Day 5 Reflection by Pastor Jon

“The Washing and Feeding of the 37,000”

Today’s main event was closing worship at the Superdome. Going through the flow of gathering, hearing the word, being fed and being sent along with so many people at once was truly uplifting and empowering. This sight is truly a vision of the “church right now”, a church made up of youth who have voices and hands and faith that trust in the power of Christ in their lives. ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson preached and presided at the service.

Looking back I am struck by the two sacraments being part of this service in very powerful ways. At the beginning, we remembered our baptism, recalling God’s forgiving, renewing bath that washes us clean from sin. As part of the processional, hundreds of youth processed in carrying huge yellow umbrellas, evoking the image of water pouring down upon all of us. This simple touch to the service reminded us all that, as Bishop Hanson said in his sermon, “we matter to God”!

The bishop also spoke about the Gospel text for today, the feeding of the 5000 from the sixth chapter of John. One of the youth said today, “I always thought that the feeding of the 5000 was a lot of people, but when I see 37,000 getting fed…wow, that makes it even more miraculous.” Somehow, despite all the logistics, bread and wine was broken and shared among all those gathered at the superdome. We are blessed to be witnesses to such a feeding that only Jesus could provide in this kind of abundance.

We are going home washed and fed. We go home filled with inspiration to share an ethic of justice and self-giving service upon our return. As the bishop said, “God is not done with you yet”! We go home looking for opportunities to serve, to learn more about Jesus’ care for the needy, and equipped to improvise the jazzy work of discipleship. Even though we don’t know where we will go or where we’ll be led, we go knowing God is leading, guiding and supporting us.

Thanks be to God!

Peace,
Pastor Jon