SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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Dear Friends in Our Lord Jesus:

I have always been amazed at the story of the medieval knights in search of immortality in Tennyson’s “The Holy Grail.”

In this haunting work, a knight known as Percivale discovers a meadow filled with fruit trees, running waters, and beautiful flowers. But as soon as he touches them, they turn to dust. The message is clear: The knight’s soul could not be satisfied by things that fill the body.

Further along on his journey, the knight encounters a beautiful woman standing graciously in the open doorway of a house. But as soon as the knight touches her, she and the whole house crumble into dust. Again, the message is clear: The knight’s soul could not be satisfied by earthly shelter and companionship.

Later, the knight encounters a warrior clad in golden armor. But as soon as he approaches the warrior in battle, the warrior immediately turns into dust. The same message is repeated: The knight’s soul could not be satisfied by earthly accomplishments, not even by excellence in battle.

Riding on, the knight discovers a city on a hill with crowds of people shouting praises to the name of Percivale. But when the knight approaches the city’s entrance, everything disappears into dust. The message again is clear: The knight’s soul could not be satisfied by earthly rewards and praises.

In the end, the knight learns that only God can satisfy our yearning for immortality.

The Lord Jesus tells us, in the Sermon on the Mount, that we -- above and beyond everything else in this life -- are to seek after the Kingdom of God and the righteousness of God. Only the presence and the love of the Lord can fill the emptiness of our souls.

Everything else is dust and ashes.

-- The Very Rev. Dr. Steve Sellers +