Jesus traveled without having any permanent dwelling. “The foxes have dens, the birds have nests, but the Son of man knows not where to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:20) Followers of Jesus are described as Pilgrims and strangers, seeking the heavenly city. The Apostle Paul traveled to various cities to encourage the early Church. He endured shipwreck, opposition, imprisonment and eventually death. Paul earned his way by working as a tent maker when necessary. He didn’t focus on a career to own a business or house or investments, common to the world.
A comparison of two words helps keep our goal in focus, vocation and avocation. A vocation is what we really want to do with our life. An avocation is what is done to support that vocation. For the Apostle Paul, while tentmaking was his occasional avocation, his vocation was to follow Christ and serve him with his whole life. “This one thing I do.” (Phil. 3:13-14) It’s not easy to put aside the goals and standards promoted by the world. (Mark 10:28-30) The rich young ruler went away sorrowful when faced with this choice. (Luke 18:18-23)
I’m a pilgrim and I’m a stranger,
I can tarry, I can tarry but a night;
Do not detain me, for I am going
To where life’s waters are ever flowing.
Chorus
I’m a pilgrim and I’m a stranger,
I can tarry, I can tarry but a night.
There the sunbeams are ever shining,
O! my longing heart, my longing heart is there;
Soon to this country, sin-dark and dreary,
Will come the sunlight of heav’nly glory.
Of that city to which I journey
My Redeemer, my Redeemer is the light;
There is no sorrow, nor any sighing
Nor any tears there, nor any dying.
1995 Sermon by Stephen Suraci, "Pilgrims and Strangers"
