Clothesline - Edition 214

By Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson, Pastor

August 21, 2024  

For several weeks now our Sunday Gospel readings have focused on Jesus’ teaching: “I am the bread of life.” He says if we eat this bread we will never be hungry again, and that without this bread we will die. He pounds this home, over and over again in Chapter 6 of John’s Gospel, and he seems to go over the edge when he says, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. “

Last Sunday I talked extensively about Jesus’ words in relation to the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. If we take Jesus words at face value, we can easily understand his teaching in relation to the sacrament. But there’s more to it than the availability of bread and wine embodying the essence of Jesus. Jesus wants to take up residence within us—all the time—not just when we are able to receive His Sacrament.

Jesus is all about love, and love means attraction, connection, closeness. And when you think about it, living in a world that is so full of hate and discontent, it’s hard to live in the presence of God all the time. Or is it?

There are days when I open my eyes, see the sun coming up through the window, and I wish I could pull the covers up over my head and go back to sleep! At least then I wouldn’t have to deal with the world and all its disfunction. But after some reflection, I understand God’s plan a little better. This idea that Jesus wants to be within us all the time is what keeps me going. It helps me to see things with different eyes. When I see something on Facebook, in the news, or even from another person that should send me over the edge, I think “God’s got this!” When I start to wonder whether if who I am or what I do really matters in the scheme of things, I remember: God’s got this! The Creator of the universe lives in me. I must be important. Well, I imagine you’re thinking this sounds somewhat simple and childish, but I choose to call it “child-like.” After all, Jesus did teach us to be “child-like”, didn’t he?

Remember the story when he took a little child, placed him in the midst of his disciples and said, “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Unless you become like…children…needing to trust in Jesus, depending on him for that which is important in this life. It’s as simple as that. And speaking of children, I saw a mother teaching this prayer to her little ones; we would do well to copy it:

First, Hold up your index finger and say:

  “We praise you, Lord.”

Second, Add your third finger, saying:

   “You are good.”

Third, Add your fourth finger, and say:

    “I am loved.”

Fourth, Add your little finger, saying:

    “I rejoice in you.”

Then, pulling your thumb under your finger say: “Amen,” and make a fist. You’ve captured the prayer in your hand. Put it in your pocket, and Jesus will be with you all day!

Isn’t that what we want? Profound can be very simple!