August 1, 2015

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.” Psalm 85:8-13 (NRSV)

“…the question I hear in the whole of Psalm 85….”When will we ever learn?” As humans we are forever returning to folly (NIV translation of verse 8c). No matter how many times the Lord rescues us from ourselves—and from the damage we do to one another—when will we ever learn? When will we listen to the Lord and live into the promised peace and wholeness that is ours in Christ? I hope we learn soon.” (Krista Vingelis, Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church of Porterville, Calif.)

When we share the peace in our churches, it is a form of the “Kiss of Peace” (“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you…” Romans 16:16). In my mind, it mimics the statement in the Psalm that says “righteousness and peace will kiss each other”. It is a moment in our day, and in our week where we put aside the hurt feelings, the pain, the sorrow and the grief and we share a moment of peace. There is an article in the July/August edition of “Scientific American Mind” titled The Social Power of Touch, by Lydia Denworth. In the article she writes: “(There is a) newly recognized system, known as affective or emotional touch, (that) consists of nerve fibers triggered by exactly the kind of loving caress a mother gives her child. It is possible that these neurobiological foundations of attachment might play a far more significant role in human behavior than has been recognized, forging connections and increasing our chance of survival. These fibers may also help our minds construct and integrate a sense of self and other, informing our awareness of our own bodies and ability to relate to people around us. It’s giving the brain knowledge of me and you…”

Touch, physical touch is so important to our social interactions and to our ability to be able to appreciate the others around us. It is, as Lydia Denworth states, “giving the brain knowledge of me and you.” When we refuse to share peace, I believe we isolate ourselves to our own detriment. Human touch, however, serves a neurobiological function, helping us all to forge connections. Of course, this is what helps us to form relationships with all kinds of people. Remember, Jesus used touch in his ministry on many occasions. It is when we have these kinds of connections that we cannot help but feel empathy and love for the others in our lives.

Pastor Dave