Father Greg Boyle, who works with gang members in Los Angeles as they seek to change their lives, tells the story of Moreno. Moreno walked into Greg’s office after being released from a nine-month incarceration. After some initial playfulness, Moreno started to weep. His home and family life were still quite rough. Greg said to him, “I know you think you are in a hole, but really, you are in a tunnel leading toward the light. I can see it because I am taller than you.” I love the image, that there is a kind of comfort that helps us realize we are not in a hole, but rather, in a tunnel. There is a way through.
As we approach Trinity Sunday this week, in which we in Christian tradition reflect on the nature of God, I am reminded of a quote from the 14th century mystic and theologian, Meister Eckhart. He said, “It is a lie--any talk of God that does not comfort you." Many of us remember times of crisis when any comfort would have felt lifesaving. At the same time, most of us have found it is only at the point of discomfort that we begin to grow. So what is comfort after all?
In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as “another comforter.” In other words, the coming Holy Spirit will be a presence like Jesus. The word sometimes translated “comforter” means “one called along beside.” And this “comforter”, Jesus said, will guide us into all the truth, and that truth may not always feel comforting. Jesus calls us to take up the cross, to forgive our enemy, to be willing to leave the familiar and the safe for the sake of the Gospel. So, just what kind of comfort are we being invited to embrace?
Let’s chat about this on Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “Holy Comforter: The Grace of a Broken Heart.” It arises from Isaiah, 40: 1-5, to be read by Eleanor Lahr, and John 15:26-27; 16:4-13, to be read by Mike Sonneborn. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa, will lead us musically. We’ll have a moment for children as well.
We look forward to seeing you in the sanctuary at 10:30 on Sunday. If you wish to join online, visit www.smumc.church, and click on the Live Stream Banner.