Luke 24:44-53
This morning I resume my normal routine from my usual seat at my own dining table. As I sit here I can honestly say I'm glad to be home. As we drove to our house we looked at the lush, green mountains to our right and the red-orange sunlit sky to our left. We could see lights of gold sparkling off the waters which surround our island home as the sun slowly sank behind the Waianae range. Yes, we were home.
The silence in the van as we rode between the airport and a saimin dinner (why do we always miss the food the most?) was calming, and whenever someone did decide to say something it was to the effect of, "It's good to be home." At dinner our conversation settled around the past few days spent in beautiful Vancouver and how we completely appreciated the clear blue sky, bright sun, and gentle cool breezes of our host country. It was towards the end of the conversation I began thinking, "And the people, I truly appreciated the people of Vancouver as much as I adore the people of Hawaii."
As I read the passage this morning I begin to understand the global-ness of our world and just how small we really are. It's amazing to me that no matter where we go in the world we will find that the beauty of creation and the kindness of the people are what we always seem to enjoy most. Think for a moment about a vacation you have taken to anywhere outside where you live and what the things you enjoyed most are; what was the one or two things which took your breath away? My guess is that scenery and people will be in your top three.
So what is it that allows us to put people and places at the top of our lists? Do I venture to guess a longing for relationship which allows us to simply be who we are without judgment.
The other thing I've noticed about people as they go away to a foreign place is they tend to relax and enjoy the things around them and leave the life they normally live in behind. In other words they allow themselves to be in the moment and to be themselves. For a week or two or three they allow their minds to be opened, their spirits to take chances, and their hearts to know love without conditions.
Imagine, then, if we could bring that same person home. When Jesus ascends into heaven he leaves final instructions for his disciples. In the Gospel of Luke he opens their minds to the understanding of scripture. He also reminds them that another is coming to help them in this process. It's when our minds are opened that our hearts become opened and the love of God intended for us to share is available for all to enjoy. All we need to do is be open to receiving that which God is giving us.
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