Lay Down

(a homily)

What shall we lay down? What is there that causes us to fuss, to exclude? Who are we to hinder God from granting the gift of life to the world, even ourselves?

It seems that more questions arise than answers are received when we face the word of the Gospel. In the light of the love of God we are humbled; we ask ourselves, if we are willing to reckon Christ the rightful role of shepherd, Why are we not following the Voice of God? This is such a troubling question to ask, for we must look deep within ourselves to find the answer, and break through the barriers we've built up between our hearts and God. Such a view is not flattering.

But let us be at peace in the knowledge that God desires us to bid the Holy Spirit to come, to send forth light and faithfulness so that we might be led to the dwelling place of God to find rest. God desires to pour out the Spirit upon all flesh, to unite humanity, to bring together all people into one flock. We, as the church are called to be a part of this work. We have been granted life-giving repentance, and so we can turn away from death, from exclusion, and turn towards the still, small Voice, towards trust, love, contemplation, and selflessness. We can lay down our lives.

The Eucharist teaches us this way of life, the way of giving and receiving and giving, of being broken and being made whole. Let us give ourselves to the Good Shepherd who will lead us in the way of love, in life baptized by the Holy Spirit.