7 July 2005

Today we'll make a run into a section of 1 Corinthians I thought we would skip.

Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. I think that, in view of the impending crisis, it is well for you to remain as you are... For the present form of this world is passing away. (1 Cor. 7:25-26, 31b)

There is a bit I skipped. For Paul, the end was pressing in on the world. That which was the status quo of the day was not going to continue as it was. So strong was this notion that even the most basic relationships - and the advancement and care of those relationships - was to be considered less than essential. Though we now live several thousand years later, that end that was shaping what Paul spoke to his beloved friends did not come quite as it might have been expected.
I think, at the same time, it is important for us to remember that "the present form of this world is passing away" and we are right in the middle of its passing. It is passing away because we have been called into another form of life that the world has not been able to embrace. We have today to live within our baptism. Today is, as I say so often, the beginning and the end of all things. Today is our opportunity to walk around and engage the day within a form of life that seeks justice, works for peace, cares for the disinherited, loves the outcast and the unloveable. Right in the middle of "this" kind of day, the present form of the world will indeed be passing away. And yet, the present form of this world will persist even when we resist by living as though we are wet from baptism. the difference will be the life we have available to us and the life we make available to this world - whether it likes it or not.

Connection: We can go for it! No power can rule the day when we are upheld by the power of the Spirit of God that creates life that will not be run by whatever the present for of this world may be. You are baptized in Christ, Jesus...trust it!

Renewing and Refreshing Spirit, let the power of your breath enrich our lives and make us a people willing to let that life shine and bring your Spirit of Hopefulness to all. Amen.