The opening text will come from a book by Abraham Joshua Heschel (God in Search of Man - A Philosophy of Judaism). As you are able to see by the title, the language may be a bit dated and therefore, I will, when able, make the language inclusive.
What a sculptor does to a block of marble, the Bible does to our finest intuitions. It is like raising the mystery to expression.
Private insights and inspirations prepare us to accept what the prophets convey. They enable us to understand the questions to which revelation is an answer. For our faith does not derive its full substance from private insights. Our faith is faith by virtue of being a part of the community of Israel, by virtue of our having a share in the faith of the prophets. From their words we derive the norms by which to test the veracity of our own insights.
First I must say that for those who are called followers of Jesus, our faith is faith by virtue of being a part of the community called the body of Christ. We are always called into a “we.” From within that gathering of people, each of us are nurtured to see how the Reign of God becomes manifest among “us” and the path we take as the Reign of God begins to be clarified through our prayerful deliberations with others. Within the community, there will always be those voices that are lifted up to keep us facing the vision of God’s Reign. Alone, we often ignore those voices and choose to listen to our own voice as though it is the first and last word. We must always be open to that voice that interrupts us and shakes us and pulls us into a life shaped in the midst of others…and more voices of clarification.
Connection: As difficult as it can be to sit through some other voice speaking out when we would rather go our own way, be patient, listen, speak and then prayerfully consider what can be the life we can share – a life that transform us all into the way of God’s Reign.
Lord of New Life, take us and shape us. Inspire us to hear your call and break into the domain of your justice and peace. Amen
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