26 May 2006

This week ends with more from Joseph Sittler in "Gravity and Grace."

We are formed for God; we are formed to be in relation to that which was before we were, from which we proceed, and in which we will ultimately end. Faith is a longing. Humankind is created to grasp more than we can grab, to probe for more than we can ever handle or manage.

These are real words of wisdom in a time when religious faithfulness often comes across as quite contrary to these life unfolding images. Today, on a number of religious fronts, it is as though people are pulling back...afraid to face the turning of new pages of our history. We are in relation to our God "in which we will ultimately end" but too many people want to control the journey and in essence say that they control who will experience this ultimate end. Unfortunately for these controlling religious powers, the end they attempt to control is not ultimate...it is limited and closed and guarded. Therefore, it is not the end that will come in the fullness of time when God who begins all things and enters into relation with us is also the God who welcomes home all of God's beloved - because that is God's way that we see so graphically in the loving life of Jesus. Christian literalist, sometimes called fundamentalists, seem to be deathly afraid of the unfolding of life and the possibilities that are always coming into reach within God's Reign. They reach back and try to hang onto another age or they refuse to understand that we cannot handle all things - thank God. But we can be responsible and faithful even as all things change.

Connection: Let yourself long for the presence of God. Let yourself soar beyond what is and take note of how faithful people really engage the unknown and that which we cannot control. It may turn out to be an amazing day of grace.

O Lord, you are beyond us and you pull us toward you. When we refuse to let go of the day as we would have it...or our lives as we would want them to be, nudge us and pull us again so that we will understand what it is to leap into your waiting arms. Amen.