The text for this sermon is from the lectionary, but the inspiration comes from Peru. As many of you know, Jean and I have returned from a visit to the ancient civilization of the Incas, which continues to haunt us with wonderful memories. We visited Machu Picchu, high up in the Andes, as well as other Inca ruins. But Machu Picchu is unique.

The other ruins in Peru have been vandalized. The precisely hewn stone that the Incas are famous for has been appropriated by subsequent generations to use as materials in their structures. But Machu Picchu is different. Machu Picchu is not only isolated, but it has been hidden by the jungle. It was abandoned (no one knows when really) perhaps four hundred years ago. Immediately the jungle covered it. It was not discovered until 1911, when Hiram Bingh…