COMMUNITY

“The church is the church only when it exists for others…not dominating, but helping and serving.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 My very favorite thought in all of Scripture is found in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. “…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” (Eph: 1:18)

This one brief but exquisitely poetic phrase summarizes brilliantly all that I have been pondering in my mind over the past several months. Rather jarring thoughts that have emerged as I along with many others seek ways in which the church can adapt and become increasingly relevant in the complex global context in which we live.

In doing this work of discernment I have turned not only to the wisdom of scripture, but also to the compelling voices of several current day theologians who bring to the forefront the urgent need for the church, God’s community, to do the work of flinging open its doors and emerging into solid partnership with a world greatly disturbed but also a world seeking peace.

So…let’s have a look at what has been said by a select few about the mission of God’s beloved people, and importantly, what these thoughts might mean for the people of St. Christopher’s today.

Paul was in prison in Rome around AD 62 when he wrote his Letter to the Ephesians. He began with this exquisite phrase “…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened… you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” 

Dr. Kwok Pui Lan, Dean's Professor of Systematic Theology and Special Advisor to the Dean for Strategic Changes at Candler School of Theology, at It’s All About Love, a recent conference sponsored by the Episcopal Church, passionately preached, “Awake, Arise, Act!”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer just before his death in Flossenberg concentration camp wrote in his book, Ethics, “[The moral life is] an ongoing process of discernment that listens for and responds to the reality of Christ in the world.”

The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in a speech given at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Rally in London's Hyde Park, July 17, 1988, cried out to the thousands who had gathered to hear him speak, “Go forth to make the world a better place for you can make a difference. The task is daunting – of course, but it is a necessary struggle.” 

“Awake, Arise, Act…” 

“…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.”

And then, “Go forth to make the world a better place.” 

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reassures a small, ragged, and struggling community that in recognizing Christ as Lord their church becomes a spirit-filled community that brings the power and the presence of God to the world. A community that becomes the body of Christ and works toward the reestablishment of God’s sovereignty over creation. All are reconciled to God – ALL.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-4)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord…put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph 6:10-11)

Throughout Ephesians Paul underscores again and again the importance of awaking to and acting upon God’s call. The calling to which I, you, we have been called; enduring with love and patience the hardships encountered in going forth as God’s community as we participate in the creation of a better world.       

Dr. Kwok Pui Lan’s exhortation to Awake, Arise, and Act that rang through the convention center at the It’s All About Love conference and Archbishop’s Tutu’s passionate directive to “Go forth…” broadcast to thousands of South Africans suffering under the weight of apartheid both speak to the imperative of initiating long overdue acts of reconciliation. Reconciliation between the Episcopal Church, God’s beloved community, and the many peoples that continue to carry the burden of racism, discrimination, injustice, violence, and the agony of poverty. People who continue to be counted as “less than”, not fully human, unworthy.

Reconciliation that supports equality and justice for all. Reconciliation that brings about a community united by God’s love for all his beloved children.

These stunningly powerful statements demand that we St. Christopher’s Awake, Arise, Act, and Go Forth to make Jesus and his saving grace known throughout the world. They demand that as a community we partner with God’s world to share the love of Jesus; to bring peace to God’s eternal kingdom.

This work is not easy, but it is imperative if the Good News of Jesus Christ is once again to become the central guidepost of our lives.

Paul concludes his Letter to the Ephesians as he writes, “Stand firm…and fasten the belt of truth around your waist and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace…take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 10:13-17) 

Currently we are in the midst of our annual stewardship drive – Rooted in Love, Nurturing Love, Harvesting Hope. Whether large or small, your pledge is a way of saying, “I’m part of this community, and I share in its life and work.” Each pledge will support St. Christopher’s call to enter into God's kingdom work.

Awake, Arise, Act. Put on the whole armor of God and shoes for your feet that will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace…the word of God.

 

 Shalom, Clelia+