Sometimes these sermons come together easily and sometimes they don't. This sermon hasn't formed in a way that pleases me at this point, but it's only Friday. There is still time.
I am struck by several aspects of the text which is Matthew 14:13-21. This is the story of Jesus going to a lonely place and being followed by the crowd. He tells them to sit down and asks his disciples to feed them. I saw this as a "communion" story. I thought about this episode in terms of the Last Supper.
I have come to several conclusions:
1. In the lonely places of life we are invited to celebrate. If we can celebrate life in the lonely places we can celebrate life anywhere. We never quite know what is happening while it is happening because there are things happening beyond our ability to know them. Sometimes because they are so close to us and we can not see it. Sometimes because they are so dramatic that we look in the wrong direction or see the lesser thing while missing the greater thing. Meaning happens in every moment and we have to be alert to it.
2. Communion happens when we turn each present moment into a sacrament and that begins with an approach to life that sees every moment as filled with meaning.
3. Communion happens when we look at the future as a time in which there are loose ends and, in the loose ends, we begin to discover linkages.
If there is meaning in every moment and linkage in every loose end we are in the mode of celebrating no matter where we are and no matter what is happening to us.
Right now this sermon is a script of loose ends. It needs organizational and spiritual direction. If you have thoughts on this please write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the congregation click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles
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