A few weeks ago, I went to my first FC Cincinnati game. It was a thrill and delight to be caught up in the momentum of the tens of thousands cheering and the non-stop percussion ensemble leading a “massive wall of noise and color” in the Bailey bleachers as fuel for the frantic scramble back and forth on the pitch.
Although the Charlotte club had control of the ball almost twice as much, Cincinnati was able to make their shots on goal count for a win, 2-0. Thirty-eight minutes into play, FC Cincinnati defender and Lakota West graduate, Nick Hagglund scored the first goal of the game. As we cheered and high-fived, I couldn’t help but mention, “That is a bunch of effort for one point!” So much running, kicking, jumping, falling, and body slamming for a single point on the board. One. Single. Point.
Our culture often celebrates more. We cheer for the biggest, richest, and most famous. We honor the smartest, the most creative, and the ones who excel. We even say that “the one with the most points, credits, and toys wins.” Too often, we underestimate the power of one.
This past Sunday, Sarah Davis shared stories about the impact that the Fringe Coffee House is making in the greater Hamilton area. One opportunity, one job, one set of keys, one moment of trust all help make a dramatic shift possible. One cup of coffee can lead to life-changing conversations. One Alcoholics Anonymous meeting can be a first step toward restoration.
But one isn’t always good news. We’ve been on the giving and receiving end of some bad ones. One sneer. One rumor. One breakup. One lie. One biased law. One theft. One accident. One assumption. One accusation. One diagnosis. One event gone wrong. Numero uno can deliver a devastating blow.
Thankfully, Jesus is the master of transforming the bad into something good. Recognizing a moment of debilitating remorse, he spoke one word of forgiveness that set Zacchaeus free. With one touch, he brought healing to a woman who had suffered for years. Jesus spoke about the value of one lost coin and sheep that were worth finding. With one look, he offered compassion to the multitudes and after blessing one boy’s sack lunch, Jesus fed the hillside.
At the end of his earthly life, one cross led Jesus to one empty tomb, who now leads us with an enduring promise, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” In hope, we join the voices of millions, saying, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
God continues to meet us as we receive one nibble of bread and one sip of wine that fill us with nourishing grace. Wherever we are, we have the ability to connect to the Creator of the universe as we pray the prayer that Jesus taught. The Spirit of God continues to be on the move and reminds us not to diminish the transformative power of one.
I look forward to being with you as we celebrate the One who brings us together as one people. Until then, may you be reminded of this great Love, today.
We are one in the Spirit,
Pastor Lowell