MARK 10:13-14
When Bob and I originally started attending FCC Redding we were like the people
in the parable. We were looking for a place to bring Bob’s boys, Ellis and Evan so their
hearts and minds could be touched by their experiences here.
What we didn’t imagine is that here, we too, would come to receive the kingdom in
wonder. One or both of us found ourselves singing with the choir, going on San Francisco
and Mexico mission trips, going to CGC, participating in Miracle Days, joining
committees and the board, serving communion and eldering at the table. We started
attending the regional meeting and the men’s and women’s retreats.
What we experienced was a deep, spiritual hospitality, different than that of secular
parties and forced friendliness. This hospitality is not a phony act to get people to join
the church. Instead, it is a primary virtue of our community where Christians imitate
God’s welcome.
Henri Nouwen, a Catholic writer, says
Hospitality is not to change people but to offer them space where change can take place.
It opens the way for all people to be the same under God, part of Christ’s body,
beloved in their uniqueness. It is the heart of this church, where I have heard over and
over the term “church family.” This past year I experienced how loving and faithful our
extended church family has been. My cancer diagnosis, ensuing procedures and life
changes resulted in a litany of losses, some large, some small. I could write psalms of
lamentations. I’m broken and scarred. God knows my brokenness.
God knows your broken moments. In every age and every season, we experience
suffering. Bullying, fear of failure, unrequited love, job loss, mortgage or financial meltdown,
illness, aging, the death of loved ones, wars, divorce, addictions, loneliness, longing…
These are the locust times of despair and suffering. Some years we are blessed
and some years we live the life of Job.
During our locust time, your prayers and love accompanied me, warmed me and
held me. Our joint faith in God’s grace working on healing me, no matter what, truly
sustained me. When I have been unable to serve the church with my time and energy,
you never made me feel less than accepted.
Prayer: Holy One, the Host of us all, we thank you for inviting us in. We remember
that when we suffer, we come where tears can fill the cup. Come to
where broken bread is blessed, given thanks for, and then used to feed others.
Through your grace, we provide a container, a sanctuary, where suffering is
borne and then released. In you, we are redeemed into joy and peace knowing
that we were promised: “I will be with you always. Even to the end of the age.”
And, Lord, please help us extend your invitation to others we meet on the journey.
Amen.
Sally Burnham serves as an active lay leader at FCC Redding.