Packed for the Journey

Reverend Philip Stringer

John 14:23-29

LET US PRAY: We ask, O Lord, that the words which we hear this morning, and the worship which we offer, may bear fruit in our hearts, and be acceptable in your sight, our strength and our redeemer. AMEN

Patty went to the grocery store yesterday and sent me a text — “Is there anything you can think of that we need?”

“Nope,” I replied, “not a thing.” And, of course, when she got home, “Oh! — Gatorade!”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a hardware store, standing there staring at a shelf. Someone will ask, “can I help you find something?” “Yes — can you please find all of the things I need that I didn’t write down on a list?”

You know what that’s like, right. You get home from the store with bags full of groceries before you realize that the one thing that you went to get in the first place is the thing you forgot to grab.

You have packed for a trip and realize you didn’t bring a toothbrush, or socks or a belt.

We were on a family vacation in the remote region of Northwestern Wisconsin, and had enjoyed several family activities, but I was eager to try out the trout fishing in the pristine rivers of the area. So one day, Patty loaded up the girls for a trip to the museums in Duluth and dropped me off at a river I had selected. I would have hours and hours to calmly and peacefully fish the waters, confident that I wouldn’t see another human soul. The girls waved goodbye -- Patty waved goodbye -- I waved goodbye as they drove off. I made my way down to the river’s edge -- and reached into my vest pocket to retrieve my reel to put on my pole . . . no reel . . . So, there I sat with no other choice but to wait for their return.

I should have known better. I learned long ago to make packing lists, but every now and then I’m in just too much of a rush and . . .well . . . you know.

It’s usually not the big items that we overlook, it’s the little things that we take for granted. That’s why it’s good to make a list -- to remember those things that we might not think of first but could ruin the trip if we forget.

In our gospel reading today, Jesus is talking to his disciples about how he will be leaving them very shortly. Soon, they will be on their own to begin a new journey. And so, Jesus shares with them a list of items that he has packed for them -- essential items that they will need. They are love, peace, and faith. With these items they will be prepared to face the challenges ahead. Without them, the journey will be rough and unfulfilling.

The first gift that he packs in their spiritual bags is love. “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words . . .” Love is the essential element for living one’s life as a disciple of Jesus.

When the love of God is truly heard in one’s heart, it begins to reshape that person -- converting them to a life of love -- which continues on to touch the hardness of the world. When a person’s life is expressing such love, it is a sure sign that God has found a home in that person’s heart. So, the first item Jesus packs in our spiritual bags is love.

Secondly, Jesus gives to us peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you,” he said. “I do not give to you as the world gives.” In this world, peace usually means that we are protected from something -- that something terrible is taken away. Where violence is missing, there is peace. When war ceases, there is peace, where hate is not present, there is peace. Where noise or movement or schedules are gone, there is peace. This is the peace that the world offers -- peace that comes from something being taken away.

When we speak of peace, I cannot help but think of the temporary nature of worldly peace. We all know that earthly peace is certain to disappoint us -- we cannot create Utopia -- yet we continually place so much hope upon it. And our hearts are bruised as the world becomes more and more divided by inequality . . . conflict . . . contentiousness . . . and greed … It is not foolish to long for peace or to work for peace. But as Christians, we must remember that peace is not the absence of something so much as it is the adding of something.

The peace that Jesus gives comes from something being added to us. The gift of peace is the gift of reconciliation in Christ. It is the peace of knowing that we are held safely in the arms of God -- that God restores us to wholeness and provides for our every need -- that God has knit us — together -- into the fabric of the kingdom of God forever. Jesus’ peace is the peace that transcends all earthy peace and is the second item that he imparts to us for the journey. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you,” he said. “I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

And finally, he gives us faith for the journey. Our readings today conclude with Jesus saying, “And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.” Jesus has packed our bags with faith. He has told us the story so that we may have a sure and certain hope in the power of God’s love.

Love, peace, and faith -- the essential items that Christ has packed for us on the journey of life. What he tells his disciples in these verses is a summary of what Jesus has been teaching them for three years. Their whole life with him was an experience of emerging faith, hope & love.

But just like on a regular trip, sometimes we forget that we have brought certain items, and other times they are left behind altogether. So, Jesus includes with these items another gift -- a promise -- an assurance. Jesus says, “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

What Jesus gives to his disciples and to us is more than a philosophy on how to live well. He gives to us a promise of divine presence. The Holy Spirit is with you.

There are times in our lives -- perhaps long periods of our lives, when we may feel as if we are alone. Times when we feel closer to God -- and times when we feel distant and out of touch. The mystics called it the DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL But in these words, Jesus makes a promise that more is added here; SomeONE is added. “Be at peace,” he says, “the Holy Spirit is with you, and so I am with you and so is the Father.” “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

The love of God the Father,

the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and Faith that is built up in the Holy Spirit.

These are the items that are given to you -- and with them comes the giver to accompany you on the journey. Take heart and be at peace -- you are all packed! God speed you on your way!

AMEN