1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a; Psalm 43; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39
Opening Prayer: O God, you come to us not in the chaos of the whirlwind, not in the roar of the earthquake, not in the crackling heat of the fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. Quiet our minds, bring peace to our hearts and stillness to our bodies that we might meet you in that silence. Help us to listen for your still, small voice. Amen ~ written by Rev. Heather A. Moody
What struck me, initially, in this morning’s readings, was the depth of someone’s despair and suffering…
We heard about Elijah, in the first reading…ready to give up on his life…
We hear about the man, who was filled and tormented with many demons…who thought Jesus was someone who was also going to torment him…and begged him not to…
It made me wonder…what was it in their lives that led to such despair and suffering? What was the tipping point…when it felt like they were dying a slow death, where they saw no chance of ever escaping the depths of deep-seeded fear, and persecution….
We know that Elijah was very devoted to God…but we also know, that he met a lot of resistance from those in authority and in power…who viewed him as a threat to their control over the law of the land…so much so…that Elijah was almost ready to give up…ready to give up on his faith…
But, then God, being God…sent an angel to reach out a hand, to touch him…to tell him…to get up and eat…be strengthened for the journey, and to gently lead him and guide him once again…back to His faith in God, liberating him from fear and persecution…and sending him back out on his journey to the next place God was calling him to go…
We don’t really know much about the man with demons, before his interaction with Jesus…other than, for a long time he wore no clothes, and lived in the tombs…and that from time to time, even in shackles and being chained up…he would break the bonds and be driven out by the demons to the wild…
But, we do see in today’s gospel, what happens after he meets Jesus…
We see what happens when Jesus notices him, responds to him, and asks him, “What is your name”?
We see what happens when the demons tormenting the man beg Jesus, to set them free….
We see what happens to the man, when his demons are set free…
We see what happens to the man, when Jesus heals him…
We see a new man, a man transformed by the love of God, sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed, in his right mind again… with peace in his heart…stillness in his body…
We see a new man….one with an eager desire to follow Jesus and go with him in the boat…
But Jesus tells the man…this is how you can follow me: “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you."
Go out and proclaim the good news to someone else…go tell it…. everywhere!
So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
That’s how we follow Jesus, too.
We give thanks for the mercy and love of God in our own lives. And we honor that by the way we live our lives, by loving and serving others. And we are eager to share this love with others. Because, we have seen for ourselves, how this love has the power to uplift, to heal and to transform one’s life.
I’ve seen it in the lives of children who were suffering and feeling unloved, whose parents had abandoned them, but now through the love of a new family, they are flourishing and growing up, and being transformed in so many ways.
I’ve seen it in the lives of those who were stuck in the deepest place of grief, with no hope of digging their way out…with no hope...for wanting to go on…but, it took one person…to reach out their hand…one person to notice them…and walk with them…and gently lead them forward into new territory…I’ve seen how their faith has set them free to love themselves, and others…once again…
I’ve seen how teens lives have been changed, by the love and compassion of caring adults.
I’ve seen how people who have been stuck in a struggle with drug and alcohol addiction have been given life again, with the love and support of others, on their daily work of recovery…
I’ve seen how those who are lonely, and isolated, have been brought into the land of the living again, because someone has noticed them, acknowledged them, listened to their stories…and affirmed their belovedness….
What about you?
Where have you seen others, proclaiming the good news of God’s love?
Recall a moment, when you were on the receiving end of this love and good news…
Where have you been a witness to healing in other’s people’s lives?
Recall a moment, when you experienced healing…
Where have you seen the faith of others restored, by the love and compassion shared by another?
Recall a moment, when you thought your faith was lost…but then it was restored through the love and compassion of another person…
When have you found yourself overwhelmed by God’s love…in the sound of sheer silence?
Recall a moment, when your heart was overwhelmed by God’s love and overflowing with gratitude…
And now Go…Go share this good news…go tell it – EVERYWHERE!
Prayer: (words adapted from the Purple Marantha Praise Chorus Book) #185 – Lord, I Will
Lord, I will. I will love you, I will praise you. I have made up my mind to bless you. Lord, I will.
I will love your chosen people. I have made up my mind to bless them. Lord, I will.
I will follow you and serve You. I have made up my mind to live by Your Word. Lord, I will. Amen
Rev Julie Platson, Rector
St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church
Sitka, Alaska