Reflections and Sermons

WORDS OF REFLECTION –

by Rev. Nancy Wilson

Sunday June 15, 2025

Based on John 16:12-15

Too much to take in! There have been different moments in my life, and maybe yours, when the space in my mind and heart are maxed out and any more information, details, cannot be absorbed in my mind; any more news of devastation or tragedy or disappointment is overwhelming and consuming every space in my heart.

In this passage it is comforting to hear that Jesus understands the limitations of human capacity to take in too much all at once. He specifically says to his disciples, I still have so much to share with you, so much to teach you but I know you can't bear it all at once. So, even when I am gone, I will send you the Spirit of truth who, when the time is right, will share with you what you need to know and how to respond in keeping with my teachings and ways.

What a powerful gift, this gift of the Spirit that is a mystery and at the same time an accompanier and companion to those who follow in the ways of Jesus. Companion means 'with bread'; to join together sharing bread – reflecting the way the spirit feeds us as we unite around our tables, connecting us to the people of the past who have gone before us as well as those who currently sit beside us. We are invited to discern the movement of the Spirit, to see her whereabouts in our daily activities and to follow in a way that is in step with her fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.

This is Jesus' parting gift to those with whom he walked this earth, in the Spirits act of 'glorifying Jesus', she is making God's presence visible and inviting people into different ways of knowing who God is and what God wants for us in the world. God yearns to be known by us and to know us – beloved children of the faith.

Times can seem bleak with global uncertainty producing fear, anxiety, tension, conflict, war. Climate change, conflicts around the world create costly side effects to the economy – rising costs; people who are barely squeaking by now have the struggle of managing debt. The lands are scarred by effects of war and climate change – forever marked by humanity's greed and desire to consume.

It can seem too much for us to take in!

At the table of shared meals and communion, Jesus says take "bite size" bites. We don't eat the whole loaf of bread in communion or drink the whole jug of juice, we have a little at a time to nourish us and sustain us. And even that little bit reminds us that Jesus is with us and his love and healing is shared with the world by what we do. It is a little taste that has 'big meaning'.

When we look at the 'bigness' or overwhelming nature of world events and how quickly things are changing, let us remember the power of small bits and bites. Look for small glimpses of hope, small lights that flicker, short times of joy and devour these moments. Look for more – trusting that it is in such small acts of kindness, love, joy, peace, goodness, gentleness, patience, faithfulness and self-control that we share the spirit of God with others in the world.

Small bits and bites frequently consumed are what gives us sustenance and builds spiritual resilience in this world where human activity and choices overwhelm us.

More is not always better. Abundance can be found in small bits and bites. A piece of bread; a story of Jesus; an experience of movement of God's spirit; a visible sign of knowing God and being known by God. These are the morsels of hope that we cling to in an unstable world.These are the crumbs of faith that, like a mustard seed, give us the nourishment to continue to speak the truth, work for justice and share love in our world. The small pieces of bread remind us of the 'companion', the Spirit that Jesus promised would come to his disciples to accompany them and us throughout our lives. Go forth seeking the spirit and following her way of truth, peace, kindness and love in your life.

This is how we come to know and glorify God.