“Bloom with Reverence: Remember” by The Rev. Stephanie Kendell

Beloved Church,

I hope this week finds you well and ready for the week ahead. This week we have SoulFood Fellowship, Children’s and Adult Bible Study and Worship, as well as next Monday’s Bloom in Conversation. So much is happening in the life of the church, we hope that you will make a plan to join us for all of it!

This week’s scripture has a lot of similar themes and phrases that we have heard recently. It makes sense because this is the scripture the recounts the moments of Jesus post resurrection but still here on earth. It is Jesus’s final moments and final words to make sure we know what to do, who to be, how to love. So, this week, through this scripture we are invited to reflect and remember the life, death, resurrection, love, hope, teachings, feedings and everything in-between of Jesus. In that reflection may we be open to the Spirit and the ways that God is calling us into our best selves and beloved community. Let us open our hearts, minds, and spirits to the still speaking voice of the living God and read together these last moments of Jesus on earth as told through the Gospel of Luke.

Then Jesus said to them, “Remember the words I spoke when I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets, and the psalms had to be fulfilled.”
Then Jesus opened their minds to the understanding of the scriptures, saying, “That is why the scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. In the Messiah’s name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of all this.
 “Take note: I am sending forth what Abba God has promised to you. Remain here in the city until you are clothed with the power from on high.”
Then Jesus took them to the outskirts of Bethany, and with upraised hands blessed the disciples. While blessing them, the savior left them and was carried up to heaven. The disciples worshiped the risen Christ and returned to Jerusalem full of joy. They were found in the Temple constantly, speaking the praises of God.

[Luke 24:44-53 (ILB) / Lucas 24:44-53 (NVI)]

I have shared with you before my love of autobiographies on Audible. I love listening to people tell their own stories and hear where people put the inflections on their words to emphasize the points of their stories that are most meaningful and tender. Right now, I am about 1/3 of the way through Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile. I highly recommend it. It weaves well the story of a young woman’s journey through life and faith, and I am grateful for her telling of it. I love how she slows down and whispers or sings to punctuate a thought that is not possible in the written word.  I wonder where Jesus put the emphasis when he was speaking? Would he sing the words “Take note” or shout “Remember?”

Friends, there is so much happening in the world. May we reflect, remember and be mindful of where we need to shout and where we need to listen, where we need to act and where we need to rest- the way Jesus taught and modeled to us in life and in scripture.

Shalom Y’all,

Rev. Stephanie

Simple Prayer: O Lord, Guide my steps for the just world you imagine- your kindom come. Amen.