One voice in… voices out.

One voice speaks within each of us by the Holy Spirit. Speaking to the image of God, God’s love, and the ability to love God and love like God, which is deep within each of us. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we are “clay jars” that house this beautiful treasure. But where is this love, and light of God? As we look upon the history and current state of humanity we may wonder, where is this voice and treasure?

While the gift of this image of God, love, and light is the same for each of us, how much can be seen, heard, or felt in the world depends on the one who holds the jar within.

For some, it appears to be buried just below the surface. The voice and light of Christ are often seen as this holy love into the world in the people we meet. In the smiles, generous concerns, and acts freely given to the world just as it has been freely given to them.

When we open ourselves up, we can see and feel this joy and power within ourselves. And the people around us see and hear the Spirit within us. The kingdom of Heaven moves in us and through us as the Image inside of us grows.

There are many who have buried it deeper, out of sight, only to let it surface in glimpses that often go unrecognized by themselves or others. It is one thing to profess a Faith, another to live it out in a world which does not always understand or care. It is like a remembrance of who we are as God’s people moving our hearts in response.

Others are moved in ways that they do not understand or consider. In spite of the wrongs committed by humanity, sometimes even our own, we can still see the good that people have within them.

Some, too many, have put it so deep within that only what can be described as evil darkens their presence. Hard and cruel acts upon the others spread a shadow across our world wounding everyone touched. Too often we do nothing or too little. Even worse, we ignore it unless it affects us personally.

Of course, why should we? We’re often so busy taking care of making something of this life for ourselves and our own that we don’t have time for the rest. And the spare time we do have, well, there are pleasures to have, mountains to conquer, events to watch or in which to compete. Most of this time is healthy for our mind and body. And yet the beautiful light of God remains stored in clay jars buried deep within our souls. And we wonder at the evil and wrong that continues around us, and ask, where is this God in all this mess? Could it be that “this God” is buried deep inside of us, waiting for the chance to be the light, the love, and the healing we are seeking?

In Christ, God has done the work, the heavy lifting, giving in grace and love. We have been invited to join together and speak and live out the world-changing love of our Creator. In Jesus, the people called the church have been called to join in the choirs of God’s love and Holy presence in this world. The Holy Spirit calls, waits, and leads all who listen and follow. God has decided that the divine love and presence will be seen in the people. Let it be us.

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick