Reprise On A Sermon

TUES., MAR. 5, 1991, 6:29 AM
FARM, STUDY

Your opportunity came on Sunday last, and you accepted it with a fine spirit. You’re right – it was not outstanding, but it was above average, and I was pleased. You had appropriate notes, but you preached rather than read. It had a certain spontaneity to it, but was also done decently and in order. Your problem with eye contact is one of which you are aware, and I urge you to do what you can to remedy this. It is a habit and can be reduced, with awareness and resolve.

It shall be interesting to see how willing you and the other 4th Day Emmaus people are to meet regularly. I shall not tell you what to do or how committed you should be to this “program”. It is an important followup to a good Christian experience, but you shall have to see whether or not it is a commitment to keep. You have had many soul-reaching experiences, but most are simply left behind as new opportunities rise.

You see… earth life offers many opportunities for spiritual growth (and you recognize this as one of My favorite, repeated phrases), and one evidence of growth having taken place is your capacity to make choices. Some experiences should be savored and remembered and renewed. These should be an ongoing part of your life. Your participation in the life of your Presbyterian congregation is a good example. You have been active in a number of ways, evidencing your joy in being part of the worship service and of fellowship events. The Newsletter, even as it sometimes seems to be a burden, is a special privileged means of communication that you have, and this is a service that I want you to continue.

You do not feel drawn toward being a more active revolutionary, even as you can see Me, as Jesus, being concerned with those who are needy, in many ways. It is not likely that you will go back to Cuba or to another Latin country as a rabid liberationist, even as you accept that I do motivate some Christians to such thought and action. You may want to consider again a visit to St. Labre to see if that is a mission that could be important to you. If your summer teaching diminishes, as it may, you may want to include this in your travels.

You await the opportunity to have your current classes come out here and have this experience on the Farm. The purpose for each class is rather unique, and these should be planned and considered carefully. This is a unique opportunity you have to witness, in some subtle ways, to your faith and your Christian lifestyle. Be more aware of this, and have the Farm looking as neat as possible as you introduce, or reintroduce learners to this place. As long as you are here you must utilize this special resource that is a part of your spiritual life.

Your walk as a Presbyterian has two rather unique features that, wisely, you did not include in your sermon this week… but might at some future time. You are comfortable with this relationship that you and I have, and you reported easily to your Emmaus group that you had Teachings during your weekend walk. Your Emmaus experience was when I took over this pen at that rather drab motel in Tennessee. I came to you, and you knew Me by what I wrote, using your hand and your writing style. Some others have had spiritual experiences of different sorts, and your call for more to share these was the central, important imperative of your message.