Annual Meeting

In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. Luke 4:21-25

Today is All Saints' Church Annual meeting. And although I have been to many annual meetings this is my first among them here. I am a tab bit anxious, wishing I knew better how things were done in the past and how to move us all to a future together. Annual meetings are somewhat like coming home after a long time away. There is some things that have changed, and there are many things that have not. Some things and people might have declined and there accomplishments to celebrate. Coming home requires us all to take stock of what is past honestly and absorb the lessons the past has taught us. Then, starting from right where we are, move to a fuller and more vibrant future with a strong understanding of who we are. Many people just come home for a visit and want it like it always was. But to really comes home is to see home's totality and to speak a loving truth while imagining a brighter future.

Jesus came home and there was a swirl of emotions at his arrival. They wanted him to be a hometown hero and did not want him to tell the truth. The wanted fantasy rather than full and complete acceptance. And so they rejected Jesus, rather than accepting the truth and love he had to bring to his home town.

Today, I want to trust that this day will be a day of looking back and celebrating, while calibrating the compass for the future. I pray that today will be a vibrant and life giving home coming for many. A home where they are loved completely and totally challenged to bring their best to the table. May God grace us all with a sense of home today. A place and people where we are completely loved and invited to grow more with God and one another.