Each week after we have shared in the benediction I walk to the doors to be available to shake hands with you as you leave. Last Sunday after we had spoken the words of our disturbing benediction (printed below) I was met by a young man who spoke earnestly into my ear. He looked like he had slept rough the night before — perhaps he was homeless I am not sure — I had not seen him before. He was asking me for something. I thought he was asking me for money — and I was about to tell him that I don’t do that — when he even more earnestly repeated his request. This time I heard him clearly. “Pastor please give me the left over bread on the table over there.” He was referring to the remainders of the bread from Holy Communion. I was reminded again of the horror of hunger that companions so many people in this beloved country! And the words of our Benediction of discomfort echoed again …
May God bless us with discomfort,
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our heart.
May God bless us with anger,
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless us with tears,
To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that we may reach out our hand to comfort them and turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless us with enough foolishness,
To believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done.
Amen.
Remember that we always are need of volunteers after each worship service to help serve Sunday Lunch at the service dining hall on Canterbury Street.
