In 1984, a simple question in a Wendy’s commercial made the then 82-year-old Clara Peller – an imperial Russian-born American manicurist – into a cult phenomenon. In the commercial, she (along with two other octogenarians) examines a burger from an imaginary competitor called “Big Bun” only to see a minuscule patty, leading her to ask: “Where’s the beef?” It resulted in a number of sequels.
Beloveds,
In the Gospel of John, shortly before his arrest, Jesus tells the disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; but the kind of peace I give you is not like the world’s peace.” With the chaos and discord in the world, you might feel about your peace like Clara did about her beef. Where is it?
In these times of chaos and discord, Jesus reminds us that through the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) he is with us always. Just as in the song “Home” from The Wiz sung by our choir last week, we must look inside our hearts, that place where the Holy resides, to find that love and peace. When we bring peace into our own minds, bodies, and souls, we can send it outward. And, when we are in community, that peace we have might be shared with a beloved who might just be a little short on it at the moment. Perhaps you might be that one a little short on peace.
I look forward to seeing you on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream, as we look at John 14:23-29 on this Sixth Sunday of Easter. Pentecost is just around the corner! Invite someone to come share the peace.
Love,
Rev. Michael
P.S. Thank you, Alexis and Clara, for the wonderful testimonies you shared during the San Mateo County Faith & Housing Weekend.