Mutual Conversation and Consolation

From Martin Luther's Smalcald Articles, "4: Concerning the Gospel. . . We now want to return to the gospel, which gives guidance and help against sin in more than one way, because God is extravagantly rich in his grace: first, through the spoken word, in which the forgiveness of sins is preached to the whole world (which is the proper function of the gospel); second, through baptism; third, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar; fourth, through the power of the keys and also through the mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters.  Matthew 18:20: 'Where two or three are gathered. . .'"

Many people think that pastors only work on Sundays. . . it's a running joke in churches. . . not only that but that we only work about 2 hours (Worship and Sunday School).  We chuckle right along with you when you tease us about our light schedules, but under our breath we whisper, "If you only knew."  Just ask our kids and our spouses about it, they'll tell you the truth.  We know you work hard too but since much of what we do is out of plain sight it can be a mistake that parishioners often make about us clergy-types. . . that we aren't "doing" anything.  My husband often teases me about sitting around the house eating candy and watching soap operas. . . he knows how many hours I put in because half the time he can't keep track of me.

I'm not complaining, not at all.  I love being a pastor, can't imagine what else I'd do with my life.  But it can be a bit stressful at times. . . why? Because we love God's people!  When you grieve, we grieve.  When you are struggling we worry about you.  We worry about the budget, decisions that need to be made, if you're growing in your faith, how your kids are doing and more!  In general we try not to take on too much of your worries, because that would be rather unhealthy for all of us, but lots of times we can't help it because we are holding you in prayer, watching you deal with real life issues, and we are often helpless to change any of it.

As pastors we try to be there for each other, to lift one another up through it all because we can look at one another just know. . . we know when each other is getting burned out, overwhelmed, tired, and spiritually drained.  (So we not only worry about you, we worry about each other!) Just like we know when "life" is happening to those we were called to care for in our parishes.  Thankfully we have people in our congregations who see the fatigue in us. . . who call and check in on us, who tell us to go home, who bring us treats and send us notes to lift our spirits.  Thank you for that!  What I'm describing here is a little bit of what Luther called "mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters."  But there's more to it. . .

The holy gospel comes to us as we care for one another, as we listen to each other and pray for one another.  God's mercy and grace comes to us through each other as we sit knee to knee and look at each other in the eyes and see, really see, what's going on in our brother or sister.  There's nothing like this in all the world!  This ministry has been given to all the saints, not just the ordained!  As Luther cites Jesus' promise, "Where two or three are gathered I am there among them." Christ comes to us as we gather together to tend to each other, to listen to what's going on in each other's lives, and to offer a word of kindness, hope and understanding.  We all need this!  And come to find out. . . it is as powerful as a sacrament for conveying God's grace!