Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Lent Five

“And what were all the flocks and herds I met as I came?” Esau asked. Jacob replied, “They are a gift, my lord, to ensure your friendship.” “My brother, I have plenty,” Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.” But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!” (Genesis 33: 8 -10, New Living Translation)

                I’m late starting my annual Winter’s hobby project.  I guess it’s a Spring project now. Not Lego, although it’s related somewhat.  This week, I opened a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Here’s the thing. The picture is that of 340 tiny faces of Lego characters, row after row of them. Every face is different. Smiling, frowning, laughing, squinting, angry, surprised, some with glasses or goggles, some with clown faces, bearded faces, male and female faces, and so on and so on.  Every face is different. All the pieces are shades of yellow and orange. This may take a while…

                Faces tell a story, don’t they? Our faces reflect our moods and demeanor. I can think of several times when someone told me to smile, that I was looking too grim or serious. It was not how I was feeling at all, but my face is “set” that way, so that I guess that I don’t always look friendly or happy. Even so, faces can be a natural indication of the person inside. When we greet someone, our faces are the first impression that another person has of us.  A warm, friendly smile says more than any number of words.

                There was a recent article in the Globe and Mail by Nolan Bryant which celebrates a genuine smile as an important quality of life to have. “In a world of unceasing bad news, there is something quite revolutionary about an authentic smile.” He claims that “the smile has become countercultural.” It got me to thinking that a smile is a bridge towards someone else. A smile needs to be shared.  Receiving a smile makes us feel better, welcome, safe, connected. Our smiles do the same for others. Think of the efforts we go through to make a baby smile, all sorts of silly sounds and noises, and what utter pleasure and gift it is when the child responds accordingly.

                One of my favourite songs is Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile,” either the Nat King Cole version or the Gregory Porter one. “Smile though your heart is aching, Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky You'll get by.” I am not advocating that we hide our problems behind a false bravado.  Faking happiness is no road to true happiness. When life has wiped the smiles off our faces, it is time to seek help and counsel.  But I also think there is a benefit to dig deep and find the significant joys and blessings that put a smile on our faces. Not forced, not phoney, not coerced, not smarmy, not sneering, but a smile that comes from the heart and perhaps, from the heart of God. “Let your face smile on us, Lord.” (Psalm 4:6)

                The brothers, Jacob and Esau, had a very broken relationship. In fact, Esau was ready to kill his brother for stealing his birthright. Jacob had fled as far away as possible. But now, after many years, and building up his personal wealth, Jacob decided to return home and see if he can make amends with his brother. He hopes that his wealth can buy Esau’s favour as he offers his brother all sorts of gifts. Like the prodigal son, Jacob laments his unworthiness: “I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant.” (Genesis 32:10) When the two men met, each accompanied by a large force of people with them, it looked ominous.  But instead, “Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.” (Genesis 33:4)

                Like the father of the prodigal son, Esau embraced his long, lost brother. Jacob realized his exorbitant gifts had no use in the act of reconciliation. His finds his redemption solely in the smile of his brother. “It is like seeing the face of God!” A true, sincere, authentic smile reunites the brothers.  Helping to erase the bitterness, the animosity and the resentment. A smile reaches across the abyss of their brokenness and brings new beginnings.

                That's the time you must keep on trying
                Smile, what's the use of crying?
                You'll find that life is still worthwhile
                If you'll just smile            

Prayer:

                Our loving God, there is indeed much sorrow and hardship in right now. We confess we find it is hard to find good reason to smile. Yet, help us to understand that we are also surrounded by your creative grace and wondrous blessing that invite us to find true joy in our living. May we then share our smiles with each other readily and sincerely so that we build bridges of compassion and forgiveness between brothers and sisters in family and in our communities.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.