April 10, 2005

Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Luke 24:13-25

“Close Encounters of the Best Kind”

     Ever have one of those “small world” experiences?  And no, I’m not talking about that amusement ride at Disney World!  I mean, have you had one of those experiences where you unexpectedly run into someone you know when you are far away from home?  Or maybe two strangers meet and suddenly discover they’re from the same hometown.  Small world experiences.

     When I was in the process of interviewing for the Pastor’s position here at First Church, members of my family were aware of it of course, even though those kinds of things are a big secret in the local church.  Well, members from this church happened to be visiting in Pennsylvania at that time and ate at my sister’s restaurant where they got into a conversation with my mother.  They said they were from New London and my mother said that her son’s family lives near there.  And then they said their church was looking for a new pastor and my mother, bless her heart, said, “Of what a coincidence!  My son is interviewing at a church in New London!”  Of course, they were talking about the same church and had to swear each other to secrecy.  Small world.

     Our niece came from Pennsylvania to visit a few years ago and met some of our children’s friends and recognized one of them.  It seems the two of them met in a kitchen at an inn in France a few years before.  Both had been on student trips, one from the United States and one from Puerto Rico!  Small world.

     On Friday evening we went to see the Providence Bruins lose at hockey (which was OK with me and Kay since we’re Hershey Bears fans!), and as we were about to leave, someone came over to Kent and Linda Sistare and I heard them say, “Small world!”  They knew each other from someplace else and happened to cross paths at the hockey game.

     If only we knew how closely our lives intersected, we’d probably be amazed.  How many times have we passed by an old classmate, an army buddy, a friend, a family member, missing them by inches, unaware that they were there? The world is probably a lot smaller than we realize and we’re all probably a lot closer than we think.

     Of course, we miss these meetings because we are busy with other things and we aren’t actually looking to meet any of these people.  They are near us and we never know it, unfortunately.

     Do we realize just how close Jesus is to us?  Or do we miss him in the crowd?  Do we know he is walking near us, or do we often pass him by, unaware?

     Jesus said, “Knock, and the door will be opened to you.  Seek, and you will find.  Ask, and it will be given to you.”  We’ve all probably done some knocking and seeking and asking and maybe we’re still wondering where the response is.  It’s not always easy seeing through the crowded busyness of our lives.  It may take time, a lot of time, time to let go, to listen, to let the crowd thin out to see who has been standing there all the time.

     This was the case for two of the disciples as they fled Jerusalem after the death of Jesus.  Luke 24 tells the story.  Jesus was crucified just a few days before.  His followers had scattered and these two were among those leaving town.  All they could think about was their disappointment.  They were disillusioned by Christ’s death, so much so that the proclamation of his resurrection seemed simply unbelievable.  And when the risen Lord came to them, walking right beside them, they did not recognize who he was.  He was so close and yet they could not see him for their hearts and minds were crowded with anxious thoughts - worries, troubles, disappontments.

     You’ll remember that in the scripture lesson last Sunday Jesus said to his disciples repeatedly, “Peace be with you.  Peace be with you.  Peace be with you.”  These were troubled people without the peace of mind that would allow them to recognize their Lord and friend, to see what great things God was doing through him.  Perhaps we are sometimes not all the different.

     But Jesus came to them and met them in their doubts and fears.  He came to them behind locked doors.  He came to them as they ran away.  He came until they slowed down enough to listen to his voice and see that he was there.  For two men leaving Jerusalem on the Emmaus Road, it took all the way to the supper table and the breaking of bread.   

     That’s why we continue to break bread together here on a regular basis, at Communion (every Sunday at the early service) and at fellowship.  We slow down a little this way hopefully, slow down the crowded, troubled clamor of our lives in a sanctuary of space and time to listen to each other, to listen for him and look for the One who comes to meet us here.

     But even churches can get too busy and worried with things and we need to be mindful of this.  Fretting over bills and buildings and business, busyness we can miss him even here.

     Perhaps you’ve seen the bumper sticker that reads, “Christ is coming, look busy!”  That appeals to Type-A personalities like mine.  But it would be better if that sticker read, “Christ is coming, look…for him.”

     When Jesus walked with two disciples on the Emmaus Road he opened the scriptures to them, explaining prophesy and it’s fulfillment through God’s acting in their time.  What do you think God is doing in our time?  What is Christ saying to you now?  As he walks with you on your life’s journey, what is he showing you?  In what ways is Christ calling and challenging this church, this community of faithful people?

     We will gather for a Roundtable discussion after the 10:00 service this morning.  We are stopping briefly for some discussion about how we’re doing, how things are going with Inspiration-Based Ministry and how things are going with merger talks with Second Church.  This is a time to be attentive to Christ’s call upon our lives and church and let the Spirit lead us on the road.  As so many things are changing in our church, this is a good time to be knocking, seeking and asking. 

     Jesus promises to be close to us along the way, with us as we gather in his name.  An encounter with his Holy Spirit is offered to us as we who open our hearts to him.  He will meet us with forgiveness, understanding and a patient, challenging and encouraging Spirit. 

     He can change your life for the better.  He can turn you around.  Slow down, open your heart and mind.  Invite him into your life, to your table.  Break bread with him and see for yourself.