Immediate Word

For April 26, 2020:

• Worship Opens Our Eyes by Bethany Peerbolte — As we continue to shelter in place, many worship leaders are tapping into a broader sense of worship as they create services for these times. The great hope is that Jesus shows up in the oddest places.
• Second Thoughts: The Unrecognized Jesus by Ron Love — I hold the theological position that bad is bad and suffering is suffering. There is nothing good either. The good is that we have come to recognize Jesus where before he went unrecognized.
• Sermon illustrations by Dean Feldmeyer, Tom Willadsen, Chris Keating.
• Worship resources by George Reed that focus on seeing Jesus.
• Children’s sermon: A Different Kind of Money — The Apostle Peter talks about money that's different. He says that we get acceptance from God "not with ... silver or gold."

Note: This installment is still being edited and assembled. For purposes of immediacy we are posting this for your use now with the understanding that any errors or omissions will be corrected between now and Tuesday afternoon.


Worship Opens Our Eyes
by Bethany Peerbolte
Luke 24:13-35

We tend put worship into two general boxes. Our church signs broadcast “traditional” or “contemporary” worship times. What these signs actually signify is a very small difference in the reality of worship. One means an organ or piano plays hymns, while the other suggests a guitar and a drum set playing the latest from Hillsong. In most other ways they are similar services. The practice of worship is much more than the songs we sing, or how long the sermons go on. As we continue to shelter in place, many worship leaders are tapping into a broader sense of worship as they create services for these times. Luke’s Gospel centers our worship on the basics, discussion of scripture, caring for the stranger, and communion. The great hope of these verses is that Jesus shows up in the oddest places when we do these things. Even if we do not recognize his presence at first, Jesus is with us in all forms of worship.

In the Scripture
Luke 24:13-35
Cleopas and another are walking together on the road. There is debate over who these two people are, with some saying they are disciples of Jesus. It is also possible the pair are husband and wife heading home to regroup after what has happened in Jerusalem. Seeking shelter and safety in their home until the storm of Jesus’ trial and death settles. The mood is somber as they process the chaos into which their world has been thrown. Their hope is failing them. They had invested their lives and reputations into Jesus and now they will need to rebuild a new kind of normal.

It is possible the direction of their journey is what blocks Jesus from their recognition at first. Especially if the setting sun is casting Jesus into shadows. The figure that joins them is unrecognizable and it could be dangerous to allow him to join them on their journey. Cleopas is cautious reveling why they are sullen. The test question “are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there these days” helps them judge if they can trust the stranger with their affiliation with Jesus. If this was a Roman or a friend of the temple it could mean jail and another trail for Cleopas and his friend. The reaction of the stranger must not have seemed threatening because they do open up about their hopes.

They admit they wanted Jesus to be the messiah, and reveal the strange stories the women who visited the tomb have been telling. The stranger listens and then begins to ask his own questions. As they walk they hear scripture being masterfully proclaimed and connected to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The stranger guides these two followers through the prophecies and into the teaching of Jesus as they walk along the road. The path he makes is as easy to follow as the road under their feet.

The scripture is laid open in front of them and slowly leads them to answers they hadn’t dared believed before. Even though they hoped Jesus was the Messiah, this stranger is making a remarkable case proving Jesus IS the Messiah. Scripture held the answers even for this moment. To show their thanks for restoring their faith and hope the pair ask the stranger to stay with them for the night.

They prepare a meal and break bread together as Jesus had instructed. Then their eyes are opened to the full reality of their time on the road. It was Jesus himself who guided their conversation and opened scripture to them. They thought their journey was desperately seeking the presence of Jesus yet he was there the whole time. Guiding their examination of scripture, inspiring their hospitality, and blessing the bread with them.

In the News
When I was in seminary there was an obvious disdain for mega churches’ use of technology in worship and the detached presence of preachers on television. I often questioned the contempt my teachers and fellow students had, hoping to crack open their assumptions and understand why they ran in the other direction. After all, if our worth was measured by people in pews, the mega churches and TV congregations were winning the numbers game. Then in 2020, poof, we were all televangelists. Broadcasting our messages, lessons, pastoral care, and worship over the internet with the help of any technology we could master. Unfortunately, many of us do not have the team of videographers and editors the great televangelists have at their disposal. That has led to some great blooper reels at least.

The decisions faith leaders have had to make over the past month have been difficult. The questions these choices raise are deeply theological. Some suggest not meeting as a community shows a lack of trust or faith in God’s control and protection. While others urge their communities to #StayHomeStayHoly to dispel any shame one would feel about not worshiping with the goal of keeping their congregations safe. The spectrum of what worship looks like has never been more diverse. The creativity is inspiring. Pastors who have encouraged their members to stay home have placed pictures of their congregation in the pews to make the sanctuary feel fuller. Outside gatherings and drive by blessings have taken shape in some places.

Churches have had to get creative to continue the practice of worship in the time of a pandemic. Some churches are livestreaming their normal services, some are prerecording clips of songs and readings, some are hosting ZOOM meetings for extra fellowship opportunities. Sojourners gathered some thoughts on how to get creative with worship. They suggest things like creating a buddy system for the most vulnerable and lonely, or hosting communion with whatever members have in their homes.

When it comes to worship the Church is being forced to examine what it means to worship God. Does it mean unfettered faith to gather together or faith driven courage to stay apart? Can worship be a few faces on a ZOOM call? Can it be an elaborately set, storyboard planned, and perfectly edited extravaganza? Can it be a walk down a road, 6 feet apart, as we discuss scripture ending with a meal of bread? How great to have a moment to learn which of these we say yes to and to be able to find new ways to worship the same God.

In the Sermon
Hopefully none of our people are asking “what the pastor is doing”, hopefully it is obvious that we are working harder than ever to get worship and pastoral care to the people. As not many of us have been content creators on YouTube or other social media platforms, we have a bit of a learning curve still to conquer. I am encouraged though by the creative solutions my colleagues have found. In one conversation we even questioned if our people need a 20 minute sermon or if there is a better way to proclaim the word to people who are scared and grieving. My hope for the resurrection of worship is high.

The verses from Luke this week shined a light on what worship can be. Scriptural based proclamation of the good news, reacting to the word with action, and sharing communion taking center stage. This sermon can highlight what worship is truly about. Hint: it is not about the space in which your worship, Jesus can literally show up on a hike on a dirt road with two people who are confused and scared. That’s great news for today.

The sermon could also show how these two, with the help of Jesus, use their faith to make sense of a scary situation. They look at scripture and see the stories of God’s people going through great trouble and chaos. In every single instance God is there guiding and providing for them. Even when the people think God has gone far away the prophets remind the people God is still with them. Looking at the way God’s people have gotten through hardship before helps them remember they will get through this too. Then when they act on their hope, inviting the stranger back to their home, they literally find out Jesus has been walking every step of the journey with them. Their act of love leads to them communing with Jesus.

The sermon could also draw a metaphor around the direction of their walk. These verses suggest they were walking towards the sunset. This allows for an easy answer to why they did not recognize Jesus, if he was in front of them his features would have been hidden in the setting sun’s rays and the shadows it cast. The people of God are supposed to be those who walk towards the light. Sometimes that is the glory of a sunrise, but sometimes it means walking towards the sunset. When we find ourselves facing a sunset we know there is a time of darkness coming, but our hope is in the light and so we trust that if we keep walking the sun will rise again.

The sermon could also compare the meal the two have with Jesus to the first meal in the garden. Adam and Eve share a bite of the fruit and their eyes are open to the knowledge of good and evil. Fear rushes into their lives as well as embarrassment and doubt. This meal opens the eyes of the disciples to see Jesus. They are given courage to believe what they have experienced through Jesus. When their eyes are open hope, joy, love, and peace rush into their lives.



SECOND THOUGHTS
The Unrecognized Jesus
by Ron Love
Luke 24:13-35

I served as a chaplain in the United States Army for four years. Like all professionals — doctors, nurses, lawyers — chaplains receive a direct commission as an officer. Though, unlike other professionals, chaplains are required to go through basic training, just as if we were an enlisted man or woman. This is because our role often puts us on the front line — in the mud — with the common soldier.

Chaplains are the only officers who do not wear their rank on their hats and helmets. Instead, we wear a symbol of our religious affiliation; for me, it was the Christian cross. Also, unlike all other officers who are addressed by rank, as if their rank has become their first name — lieutenant, captain, major — chaplains are never addressed by rank. We are always addressed as “chaplain,” or perhaps more enduring as “chappy.”

There was also a “presence” that a chaplain displayed; a presence that even a general couldn’t imitate. When a chaplain walked into a room the environment immediately — I should say instantly — changed. The conversation. The body language. The focused attention. This is because those soldiers saw the chaplain as a “representative” of Jesus. In the chaplain the soldiers “recognized” Jesus.

This of course meant that I never heard “those jokes.” This of course meant that I was very politely asked not to visit the tent where “those movies” were being shown. This of course meant that I was never invited to the officer’s club on the night when “those girls” would be dancing. This of course was alright with me, as it established that I truly was “recognized” as a representative of Jesus.

Today, in the tsunami of the coronavirus pandemic, there are many representatives of Jesus who go “unrecognized.” They have gone through “basic training” as they live in the trenches with the rest of us. The “environment” changes when they come into a room with a happy disposition. Most certainly they don’t wear a cross on their head coverings, as the cross shines deep within their souls.

These are the common folks. They are everyday people. They are individuals who go about their daily duties absent of complaint. These folks are so prevalent among us that they actually go unnoticed. Yet, unseen, they are the true ambassadors — representatives — of Jesus.

Each Wednesday morning “The Immediate Word” contributors gather on Zoom to discuss what is currently in the news that we can share with the subscribers of CSS. This past Wednesday our small, but joyful fellowship group, realized something that we hadn’t fully realized before — probably it is the same for the reader — how many good, but unnoticed, Christian people bring the joy and love of Jesus into our lives. They are for us, and the rest of society, the “unrecognized” Jesus.

One colleague wrote:

When we are listing the heroes of the coronavirus epoch we will, no doubt, find doctors and nurses listed near the top. They are, almost nightly, thanked and applauded for their courage and their fidelity to their calling as they care for those who have been infected and are suffering as a result. And having, myself, undergone two major surgeries (back and hip) in 18 months last year, believe me, I appreciate all that those professionals do for us. But when I was in the hospital, recovering from the surgeries, lonely and in pain, it wasn’t the doctors and it wasn’t the nurses, alone, who brightened my day. It was the other, nameless, folks who brought an unexpected grace to me when I needed it most, the ones who entered my room with a cheerful hello, to mop the floor and empty the wastebasket, to bring my meals and refresh my ice water, to ask about my home and family and swap stories about our grandchildren. They didn’t come to do something to me and they didn’t want me to do something painful and difficult. They came only to serve, to make my life a little more tolerable and, yes, even present. And in their kind and gentle ministrations, I felt the hand of Jesus resting upon my shoulder and reassuring me that this pain would pass and my recovery would be better than I could imagine at the time. Which, it turns out, it was.

Another colleague, who was once a hospital chaplain, wrote:

The housekeeper was always the one who knew when someone needed a visit, or was having a bad day, or had had a rough treatment. Her guidance about whom to visit was better that the nurses.’

Another colleague shared that when she was in residence studying clinical pastoral care, each morning when she awoke there was the cleaning lady, always cheerful and happy, who brough brightness and hope into her coming day. More insight from a colleague, in an article written for young and emerging pastors, when you shake hands with someone during the passing of the peace, look at them in the eye, don’t be looking over your shoulder at the next individual you desire to greet.

Looking someone in the eye. A friend shared with me that when he and his wife went to the grocery store recently everyone was wearing masks. All you could see was their eyes. Yet, he shared, if you looked closely enough, you could see all of their face. You could see if they were happy or sad under that mask.

When I was a pastor, until my autism forced me to leave that profession, I served an inner-city church in Pittsburgh. It was located in the police precinct with the highest crime rate in the city. I did my banking at Mellon Bank, just a few blocks from my church. When I would walk into the lobby of the bank it was a bit discouraging, - actually it was unnerving. In fact, it was impossible not to be leery and afraid. The tellers stood behind a thick, and I mean very thick, bullet proof Plexiglas shield. This wall of separation removed any sense of fellowship — any sense of comradery.

It is one of those memories that you forget until Plexiglas shields have become the “new normal.” The barrier to human contact is at the convenience store that is within walking distance of my home. It has emerged at my local bank. My grocery store is not exempt. Even the federal government is on it, as the postal workers work behind this virus induced impediment to human contact.

Interesting, though, unlike what I experienced at Mellon Bank decades earlier — the separation — I now feel closer, more attached, more aware, more understanding — more connected with those behind a Plexiglas shield. Individuals who I never really saw before except for a glance and casual meaningless banter, I now see as dedicated individuals who — with great risk to themselves — have now become a “recognized” Jesus for me.

Sad, isn’t it? Once invisible. Now visible.

There is a biblical precedence for this. Our lectionary reading for this morning shares with us the story that has become to be called “On the Road to Emmaus.” This Easter story is familiar to most of us. Two men are walking on the road to Emmaus. They are discussing the scuttlebutt — the gossip — the rumors — about this man, Jesus, who in Jerusalem was supposedly resurrected form the dead. These two men, only one who is named, Cleopas, are obviously familiar with the scriptures. But disbelief prevails, really, wouldn’t that be true for all of us?

Then Jesus, unrecognized, comes and stands among them. The three continue their walk to Emmaus — but unbeknownst to the two it has now become a pilgrimage — as they share with their third companion the events of the day. Reaching their destination, Cleopas and his friend invite the stranger to stay and share a meal with them. Then we are told that is when they had a revelation — an epiphany. Our lesson from the Gospel of Luke reads:

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Do “our hearts burn within us” when we see these minimum wage workers mopping our hospital room floor, greeting us each morning with a smile, checking out our groceries, handling our mail, delivering a package at our door, handing us our lottery ticket, coming into our home to fix that clog toilet, replacing that dead battery in our car, handing us our food from a restaurant window.

And how about those who we don’t see? The people in the backroom who process our mail — touching, touching, touching. The lab worker who handles virus test kits — touching, touching, touching. The prison guard — touching, touching, touching. The Amazon worker who packs our orders for shipment — touching, touching, touching. Does “your heart burn within you” when you think about them. Do you even think about them?

They all do this at grave personality risk. They do this out of a sense of duty. They do this to contribute to the healing of society. They do this with a smile. They do this with kind words. They do this to spiritually enrich others. They do this out of love. They do this because they are for us — the image of Jesus.

I hold the theological position that bad is bad and suffering is suffering. There is nothing good about bad. There is nothing good about suffering. Dismiss any idea that God is testing our faith. Dismiss any idea that God will not test us beyond our strength. Dismiss any idea that this is character building. Dismiss any ideas that God allowed this suffering and death. In place of that accept the message of Easter, the message of the Resurrection — that out of bad we can resurrect some good. And the good here is that we have come to “recognize” Jesus where before he went “unrecognized.”

Does your heart burn within you?


ILLUSTRATIONS

From team member Dean Feldmeyer:

Luke 24:13-35
The First Epic Journey (Journey Theme)
I once heard a speaker at a writers’ conference say that there are only 10 archetypal stories in all of literature and everything that is written is a takeoff on one of those. I don’t know if that’s true or not but if it is, the “road trip” has got to be one of those. You know, it’s the story wherein the protagonist sets out on a journey with a friend or group of friends and the storyteller chronicles the adventures of the protagonist on that journey.

Hollywood would seem to agree. Road trip or journey stories are featured in popular comedy films like, “Oh, Brother, Where art Thou?” and “Road Trip,” and “Plains, Trains, and Automobiles” in fantasies like “The Wizard of Oz,” and “The Hobbit,” and in dramas like “The Life of Pi,” “Stagecoach,” and “The Searchers.”

But the oldest and, perhaps, the inspiration for all the other road trip stories was the ultimate road story that is depicted in The Odyssey by Homer. The second oldest story in Western literature, The Odyssey is the sequal to The Iliad, and it tells the story of the ten-year voyage of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, to return to his home after the Trojan War.

Odysseus knows where he is going — home to Ithica to reclaim his throne and his wife, Penelope both of which are being threatened by suitors who assume that he is dead, killed in the war. His journey is blown off course, however, by sirens, storms, cyclops, lotus-eaters, witches, and punishments sent by the Gods.

* * *

Luke 24:13-35
No Shortcuts (Journey Theme)
On April 16, 1846, nine, brand new covered wagons left Springfield, Illinois on the 2,500-mile journey to California where they hoped to find wealth and success in the new and promising land.

The originator of this group was a man named James Frasier Reed, an Illinois businessman, eager to build a greater fortune in the rich land of California. Reed also hoped that his wife, Margaret, who suffered from terrible headaches, might improve in the coastal climate. Reed had recently read the book The Emigrants’ Guide to Oregon and California, by Landsford W. Hastings, who advertised a new shortcut across the Great Basin.

This new route enticed travelers by advertising that it would save the pioneers 350-400 miles on easy terrain. However, what was not known by Reed was that the account of the Hastings Route, written by Hastings who had visions of building an empire at Sutter’s Fort (now Sacramento) had never been tested.

Almost from the outset, the pioneers met with one difficulty and tragedy after another, but it wasn’t until they arrived at the mountains that mere difficulty turned to tragedy. Even after being twice warned by other travelers that the Hastings Route was nearly impassable on foot, much less in wagons, they forged ahead, eager chop days off their trip to California.

Shortly before they started into the Sierra Nevada mountains the wagon trained expelled their leader, James Reed and another man and placed brothers George and Jacob Donner in charge.

History would remember the tragic end of this group by the name of “The Donner Party.”

Trapped in the mountains in more than 12 feet of snow, it took two months and four relief parties to rescue the few who survived.

Two-thirds of the men and one third of the women and children in the party perished, Forty-one individuals died, and forty-six survived by resorting to cannibalism.

* * *

Luke 24: 13-35
Seeing Jesus (Recognizing Jesus)
Having been deprived of our freedom and sealed inside our homes because of the virus, we are often hard put to see Jesus in any of this, but our local and national news outlets are working hard to find and communicate stories of love and kindness and help, people helping people. And in those stories, Christians can, if we look intently, see the face of our Lord.

In Cincinnati, a music teacher has set up a stage on the back of a friend’s pickup truck and now stages neighborhood concerts where he sings rock and roll and old standards while playing his keyboard. Neighbors come out to the curb, some dance, some sing along, and some bring out their instruments and play along.

A boy scout in California, moved by seeing the bruises left by masks on the faces of medical workers, went to the internet, found directions and, used his 3-D printer to create a band that can be worn behind the head to take some of the pressure of masks off the wearer’s ears. He had intended to make a few for the local hospital but others have seen his actions and been moved to make the same and other devices that can make care givers more comfortable.

And, again, in Cincinnati, a woman heard a man singing hymns in his “church choir voice” as he worked in his yard and asked him if he would come to the edge of her yard and sing one for her mother who suffers from dementia. He was glad to oblige and the daughter caught his performance of “His Eye is On the Sparrow” on her phone as her mother smiled and clapped her hands. Three days later, the man showed up again to sing “Happy Birthday,” to the lady’s mom.

* * *

Luke 24: 13-35
Seeing Jesus 2.0 (Recognizing Jesus)
There is an old saying among Christians: “You may be the only image of Jesus that person ever sees.”

I thought of that when I saw this story about 99-year-old Capt. Tom Moore and his daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore of Marston Moretaine, about 50 miles north of London, England.

About 18 months ago, Tom, a World War II veteran, broke his hip.

In order to encourage him to maintain his physical therapy exercises and stay active during the pandemic lockdown, his daughter told him that for every lap he walked of their 50-meter yard she would give him one pound sterling. That would be enough, she said, for him to earn 100 pounds by his 100th birthday.

So, the intrepid, retired captain set out with his walker to earn his 100 pounds.

He did pretty well, gaining strength as he went, and completed the challenge early. He told his daughter that he wanted to donate the money he earned to the health workers who serve in the National Health Service and she said that, in that case, she would continue the challenge up to 1000 pounds ($1,244). In fact, she would start a “JustGiving” page and invite others to participate in the giving opportunity with the goal to raise another 1000 pounds.

The local news got hold of the story and, by the end of the month the page raised 5000 pounds and was still going, so they raised the goal to 50,000. Then 250,000.

In the end, it took just 11 days to raise --- wait for it — over 18 million pounds, or about $22 million.

* * *

Luke 24:13-35
Giving To Jesus (Seeing/Being Jesus)
When we use words like “pandemic,” it’s hard to imagine that any little thing we, as individuals, can do, would make a difference. Especially when we compare ourselves to the rich and famous. Like, for instance:

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, who donated the $112,000 that was raised from the sale of their 2018 royal wedding footage, which was captured by the BBC, to Feeding Britain, an organization that's helping hungry children and their families amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick donated $100,000 to a coronavirus relief fund that will aid minority communities affected by the coronavirus health crisis.

Movie star George Clooney and his human rights attorney wife, Amal Clooney, donated more than $1 million to coronavirus relief efforts in the U.S. and abroad.

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander has announced that the will donate his weekly paychecks during the MLB shutdown to different COVID-19 relief organizations. How much is that? Well, he makes about $33 million per season.

When pop star Pink tested positive for the coronavirus, she didn’t just complain about her bad luck. She donated $1 million to health care workers in and around Los Angeles.

Oprah’s donating $10million.

Rihanna's non-profit organization the Clara Lionel Foundation announced that it has donated $5M to provide communities with proper prevention, preparation and protective gear amidst the coronavirus crisis.

Jack Dorsey, CEO of both Twitter and digital platform Square, has donated $1 billion of equity in Square to his Start Small Foundation to assist coronavirus relief efforts.

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is making a $100M donation to Feeding America.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are donating $1M to two food banks -- one in Canada and the other in the United States.

Now, I can’t donate a million dollars to anything, but Jesus calls us to do what we can, right? And the pandemic is creating some opportunities for us to “show Jesus” to our neighbors that we probably wouldn’t have had under other circumstances. Who knows? Maybe they will “see Jesus” in us.

So, on March 31, my wife and I sat down to look at our retiree’s budget for April and realized that, due to the state wide quarantine, we were going to save about $35 in gas money that we normally would have used driving to and from this and that during the month.

So, we gave that $35 to the local food bank. No, it’s not much, but the food bank allows that they can create seven meals with every dollar that’s given — that’s 245 meals. What if we all gave the gas money that we’re saving to help feed our brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus? That would make a difference.

* * * * * *

From team member Tom Willadsen:

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
This is a timely psalm in the midst of the pandemic. The psalmist was close to death in the first portion of the reading. The last portion has him fulfilling the promise he made, conditional on his recovery. At the temple the altar for the thank offerings was not in the temple building itself, but in the courts outside.

Who has made a vow like this one, “God, if you let me _____, I will _____.” ? At a younger age it might be something like, “Lord, if you help me stay up until the end of the late show, I will clean my room like Mom told me to.” This psalm has that feeling of bargaining one’s piety in exchange for the granting of a wish. All of which means this kind of bargaining with the Almighty is as old as the Hebrew scriptures, maybe even older.

* * *

Luke 24:13-35
Of the four gospel accounts of the resurrection, Jesus makes His latest appearance in Luke. He does not appear to the three women who go to the tomb early on Sunday morning. Two men appear to the women and remind them that He told them He would rise. Jesus told His followers this weeks before, when they were all up in Galilee. The women ran to tell the disciples what the men said (They are not angels in Luke’s account.) The disciples dismiss this report at “an idle tale” or “complete nonsense.” The Greek term ληρος for what the disciples called the women’s report appears only once in scripture and is a coarser term. Bull**** would be a more faithful rendering of the disciples’ opinion. Peter went to the empty tomb, some texts report, but didn’t see Jesus.

It is not until late in the day, near supper time, when it would be too late to travel safely that Jesus appears to Cleopas and another man. The two whom Jesus joins as they walk toward Emmaus do not recognize Him. One could contend that He appears to them as they walk together. A stronger case, however, could be made that He doesn’t appear until they recognize Him.

When do we see without seeing?

* * *

Male Pattern Blindness
Male Patter Blindness is a term we use in my household when I see, but do not see what I am looking for. It’s an affliction that is rooted in rigid expectation. For example, when I am looking for the mustard which is in a bright, yellow, plastic bottle, I might not see the very mustard I seek if it is in a clear, glass jar. I look at the jar, but since it is not what I expect to find the mustard in I don’t see it.

Cleopas and the other follower of Jesus do not expect Jesus to be up and about, walking to Emmaus. Perhaps His clothing covered His wounds from the crucifixion. What made them see, that is, recognize Jesus? It says their eyes were opened when He took bread, blessed God and broke it. This is telling because Cleopas and the other follower were not present at the Last Supper, yet the act of thanking God for bread and breaking it to share with them is what made their eyes “open.”

* * *

Acts 2:14a, 36-41
(Someone is really missing baseball right now!)
If this passage were the report of a baseball game, Peter would be making a strong case for being named “Comeback Player of the Year.” Just 53 days before he had denied even knowing Jesus three times. After earning something like Rookie of the Year honors by being the first of the disciples to recognize and call Jesus “Messiah,” Peter’s career did not live up to that promising start. He was undisciplined and emotional.

A little one-on-one coaching from Jesus over a breakfast of fish one morning turned Peter’s career around. When the Holy Spirit came into the disciples Peter was ready to step forward and be something of a clubhouse leader. He gave the first pep talk in Christian history, though one could also call it the first sermon. He spoke for his teammates and challenged those who wanted to become his teammates. His speech transformed them, a diverse collection of people from every country in the known world.

* * *

1 Peter 1:7-23
There can hardly be a more hope-filled message than today’s reading from I Peter. Imagine (continuing the metaphor begun in the portion of this piece regarding the Acts reading) Peter as the wise manager, veteran of many seasons, who returns to the essence of everything that is important about playing the game and playing it well. Remember who you are. Remember who you used to be. Give thanks for the transformation that God in Christ worked in and through you. Now, take the field! Play ball! Amen!

* * * * * *

From team member Chris Keating:

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
Costly losses
Gratitude to God spills forth from the lines of Psalm 116. The Psalmist declares God’s faithful victory over death, extolling God’s deliverance from the desolation of Sheol. Countless generations of Christians have found comfort in these verses, despite an often-problematic translation of “precious” in verse 15. Scholar J. Clinton McCann notes an improvement in the Common English Bible’s translation of the Psalm, which renders the verse, “The death of the Lord’s faithful is a costly loss in (God’s) eyes.” Death, as McCann notes, is an enemy God has encountered directly.

The mounting death count from Covid-19 adds poignancy to this reading of the Psalm. Among residents of skilled care facilities, the death toll has been staggering. Conservatively, at least 7,300 residents of U.S. nursing homes have died of Covid-19, though the actual counts have likely been higher because only 19 states have been tracking nursing home deaths.

These costly losses included more than 11 residents of a St. Charles, MO nursing home. Howard Marshall, a 79-year old Alzheimer’s patient, died from Covid-19 before Easter. Family members were prevented from visiting Marshall before his death, and received conflicting reports on his condition. They wonder if he received appropriate care, noting “we’re left with more questions than answers.”

“He was always there for everyone,” his stepdaughter said. “At the end he was all alone. And the way it happened, there is just no dignity in the way he died. There was no respect for him or his family.”

* * *

Luke 24:13-35
“Solvitur Ambulando?”
The Latin phrase translates to something like “it is solved by walking.” Certainly Cleopas and his unnamed friend learned discovered that as they walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. It’s also something many are learning in these pandemic times. Walking, with appropriate social distancing, has a popular form of exercise in places where stay-at-home orders have allowed.

But is this a good thing?

In Seattle, walkers are taking notice of spring—and also the numerous hazards facing biped fans. Walkers are noting the lack of safe walking spaces, sidewalks and crosswalks. “This neighborhood is not set up for walking,” one person told a Seattle Times reporter. “Sidewalks would be a huge help, for starters. And crosswalks.”

Washington, D.C. residents have noticed an increase in rush hour foot traffic. At-home workers are taking to the streets around 5 p.m. each evening, which solves the problem of exercise but potentially creates another. Washington Post writer Maura Judkis notes that:

Going outside, the one thing that was supposed to be calming and relatively safe during a global pandemic that has forced everyone indoors, has become as dreadful as all other things that the coronavirus has ruined — like going grocery shopping, or trying to sleep through the night. These perambulations of the quarantined — some of whom are following the new CDC guidance about wearing face coverings, but many not — are the street parades of our time, creating hard choices for citizens who want to avoid any and all crowds but also want to avoid going stir-crazy in their homes.

* * *

Luke 24:13-35
Eye-opening experience
Earth Day 2020 will not be getting the attention it normally receives, in part because of the pandemic. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the celebration, which in many ways celebrates the ways the eyes of humans are being opened to pressing environmental needs. Like the disciples who have walked with Jesus, those who have walked with the earth are opening their eyes to the need for better stewardship of creation.

A ground-breaking documentary film, “The Story of Plastic” will make its debut on the Discovery network on April 22. The film has been called “eye-opening” because of its examination of plastic’s impact on the health of the planet, including the impact of plastic disposal pollution.

According to Greenpeace, “Stunning footage reveals fields full of garbage, veritable mountains of trash, and rivers and seas clogged with plastic waste, much of it in South East Asia. But what everyday media bites populating our social media feeds and nightly news broadcasts are not getting right is where plastic pollution is coming from in the first place.”


* * * * * *

WORSHIP
by George Reed

Call to Worship:
Leader: We love God, who has heard our voice and our supplications.
People: We will call on our God as long as we live.
Leader: What shall we return to God for all God’s bounty to us?
People: We will lift up the cup of salvation and call on God’s name.
Leader: O God, we are your servants. You have loosed our bonds.
People: We will offer to you thanksgiving and call on your name.

OR

Leader: Come and celebrate the Risen Christ among us!
People: We rejoice that our Risen Lord is here!     
Leader: Christ is present not only in our worship.
People: Christ is present in all of our lives.   
Leader: Christ is with us whenever we reach out in love.
People: We will share Christ by sharing love with others.   

Hymns and Songs:
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
UMH: 117
H82: 680
AAHH: 170
NNBH: 46
NCH: 25
CH: 67
LBW: 320
ELW: 632
W&P: 84
AMEC: 61
STLT: 281

Great Is Thy Faithfulness
UMH: 140
AAHH: 158
NNBH: 45
NCH: 423
CH: 86
ELW: 733
W&P: 72
AMEC: 84  
Renew: 249

I Sing the Almighty Power of God
UMH: 152
H82: 398
PH: 288
NCH: 12
W&P: 31
Renew: 54

Come, Christians, Join to Sing
UMH: 158
PH: 150
CH: 90
W&P: 87
Renew: 50

Alleluia, Alleluia
UMH: 162
H82: 178
PH: 106
CH: 40
W&P: 291
Renew: 271

Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
UMH: 173
H82: 6/7
PH: 462/463
LBW: 265
ELW: 553
W&P: 91

The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
UMH: 306
PH: 119
AAHH: 277
NCH: 242
CH: 221
LBW: 135
W&P: 290
AMEC: 162

O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
UMH: 430
H82: 659/660
PH: 357
NNBH: 445
NCH: 503
CH: 602
LBW: 492
ELW: 818
W&P: 589
AMEC: 299

More Love to Thee, O Christ
UMH: 453
PH: 359
AAHH: 575
NNBH: 214
NCH: 456
CH: 527
AMEC: 460

Open My Eyes, That I May See
UMH: 454
PH: 324
NNBH: 218
CH: 586
W&P: 480
AMEC: 285

Open Our Eyes, Lord
CCB: 77
Renew: 91

Behold, What Manner of Love
CCB: 44

Music Resources Key:
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship

Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who is present everywhere and at all times:
Grant us the faith to trust in your being with us
whether the time is exciting, terrifying, or mundane;
through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen.

OR

We praise you, O God, because you are always with us. In all times of our lives whether they are exciting, terrifying, or mundane, you are here. Open our eyes that we may perceive you in all your grace among us. Amen.

Prayer of Confession
Leader: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially our failure to look for the Risen Christ in our daily lives.

People: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We love Easter and we love to proclaim the Christ is risen but we confine that proclamation to church. In our everyday lives we are seldom aware of the presence of our Lord. We are distracted by all that is happening around us and we fail to hear him call our name. We are busy with our routines and we don’t perceive him as we break bread together. Open our eyes, our minds, and our hearts that we may welcome the Christ into all parts of our lives. So fill us with the wonder of Christ’s presence that we are bold to share him with others. Amen.

Leader: Christ is alive and among us. The life he claims he brings to share with us so that we may share it with others. Receive the gifts and share them.

Prayers of the People
Praise and glory be to you, O God, who brings the Risen Christ into our midst. In you life is eternal and glorious. 

(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)

We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We love Easter and we love to proclaim the Christ is risen but we confine that proclamation to church. In our everyday lives we are seldom aware of the presence of our Lord. We are distracted by all that is happening around us and we fail to hear him call our name. We are busy with our routines and we don't perceive him as we break bread together. Open our eyes, our minds, and our hearts that we may welcome the Christ into all parts of our lives. So fill us with the wonder of Christ's presence that we are bold to share him with others.

We thank you for showing us that life is stronger than death and love is stronger than hate. Thank you for the good news of Easter as we celebrate it throughout the year. Thank you for those who have lived the presence of the Christ among us so that we can truly believe.

(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)

We pray for one another in our need. We pray for those who are ill and those who are caring for them. We pray for those who are dying and those who are grieving. We pray for all who offer themselves so that others may live. We pray for the poor, the unemployed, and those struggling through this time of isolation and danger.

(Other intercessions may be offered.)

All these things we ask in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together saying:

Our Father....Amen.

(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)

All this we ask in the Name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity.  Amen.

Children’s Sermon Starter
Did you ever play “Where’s Waldo?” It is a fun game and Waldo looks the same but it sometimes it is hard to recognize him with everything else on the page. We don’t know why the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus when he walked with them on the road. Perhaps they were just too busy with their own thoughts and conversation or may be they had their cloaks drawn around their faces to shield them from the dust of the road. Whatever the reason, they didn’t recognize Jesus until they broke bread together. Once they recognized him though they knew exactly who he was and were so excited they ran back to Jerusalem where they had just come from! Jesus comes to us, too. He comes when we pray and when we read our Bibles. He comes when we are kind to others or when we accept help from other people. We don’t always know he is there but he always is.


* * * * * *

CHILDREN'S SERMON
A Different Kind of Money
1 Peter 1:17-23

Object: a credit card and a checkbook

What does money look like? (Let them answer. They will probably answer that it looks like coins and bills.) Now I want to show you a different kind of money. (Show them the credit card.) This will buy almost anything that regular money can buy and it can buy many things that regular money can't buy. So will this. This is a checkbook. It contains checks that I can write and it will buy me things I want.

The Apostle Peter talks about money that's different. In those days money was mostly gold or silver coins. But he says that we get acceptance from God "not with ... silver or gold."

Do you think he really means that we can't buy God's love for us? Do you think it's not for purchase with our money? If we can't buy acceptance from God with money like silver or gold, how can we get it? Do you think a credit card would buy it? How about a checkbook? Could I write a check? Does anybody have an idea? (Let them answer.)

It's hard for me to understand, but Peter says we were given acceptance from God by the money which was Jesus' life. Jesus' life was given as payment for heaven. That's a different kind of money, isn't it? A person's life instead of money! Yet Jesus loved us that much that he would give his life for us. What a wonderful person Jesus is!

Dear Jesus: Thank you for paying our way with your life. Amen.


* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Immediate Word, April 26, 2020 issue.

Copyright 2020 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.

All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.