Dearly Beloved,
Grace and Peace to you.
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The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them… “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you…. Cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
— Luke 10.1, 5-6, 9
Remember when Jesus said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose” (Lk. 4.43)? Well, the same is true of you. Your existence is for a reason. You are sent out into this day for a purpose. You are here to convey the presence of God. You enter a new “town” whether it is a new city you live in or simply the present moment of each day: in strange or familiar surroundings, whether you are passing through or living where you have for decades, Christ sends you out into this world to make visible the nearness of the Reign of God. Whether you find yourself in a new, strange place, or if it never changes, the familiarity of the neighborhood is not the issue. The questions is how you are transparent to God’s grace.
You don’t need to convince people; just let it shine. Extend peace and healing. And don’t take personally how well you are received. Stay rooted in the peace that is given you. Here is the connection between justice and contemplation. If we are deeply rooted in the peace of Christ, we are prepared to extend peace and blessing even in difficult circumstances, in ways that bear witness to the Realm of God and help to transform of the world. The peace we extend is the peace that rests upon us.
Root yourself in the divine Presence. Steep your heart in grace. Then go out and be transparent to the holy. For this you have been sent.
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
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Copyright © Steve Garnaas-Holmes
unfoldinglight@hotmail.com