Finding Peace and Joy in Grief and Legacy
Summary
### Summary
Peace be with you. Today, we gather to remember and honor the saints in our lives who have passed on, leaving behind legacies of love, faith, and service. This year, I lost two of my eldest uncles, John Haywood and Joseph Werner, who were instrumental in my spiritual journey. As we reflect on their lives and the lives of others who have shaped us, we are reminded of the peace that Jesus offers us, even in our grief. Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace be with you," and he says the same to us today. In our sorrow, may we feel God's strong gentleness and the peace of Christ.
We give thanks for the service of our loved ones to their families, churches, communities, and the world. Their lives were testimonies of faith, welcoming others and extending God's peace and joy. They walked alongside us through life's milestones, and their legacy continues to shape our lives. Jesus stands with us today, offering us peace and the Holy Spirit, urging us to share this peace with others.
In my ministry, I have been blessed to work with diverse colleagues at Boston Children's Hospital, learning from their different faith traditions. This diversity enriches my understanding of scripture and the call to end fear and promote justice, peace, and joy. Silence in the face of fear leads to oppression, but Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and work for justice.
Our loved ones knew this and dedicated their lives to peacemaking, civil rights, and serving those in need. They taught us to turn from fear and move towards God's justice and joy. Sometimes, joy is not immediately apparent, but it is always present, waiting to be discovered. I experienced this during a retreat in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where the beauty of creation reminded me of God's vast love and mercy.
In our daily lives, we often search for joy, but it is right in front of us. Jesus stands among us, offering peace and joy. Our loved ones recognized this joy and helped others find it within themselves. Their ministries amplified joy, just as a single candle can light up a dark room. We give thanks for their lives and the light they brought into the world. Let us continue to sing out God's peace, justice, and resurrection joy. Peace be with you. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. Peace in Grief: Jesus offers peace to us in our moments of grief, just as he did to his disciples. This peace is a strong gentleness that surrounds us, reminding us that our loved ones now rest in God's peace and resurrection joy. We are called to extend this peace to others, even as we navigate our own sorrow. [24:31]
2. Legacy of Service: Our loved ones' lives were marked by service to family, church, and community. They welcomed others, extended God's peace, and walked alongside us through life's milestones. Their legacy of love and faith continues to shape our lives and calls us to serve others with the same dedication. [26:12]
3. Diversity and Justice: Working with colleagues from diverse faith traditions has enriched my understanding of scripture and the call to end fear and promote justice. Silence in the face of fear leads to oppression, but Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and work for justice, peace, and joy. [28:38]
4. Discovering Joy: Joy is often right in front of us, waiting to be discovered. During a retreat, the beauty of creation reminded me of God's vast love and mercy, and I felt the joy I had been praying for. Our loved ones recognized this joy and helped others find it within themselves, amplifying joy in their ministries. [32:55]
5. Resurrection Joy: Our loved ones' lives sang out God's resurrection joy, and they continue to inspire us to do the same. In moments of fear, we are called to renounce fear and claim this joy, just as an elderly woman in the ICU did by singing "Amazing Grace." Her faith and joy were a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. [37:24]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:31] - Peace in Grief
[26:12] - Legacy of Service
[27:42] - Diversity and Justice
[31:46] - Discovering Joy
[37:24] - Resurrection Joy
[39:21] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 20:19-21 (NIV): "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'"
2. Matthew 5:9 (NIV): "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
3. Philippians 4:7 (NIV): "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus say to his disciples when he appeared to them after his resurrection? (John 20:19-21)
2. How does the sermon describe the peace that Jesus offers us in our moments of grief? [24:31]
3. What were some of the ways our loved ones served their families, churches, and communities according to the sermon? [26:12]
4. How did the diversity of faith traditions at Boston Children's Hospital influence the pastor's understanding of scripture and justice? [27:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to offer peace to his disciples and to us in times of grief? How can this peace be described as a "strong gentleness"? [24:31]
2. In what ways did the lives of our loved ones reflect the call to be peacemakers as described in Matthew 5:9? [26:12]
3. How can working with people from diverse faith traditions help us better understand and promote justice, peace, and joy? [27:42]
4. What does the pastor's experience during the retreat in Gloucester teach us about discovering joy in our daily lives? [32:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced grief. How did you feel God's peace during that time? How can you extend this peace to others who are grieving? [24:31]
2. Think about the legacy of service left by your loved ones. How can you continue their work in your own community? What specific actions can you take this week to serve others? [26:12]
3. How can you actively work to end fear and promote justice in your community? What steps can you take to ensure you are not silent in the face of oppression? [28:38]
4. Joy is often right in front of us, waiting to be discovered. What are some simple joys in your life that you may be overlooking? How can you be more mindful of these joys daily? [32:55]
5. The sermon mentioned an elderly woman in the ICU who sang "Amazing Grace" and renounced fear. How can you practice renouncing fear and claiming joy in your own life? [37:24]
6. How can you help others find joy within themselves, just as your loved ones did? What are some practical ways you can encourage and support those around you? [34:34]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a peacemaker in your daily interactions. What specific situations or relationships in your life need more peace? How can you bring God's peace into those areas? [26:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Peace in Grief
In moments of grief, Jesus offers us a profound peace that transcends our understanding. This peace is not just a fleeting feeling but a strong gentleness that surrounds and comforts us. It reminds us that our loved ones now rest in God's eternal peace and resurrection joy. As we navigate our sorrow, we are called to extend this peace to others, sharing the comfort we have received from Christ. This peace is a gift that Jesus offered to his disciples and continues to offer to us today. [24:31]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt overwhelmed by grief. How did you experience God's peace in that moment? How can you share that peace with someone who is grieving today?
Day 2: Legacy of Service
Our loved ones who have passed on left behind legacies of love, faith, and service. Their lives were marked by their dedication to family, church, and community. They welcomed others with open arms, extended God's peace, and walked alongside us through life's milestones. Their legacy continues to shape our lives, calling us to serve others with the same dedication and love. As we remember their contributions, we are inspired to carry forward their mission of service and faith. [26:12]
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV): "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: Reflect on someone in your life who has demonstrated a legacy of service. How can you honor their memory by serving others in your community this week?
Day 3: Diversity and Justice
Working with colleagues from diverse faith traditions can enrich our understanding of scripture and the call to end fear and promote justice. Silence in the face of fear leads to oppression, but Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and work for justice, peace, and joy. Embracing diversity helps us see the broader picture of God's kingdom and challenges us to stand against injustice. We are called to be peacemakers and advocates for civil rights, following the example of those who dedicated their lives to these causes. [28:38]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Think about a situation where you witnessed or experienced injustice. How can you take a step towards promoting justice and peace in that situation today?
Day 4: Discovering Joy
Joy is often right in front of us, waiting to be discovered. Sometimes, it takes a moment of reflection or a change of perspective to see it. During a retreat, the beauty of creation can remind us of God's vast love and mercy, helping us to feel the joy we have been praying for. Our loved ones recognized this joy and helped others find it within themselves, amplifying joy in their ministries. We are encouraged to look for joy in our daily lives and share it with others, just as a single candle can light up a dark room. [32:55]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Take a moment to observe the beauty around you today. How does this remind you of God's love and joy? How can you share this joy with someone else?
Day 5: Resurrection Joy
Our loved ones' lives sang out God's resurrection joy, and they continue to inspire us to do the same. In moments of fear, we are called to renounce fear and claim this joy, just as an elderly woman in the ICU did by singing "Amazing Grace." Her faith and joy were a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated assurance of God's presence and love. This resurrection joy empowers us to face challenges with hope and to spread this joy to others. [37:24]
1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt the joy of the Holy Spirit despite difficult circumstances. How can you cultivate and share this resurrection joy in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Peace be with you. Jesus said to the grief-stricken disciples, and he says to us, peace be with you. In our grief, may God's strong gentleness surround us, and may the peace of Christ embrace us as we remember dear ones whose legacy of love continues to shape our life together. These individuals believed in us. They encouraged and taught and fed us, and they cared for us in the various seasons of our lives, and we miss them. We give thanks for their service to family, to church, to community, to country, and to our world, and we give thanks. That they now rest in the fullness of God's peace and resurrection joy." (65 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Today, in our mixture, of all our feelings, Jesus stands with us and says, Peace be with you. I am alive and well. Your dear ones are alive and well. Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit and go and share my peace. we receive the breath of life-giving Spirit, may we hear from you, and may we receive the life-giving Spirit, hear the song of resurrection joy, Jesus singing to us, I love you, I am so grateful for you, I see you, peace be with you." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes you don't have to search so hard. Sometimes what you're looking for is right in front of you. Peace be with you, says our risen Lord as he stands among us today. He stands in front of us. He stands all around us. Joy resides among us and in us. Joy is already here singing the refrain. I love you. I am thankful for you. I see you." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we worship together, joy is amplified. Perhaps you've been to a service where a single candle is lit and darkness recedes and light grows. Joy came in an evening service in Taizé, France. The children took their candles to the large Christ candle and got light. And then they walked down the pathways and lit the candles of those along the way. The light passed person to person and the chapel became warm with increasing light. Scripture and song proclaimed, Christ the Lord is risen. Alleluia. There was peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Thank you, God. Thank you for the beloved ones we celebrate today. Their lives sang out your resurrection joy. And now they sing on. They sing on. Send us to sing out your peace, your justice, your resurrection joy, and help us to keep singing. Peace. Be with you. Amen." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "My relationships, especially with these colleagues, shape the way I read today's scripture in verse 19, which talks about the disciples locked in a room, gathered in front of God, and in the midst of this room, I found myself in the midst of fear in fear of the Jews. Those words, for fear of the Jews, they unsettle me, and I thought about leaving them out, but silence does not lead to peace, justice, or joy. Silence leads to fear, which leads to oppression, and injustice, and nothing else. John Wesley tells us, do no harm, Jesus says, love your neighbor, and in this spirit may we proceed with careful intention with all that we do because the time for fear is over." (62 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "They served people who struggled with food insecurity, housing instability, addiction, and mental illness. They ministered to God's children of all ages and abilities, teaching, preaching, administering sacraments, leading, listening, and showing up for the important moments of life and death. They answered God's call to serve in ways that lead to a more inclusive kingdom of God church and world. They taught us through their words, advocacy, prayers, faithful action, and presence among us." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Be who you are and may you be blessed in all that you do. Be who you are. We are people who turn from fear and move towards God's justice, peace, and resurrection joy. This was true that first Easter. This was true in the ministries of your loved ones. And it continues to be true in the communities where they served and where we now serve. We are people who are moving on to joy." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I was praying hard, listening hard, and waiting. I wasn't feeling the joy, and I asked myself, have I ever felt joy? took a break and went outside. It was January in New England, so I bundled up and I sat upon a rocky cliff overlooking the still sea as evening was settling in. The vastness of the ocean reminded me of the vastness of God's love and mercy, the wideness of it. The sky was stunning, an amazing palette of pastels, and birds were flying in, low over the sea on their way to where they would nest. Harbor seals were below, and I could hear them calling to one another." (67 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I visited a woman who I will call Miss Smith. And I said, Miss Smith, would you like me to turn off your TV or change the channel? I wouldn't want you to feel afraid. And she said to me, honey, I am not afraid. And she started singing Amazing Grace. was no longer the frail woman before me. She was alive and on fire with the Holy Spirit. Her oxygen levels started to improve. And out of the corner of my eye, I saw the ICU doctors peeking into the room, wondering what had happened to this woman who was seated in bed, wearing an oxygen mask, and moments earlier had been struggling to breathe." (62 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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