October 3, 2004

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 17:5-10

“Big Expectations”

     In a few minutes, we’ll pass around two plates filled with small pieces of bread and after that, some small cups of grape juice.  When we have the bread in our hands, I’ll say, “The body of Christ is given for you,” and with the cup, I’ll say, “The blood of Christ is shed for you.”  These may seem to be just simple words and small symbols, but Martin Luther called them “outward signs of inward grace.”  That’s because they remind us that Christ’s saving love enters our souls.  A tiny bit of bread and a sip of juice become the body and blood of the Savior and somehow we take this into our very being.  The Great Mystery of grace, the Holy Spirit becomes part of us. 

     Bread and juice…such simple things, but such awesome things!  They become openings, invitations into the embrace, the mind and heart of the Holy One, Creator, Almighty God.  Come.  Share.  See for yourself – a foretaste of the kingdom of heaven!

     What could be more ordinary than a piece of bread and a cup of juice?  And yet, we meet Christ here.  And if we’ll open our hearts as we open our mouths, Christ comes in and we become the habitation of his Holy Spirit.  “Where meek souls will receive him still, the Dear Christ enters in.”  “Don’t you know,” Jesus asked the people around him one day, “the kingdom of heaven is in you.”  Imagine…in you.

     “What?  In me, of all people??”  In you.

     Perhaps faith seems strong for you right now and you feel especially close to God…or maybe not.  Perhaps today you are somewhere in the middle, in and out of faith.  Or maybe today you feel far from God and wonder if you have any faith at all.  Well…no matter how you feel about it, you do.  It might be a bit buried right now under layers of doubt, fear and disappointment, but it’s there.  You would not be here today if it wasn’t.  The Apostle Paul said we can’t even pray to the Heavenly Father unless the Holy Spirit is moving in our spirits.  That God is even on our minds indicates that faith is in our hearts, that the kingdom of heaven has taken up residence there. 

     The smallest ember ignites a great fire.  The smallest seed grows into a great plant with branches and leaves and fruit.  Never underestimate what God can accomplish in you.  You should be living with great expectations!   

     Oh, to have faith like a mustard seed!…well, you do.  It is potential energy ready to be converted to kinetic energy, seed waiting for germination – root, sprout, stem, leaves, fruitful harvest!

     “No one can do great things,” said Mother Theresa, “only small things with great love.”  What great love do you have to give today?  Who in your life is just waiting for such love to be offered?  Who can you touch with the kingdom of heaven?

     Let your faith be renewed today.  Commune and open your heart to the Savior’s accepting, forgiving, eternal love.  Embody that love.  Let it flow through you for your family, your friends, the grump at work, the annoying neighbor, the needy soul, the hungering heart, the people of the congregation up the street.  Do this, and they will see the kingdom of heaven in you.  Do this, and seeds will be planted and a harvest will be celebrated.

     Live every day with big expectations for what God can do in your life.