Touching and Love

       After we Episcopalians changed the prayer book back in the seventies, we began the wonderful tradition of the peace after the confession and absolution.  Before we had the peace, we would all stay in our pews and simply do not much of anything.  With the peace, we touch each other, say nice things to each other and celebrate what we are, a community, with great joy.  I know that has made a great difference in our churches.  

            The Peace is not a new thing.  When I think of the early church, meeting in the homes of the apostles, probably around thirty or forty people at a gathering, there was much joy involved.  There was happiness that was reflected in their worship.  They didn’t have the liturgy that we have now, but there was a great celebration of who they were.  One of the things that they all did was to touch each other.  I have come to learn that touching conveys a lot of information.  When we are reluctant to touch, it is usually for a reason.  Sometimes we are depressed or lonely or feel that we are a stranger.  When I encounter this, I know that more conversation is probably something that I ought to try to have.  That is also something that builds community. When I visit someone in the hospital, it is essential that I touch them.  It conveys caring and hope.  We hold hands when we pray.  That seems like a small thing, but it holds us together.  It makes us one in the Lord.  

           We are all rather predictable people.  We all have our own pews in our church.  Most of you sit on the Gospel, or pulpit side of the church.  Others sit on the Epistle or the side where the lessons are read.  Sometimes that can be a problem.  When I first went into St. James’ church in Charleston, WV as their interim rector back in first days of this century, I sat in the pew of one of the pillars of the community and was immediately told about this.  I apologized and was forgiven, but it was something that I never forgot.  I’m sure that has happened here from time to time.  We love our particular places.  They become a part of our ritual, our liturgy, our way of worship and we are comfortable with this quirk of human nature.      

 

            This touching is reflected in our scripture for this Sunday.  The story in Luke is about the baptism of the people by John the Baptist and then the baptism of Jesus.  The people are all wondering if John is the Messiah.  He tells them that he baptizes with water, but one is coming mightier than he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 

            Later, when Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove and Jesus hears the voice of God say to him: You are my son, my beloved.  With you, I am well pleased. Here at the very beginning of the ministry of Jesus we have touching; God touching Jesus; Jesus touching the people.  This becomes a way of ministry, a way of communication.  The beauty of this way of living is that it emphasizes the fact that we are not alone.  We are a community of people who worship our God together.  We not only worship together, we help each other, we pray for each other and we care for each other.  This extends into the place where we are located.  God sends us into the world to be people who touch others. 

            Rosie and I do Meals on Wheels  every week.  I love the way that the people answer the door and are thrilled to see us.  It is a way of bringing life and comfort to them.  It is again only a small thing, but it is for us an extension of our worship.  It is a way to take our love and concern into the wider community and to know a larger variety of people.  I know that you all have your ministries also.  These are things that you share with each of us in your touch at the peace.  I thank God for each and every one of you and the way that you contribute to the goodness of this world.