In this week's lesson we read about Solomon building God a dwelling, a home, the first temple. In the gospel reading, many followers leave Jesus when he tells them he must they must eat of his flesh, and drink of his blood, foreboding the Last Supper, the Eucharist, and his crucifixion. When Jesus tells them they are free to go, Peter asks, in essence, "Lord, where, to whom can we go." Peter goes on to say "You have the words of eternal life, and we have come to believe and know you are the Holy One of God."
So where, and to whom, do we go? What is home for us? What does home mean to us? What about the homeless? I never thought I would leave my home of 42 years, the town and State, city of my work, and my dear home church of more than 17 years, but my wife and I did to be of help to our youngest son and daughter-in-law in law in caring for their children, our granddaughters, when their work in healthcare and church put such demands on their time and themselves. It hasn't been without its human costs, sacrifice, and emptying of those things we held onto for so long. But we have found home is where the heart is, and where the Lord is. In giving up most of our possessions, we have been freed to find the love of God through Jesus and family, especially seeing our grandchildren grow from infants to young children. Jesus didn't leave us when we left our home of 42 years. He dwells within us, if we let him. Especially if we give up our possessiveness.
Finally, we are called to put on the whole armor of God. What does that mean? Why? Read The Rev. Amy Richter's "The Truth Will Make Us Odd."
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