" Seeing Jesus, and Following on Vacation "

 

Dear Jesus-following people of God,

 

When I was a pastor serving in suburban Philadelphia, in the summer, a lot of folks left town—either going down to the beach or up to the mountains.  In the summer, traffic eased, life slowed down, and in and around Philadelphia, it was sweltering hot.  It was cool in the mountains and breezy by the sea, which is why for more than 250 years, Philadelphians made a summer escape!  …I wonder if that was when summer vacations started? 

During the summer, in the lectionary, Jesus is traveling, too.  He travels back and forth across the Sea of Galilee, he encounters storms, he stops for picnics, he seeks out quiet places to pray, he visits friends, and all along the way he helps and heals people. 

It’s in the summertime that we witness some of Jesus’ most famous ministry moments.  Feeding thousands by the sea, walking on water, praying, fighting demons, healing the sick, the lame, and the blind.  In the summertime …Jesus is busy—showing us the Kingdom of God! 

Jesus doesn’t imitate the Kingdom of God—he demonstrates the Kingdom of God.  And he asks believers to follow him—not playing the Kingdom of God—but demonstrating it.  Feeding people at picnics, not being afraid of the water, speaking good news to the people we meet, caring for those who are hurt or wounded, offering words of grace, welcome, and encouragement. 

Vacation is a time of re-creation; I suppose, much the same way that Jesus’ summer in the lectionary is about transformation—where people become more than those who simply watch and see what Jesus is doing, but are converted to the work of the Kingdom of God.  …Which begs the question—what are you doing on your summer vacation? 

In just a few short weeks, school will have begun, we’ll be reminded about regular calendar commitments and be back to normal routines.  But perhaps this re-entry to regular life will come with the reminders of what we’ve witnessed—of the natural world, seeing friends and family, keeping safe from storms, relaxing on the water, enjoying picnics and backyard barbecues …and Jesus—sharing, loving, directing, and converting us. 

Hopefully, you’ve seen or had an experience of Jesus making a difference in someone’s life—maybe your own!  Hopefully, you have stories to share with friends and neighbors, about how God is transforming your experience of the world.  Hopefully, you’ll be adding your voice to chorus of those who are speaking about God’s love through Jesus.