddenly, everyone is up in arms. Two of the disciples, John and James, ask Jesus if they should get revenge-ask God to show those Samaritans a little fire from the sky (sort of like what the prophet, Elijah did, if you were with us, last Sunday). It's self-righteous, but I've heard people trying to use God to claim revenge. ("God will get even with you." Ever heard that?) Jesus admonishes any such notions. In the big picture of life, this is small potatoes. "Nothing is more important than love."/ James, John...what are you thinking-taking revenge? We don't do that; that's not kingdom building. // See how easily even the disciples fell into that old way of life. You see how quickly it could go, either way (building up/tearing down). But Jesus-Jesus is always alert; paying attention to what's happening, right before his eyes. In all the backlash, we may miss the obvious. What is becoming clear, is the contrast between Jesus' way of life, and the settled life of this Samaritan village....or, maybe your own settled way of life. Jesus was set for Jerusalem; a journey, motivated by a passionate mission. Nothing, now, will prevent him from moving forward; not a comfortable, convenient place to stay. Instead, he and his disciples move on toward another village./ As they journey, a passerby along the way cries out, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus responds, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." Jesus poses no false expectations. You think this journey to proclaim God's kingdom---building this kingdom of love sounds easy? (shake head no) "Nothing is more important than love." To another, Jesus would call, but again, advising, "...accepting this call may cause you some headaches. This is no cake walk. Complainers need not apply." Those are my words. Jesus' sound much harsher. "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." This is serious stuff. This isn't some trendy little love fest we're headed for./ The invitation must have hit like a bucket of cold water. "Nothing is more important than love." For Jesus, it is a matter of life and death. Every day. Little by little, we can live, lovingly, in the Spirit of God (kingdom living), or we can die a little (tearing down the kingdom). But we-we forget. How many times a day do we forget the call-the mission, and yes, the passion, to proclaim God's love. Somehow, we get caught up in the little stuff of life, that causes us to forget who we are and whose we are, and why we're doing what we're doing. Suddenly, we are prepared to call down fire from God to deal with the person who has most recently offended us. It happens to all of us. Jesus reminds us to keep our focus; to remember what Jesus has taught us, and move ahead, passionately, in our mission of love. "Nothing is more important than love." It is the message Jesus brought us. It permeates every area of life, from our earliest beginnings until our last breath, here, on earth. Today, as we fellowship with one another, and later, when we step out into that oppressive heat, let us remember, "Nothing is more important than love." And tonight, as we fall, exhausted into bed, and reflect upon the day and all that has passed before us, how we might have done things differently, let us remember, "Nothing is more important than love." In this new week, as we resume our work routines or take time for vacation, crossing paths with others, let us remember, "Nothing is more important than love." God help us if the oil leak (this man made disaster) is not contained, but along with that, should some natural disasters strike, may we remember that "Nothing is more important than love." You see, it's important that we remember that. It's important because it moves us to action....building....kingdom building. It is God's love; unconditional, selfless and self-giving. It's the love Jesus taught us about; urgent, necessary and simple, but not easy. God is love, and nothing matters more than love. Knowing that, are you still up for the journey? Maybe you're not. It's ok. God still loves you, because in God's eyes, nothing within you, not even a small voice of resistance, will prevent God's loving you....because nothing is more important that love, and God - is - love. Amen. |