Sherry Sterling
Dear friends,
I was able to visit extended family in Missouri a few weeks ago, catching up with aunts and uncle and cousins. We don’t visit very often, but it’s so good when we do.
We have a history together. We’ve seen each other periodically ever since I can remember. They know me. And I know them.
There’s a sense of belonging. Being part of something bigger—extended family. And my heart rested in that wider belonging.
In today’s scripture readings, I am reminded of an even wider belonging, our belonging to God. Our belonging to the creator of the universe and of our particular personality and being. And God’s knowing us through and through.
The Old Testament reading starts with one of my favorite declarations: God telling the prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” How reassuring to be known that fully, that intimately.
The reading goes on to recount Jeremiah being called by God to be a prophet, to proclaim God’s will to the nations. Jeremiah hesitates, saying he’s too young, and that he doesn’t know how to speak.
He tries to back out, like Moses did, when he pleaded with God not to send him to speak to Pharaoh, saying he’s never been eloquent. But God, over and over again, moves with us and through our limitations and fears.
Today’s Gospel reading tells of another interaction between the Godhead and a disciple, Peter. A resurrected Jesus asked Peter three times if he loves him, and each time gave Peter a job to do: feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, and feed my sheep.
This interaction invited Peter to heal from the three times he denied knowing Jesus the night of Jesus’ crucifixion, bringing him back into relationship, restoring Peter’s dignity, and thus preparing him to do the job he’d given Peter to do: lead the early Christian church.
God knew Peter. Jesus had told Peter he would deny him; Peter said he would never do that, then he did. Jesus still loved him. And later, made a way to restore him.
Jesus offered forgiveness, vision for next steps, and an invitation to continue the relationship.
That’s belonging, through and through. Being known, accepted with our limitations, and engaging in a way so we can come back home.
Peace and love,
—Sherry