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Margaret O’Neal
Proper 9 Isaiah 66: 10-14; Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20 July 2 & 3, 2022 LCCK, FLC, KM BEARING PEACE I am the treasurer of our homeowner’s association, a job I have had for many years. I am also the welcoming committee. When a new resident moves into the community, I put together our welcome packet containing the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, directory for the neighborhood, etc. A few days after someone has moved in and is hopefully getting settled, I knock on the door and wait to see who answers. I introduce myself, welcome them to the neighborhood, tell them some of the perks about our community like the park and the pond that is beautifully maintained, the summer picnic and the yearly homeowner’s meeting over dinner. Then I hand them the packet. After I have gained their confidence, I ask for their names, phone numbers for the directory, and email addresses (kept private by the way but used in case there is an emergency in our Glen.) This means that because I have made that initial visit, I know most of my neighbors. I enjoy visiting with them as I walk around the Glen. As I read the gospel for today, it made me start thinking about my own mission work. Jesus had 12 disciples who were called to follow him and learn as much about the Kingdom of God as possible. Later he called 70 more disciples who were commissioned to go out, heal the sick, and preach the transforming message that the kingdom of God has come near. These 70 would be able to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of their enemy. It sounds like they were to become superheroes in their ministry. Jesus also gave them some specific instructions before they left: “Before you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house!” This word of peace is the first word, the opening word, the announcing word. Jesus simply instructed them on how to share peace and be peace bearers. They had to be well-grounded in God’s peace, that peace that passes understanding. God’s shalom is more than being calm. It is living in a confidence of God’s abiding presence, that God is with us in all times and places, so that we can share God’s presence with others. Knocking on a door and bearing peace means seeing our neighbors as sacred others, children of God, with whom we are called to be fully and peacefully present. If the person answering the door does not share this peace, (slam the door) Jesus tells us that that person cannot take our peace from us even though they might try. Jesus does not advise reactivity, scorn, or rejection in such a situation. Jesus wants us to be peace bearers, peace makers all the way through. As treasurer of our HOA, it also means that I send each of the homeowners a bill in mid-March for their yearly dues: $95 due by April 30th. Some pay ahead of the billing. Others seems to bury their bills and forget to pay. If I have not received their dues by the first of May, I send them a nice letter reminding them that their dues are now $100 for the year. This often gets the last of the money in. However, a few years ago a neighbor was protesting payment. I’m really not sure why, but he seemed to have issues with the board, not that he ever told us what the issues were. I knocked on his door once in the most pleasant way possible and reminded him that his payment was due. A few weeks later when he had not yet paid, I knocked again. (The nag in me was at work.) This time he bluntly told me never to knock on his door again which I have not. But then I’m not the only one who has had encounters with this neighbor. This neighbor, however, taught me a great lesson: If I do not have peace within myself before knocking on a door, no matter what the issue might be, it is best if I just keep on going. This is true in my work as a pastor as well. There have been times when I have had to have a difficult encounter with a member of the congregation. Things are being said that destroy rather than build up. They may be said with good intentions, but ultimately, they are hurtful. I’ve been there and done that. I too have needed a gentle reminder. To go and have a difficult conversation with someone means we are called upon not only to be truth bearers but peace makers. Besides being a peace-bearer, there are other things Jesus instructs the 70 to do: 1. He tells them that the work is urgent. There is not much time to waste for people are hungry to hear the gospel, a word of grace. 2. You don’t need to take much with you. You do not need to be burdened with things that do not matter. 3. A good thing is to have a companion with you. This mission work is never meant to be done alone. You go out 2 by 2. A good companion gives encouragement along the way. 4. You do not have a script. What you say is simple: “Peace be with you.” We are often hesitant to talk about God or our faith because we wonder if we will make a fool of ourselves. Jesus asks us to believe that the Holy Spirit is on the journey with us guiding us along the way. 5. If someone welcomes you into their home, accept their hospitality. 6. And last of all, you are not in charge of how people respond. Those with open ears and a receiving heart will be glad for your message. Truthfully, I am not always grateful for the messages I receive along my life journey. I am much more liberal minded than many I meet. Sometimes I cannot tolerate what I am hearing and so I answer sharply. Sometimes I am more grace filled, and sometimes I don’t say anything at all but am so ready to move on. You know, I am not sure I would make a great door to door missionary. I don’t know about you, but I have a feeling that if I knocked on doors with my spiritual tracts in hand, I might alienate more neighbors than I would like to count. Yet that does not stop any of us from planting the seeds of the gospel. We can offer God’s grace to everyone we meet, and we can believe Jesus’ presence has the power to transform those we meet. We are God’s feet and voice in our broken world. May we all be peace bearers, my friends, always remembering that Jesus is with us on the journey. Amen
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