The experience of dislocation/instability can and does occur in many different ways and with varying levels of challenge or turmoil. Living in the midst of being dislocated because of an unexpected home renovation due to a burst water pipe, while not being a chosen and/or planned situation, is nothing like the dislocation/instability of the massive refugee issues of our world.
The renovation is frustrating and disruptive but it is what I am calling a “First World problem,” meaning this can be handled and life can go forward.
Stability is one of those aspects of daily life that we human beings value highly and, yet, is not something over which we have ultimate control. Through last Sunday’s scripture reading we were reminded that when the disciples experienced a form of spiritual and emotional dislocation/instability after Jesus’ crucifixion, following the resurrection Jesus appeared to those same disciples and his first words to them were, “Peace be with you.”
We all need to hear a word of peace spoken into our times of challenge and turmoil. Our faith in Jesus sustaining grace is the deep source for that peace. Tapping into this source of peace during our experiences of dislocation/instability, we can repeatedly reaffirm that God has turned our mourning into dancing! God has taken off our sackcloth and clothed us with joy.
We are God’s people. Let us be at peace with God, with one another, and with ourselves. May it be so.
Rev. Daniel Kirkegaard
Tsawwassen United Church
