By Pastor Don Schatz

Echoing God’s Welcome

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Greet one another with a holy kiss.
II Corinthians 13:12 English Standard Version

Not long ago I was out for my morning walk on the waterfront.  This time of year, for some reason, year-round Canada geese flock to the beach in the early morning.  Eventually, they move to the surrounding grass and begin the day’s browsing.

On this particular day, two ‘late comers’ flew in, talking to each other, and alit on the beach about 20 feet from the group.  As soon as their webbed feet hit the sand, the original group all lifted their heads, looked at the newcomers and began a honking chorus of welcome.  The two laggards waddled their way over and joined the group. It is wonderful to feel welcomed.  It feels great to be greeted so enthusiastically when one arrives.  I have that experience at church.  Walk in the door, and whoever is there immediately smiles and says, ‘Hi Don’.

I don’t know what I would do if one of those folks greeted me with a holy kiss to the cheek!  But in our culture, in the age of the pandemic we continue to experience, speaking the welcome with a smile in the eyes (masks make it difficult to see a smile otherwise!) works just fine.  God welcomes us into his heart and love, into his Kingdom and Church, into the movement of grace in the world.  He greets us with the Good News of the Gospel, not just once but continuously.  I hope you can hear his greeting today.  And tomorrow.  Continually.

It is critical for the life of the Church that we intentionally practice such greeting.  Love of God and love of our sisters and brothers is the lifeblood of the Church.  “If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar” (I John 4:20).  Like I said, it is critical.  But John also says, “God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.  In this way, love is made complete…” (I John 5:16-17).  This latter is you.  Today, every day.  Enjoy living that truth as you greet one another.  Kissing is optional!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado