Making Connections

The Gospel lesson finds us with the disciples again, some time after Jesus’ first Easter appearances. News of theses appearances was beginning to be a topic of discussion among them. They were becoming a community of faith, shaky faith, but faith nevertheless. The appearances and messages of Jesus brought them closer together, and they started examining their experiences and seeing themselves in a new way. Like Inky and Tonks, they discovered that the secret to carrying on after Jesus death was not out there in the world, nor was it influenced by what the world thought of them, rather the secret was hidden “at home” in their community, their shared experiences and stories. When they began to explore Jesus message, and the meaning of the message for their lives, their minds were opened to the possibilities that this message would have for the rest of their community, and eventually the world. Jesus was very much alive, Christ’s spirit rested with them, and together they would continue his work of building bridges between people, God and creation.

The answer for many of our questions may be found in the most surprising place, right where we are, the place we call home. Sometimes we don’t appreciate the resources we have right around us; sometimes the solutions we seek are right before us. The solutions may be found in a community, or in the person who is with us at the moment, a family member, a friend, or the stranger next to us.

Sometimes the solution may even be closer than that. We believe that the Spirit of Christ lives within us, which means the we may be seeking may lay in our own hearts, our own souls, if only we would take the time to open up to ourselves and listen.

What are your questions? Where are you looking? Have you thought of trying to find the answers at home? In your own community of faith? In your own heart? You too might be surprised when you discover a wholeness, a peace that passes understanding, right where you are.