August 7, 2022—“Don’t worry, be happy…”
I really wish
the lectionary folks had added the passage left out between last Sunday’s
Gospel lesson and this Sunday’s. Listen: (read from Bible)
Isn’t that
wonderful! Don’t worry—strive for the Kingdom of God.
Reminds me of
that pop song by Bobby McFerrin—“Don’t worry, be happy”. I watched the original
video on YouTube and it made me very happy….
It was even on
Bumper Stickers for a while. If Luke’s Jesus had had a car, he would have had
that bumper sticker.
Then he
continues by saying, “do not be afraid, little flock”. Jesus, the Good Shepherd
calls his followers, “little flock. Isn’t that great.
As you may know,
Luke’s Jesus is my favorite of the four. Luke’s Jesus is compassion
personified.
There are only 7
miracles in John’s Gospel—Luke has miracles—healings—by the dozens. Compassion
personified.
He goes on to
tell them to be generous to those in need and they will have purses that do not
wear out in the heavenly Kingdom. “And where your treasure is, there your heart
will be also.” So, don’t worry, be happy to serve the Lord.
He then talks of
servants waiting up for their master and how when the master finds them like
that, he will feed them himself.
We too are
members of Jesus’ little flock.
He asks the same
of us as he asks of them: worry not, neither be afraid: be vigilant and aware.
Serve those in need and wait for the Master to return.
Lovely
sentiments. An oh, so true.
In my time here
at Trinity, I have witnessed your generosity to those in need. Your willingness
to strive for the Kingdom. Your compassion and understanding for others in your
church.
So, be not
afraid, Little Flock. All you need will be given you by God.
So, please,
please—don’t worry be happy.
(Let us end with a time of silence to reflect on God’s
promises to us.)
Be still and know God’s goodness.
Shalom and Amen.