09-21-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 21, 2023
I am guessing that most of us are drawn to stories about amazing rescues. Someone jumps into the water, runs into a burning building, or steps into some other dangerous situation to save an individual in need. And probably like many of you, I also enjoy watching the animal rescues—a dog is trapped on a shed as waters rise, a cat has fallen into a deep hole, or a duck is stuck in a storm drain. I’ve been known to get a little misty-eyed when the one lost finds its way to safety. I imagine Jesus’ audience enjoyed his parables about the lost sheep, coin, and son in a similar way, while some of the people did not recognize how the parables were pointing beyond themselves to some greater insight about themselves, their community, or even God. I tend to believe there is no such thing as a plain old story. In some way, at least a well-crafted story will grab your attention, often taking you on a journey, leaving you with questions, challenging old ways of thinking, and by the very nature of the story, you will remember it and maybe retell it. This Sunday, I hope to present the three parables about the lost being found, but with a little twist—hopefully encouraging a few more questions and leaving folks feeling a bit more challenged.

​Holy Spirit, make within us a place receptive to the stories Jesus shared, a place where meaning can percolate, expand, and reshape us in the ways of your sacred grace and mercy. Amen.