Home in God’s Presence

When Jesus returns to his hometown, his townsfolk resist the presence of God in him.  They prefer long-established assumptions and resist anything new breaking into their world.

The atmosphere is so stifling that Jesus must move on.  Jesus then sends his disciples to seek and find God’s presence in the work by sharing the Good News in acts and words of true kindness and mercy.  They follow Jesus’ instructions and are amazed that God works miraculously in their humble service.  Unlike in Jesus’ hometown, folks welcome them and receive their message.   God is truly present in them, in their ministry, and in the people who welcome them.

For Jesus and his disciples, home is anywhere people are open to the welcoming, engaging presence of God.  Rather than power and control, or being good and right (things we sometimes associate with faith) the Reign of God is trusting and living in the presence of God.

So, faith is not self-empowerment or anything about self, rather grace finds strength in the dependable, compassionate mercy of God freely given, to be freely received.  Because of that transformative reality, and only because of that, all is well.

To summarize, we find home everywhere we can be mindful of God’s presence giving rise to compassion, forgiveness, and courage.  Here is the source of love among family members, friends, neighbors, and siblings in Christ.  Therein is peace.  All is well.