An Angel in our Midst

Hebrews 12. 18 - 29

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.

In this section of Paul's letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded of the importance of looking to Christ and to the New Covenant rather than the Law. We believe in a new way of relationship between God and humankind with Jesus as the mediator. in this morning's reading Jeremiah prophesizes it and Paul's letter claims it. And we don't have to look far in our world to see it in action!

SG lives in a little town in the mountains of North Carolina. Her ancestors have been there for a century or so, she knows everyone in town and is a pillar of the community. And she walks her dog Gracie every morning all around the town.

Anyone who knows SG knows that she always has dog treats in her pocket, and if you have a dog with you on your walk, she will offer a treat. On Main Street there is a little shop where the owner has a dog that isn't always friendly. SG has tried to get Gracie to befriend this dog, but to no avail. Some wonder if it is a people problem or a dog problem. Nevertheless, every morning SG walks Gracie down Main Street and leaves dog treats for the unfriendly dog on the window sill of the shop.

And that is how the town knows that SG has been on her walk. A little gesture of friendship, from the firstborn of the community.

Seeing the dog treats on the window sill reminds the people of the village of the angels in our midst. SG lives out the New Covenant in the village with this simple gesture, evangelizing as she goes!