Disciples of Christ pastor and theologian Fred Craddock wrote that, as a boy, he and his family lived near railroad tracks. One day, he went into the kitchen and a man who was a stranger to him was sitting at their table, eating a big breakfast. When he left, Fred asked his mother, “Who was that?” She said, “Well, he said his name was Henry, and he said he was hungry.” Fred then asked, “Well, where did he come from?” His mother replied, “From the railroad tracks.” Fred asked, “Mama, weren’t you scared?” “He was hungry,” she said. “Well, I was scared,” said Fred. Fred’s mom said, “Well, he was hungry.” Does the story raise questions about basic safety issues? Sure. And it also reminds us that we are to allow our concern to interrogate our fear.
There is a meal at the heart of our faith. And at this meal, whenever we celebrate it, we are given a front row seat as our fear and our hunger have a conversation. Like the man in Fred’s story, we are all hungry. Like Fred as the little boy, we are also acquainted with fear. And like Fred’s mom, we are given the opportunity to decide how we will honor some of our most basic energies, our hunger and our fear.
The fourth Sunday of the Easter season is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The Gospel lesson from John 10 speaks of Jesus as the shepherd of the flock of God. The sheep, Jesus says, know the voice of the shepherd. And Psalm 23, which famously begins, “The Lord is my shepherd,” speaks of the table that is prepared for us in the presence of our enemies.
The sermon Sunday is titled “You Prepare a Table Before Me”, arising from Psalm 23. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We will have a moment for children, sing hymns, offer prayers, and be led in music by the Sanctuary Singers accompanied by Matthew Wachtman. Claire Schaffer will present a follow up report from the Sacred Hospitality team on the work of the retreat held last Sunday.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream. To join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.