26 June 2006

Again we continue with Joseph Sittler writing in "Grace and Gravity."

We humans are made for each other. The meaning of the Adam and Eve story, in particular the introduction of the figure of Eve, is not simply to say that it takes two to tango. But the Eve story communicates to all of us the meaning of the German proverb, "Ein Mensch ist kein Mensch." A solitary person is no person; personhood is relation and presupposes another for its actualization. God made a helpmate for Adam. Helpmate doesn't mean a sublieutenant; it simply means that which is necessary for wholeness. On this point Scripture is very clear - and unique - in its perspective.

I was at my mother's funeral last week and noticed, once again, how we are truly meant to be people in relationship. I use this word as Sittler uses it above. We are human and truly human within the relationships around us. In fact, that is what helps us to be drawn out of ourselves. I would also say that being in relationship helps to pull us away from being so turned-in-on-self. I would then add that it is even more important for our relationships to be those that spread us across the many boundaries and barriers we find placed between us an others. One of the blessed wonders of our humanity is that we can continue to be expanded with the help of others. When we enter into a new relationship, we find another part of ourselves. This is a characteristic of humanity. Unfortunately, we have this strong desire to resist any relationships that may appear to be outside of our domain or our clan. This happens in many ways. We are still human when we live divided lives, but the quality of that humanity is diminished and does not shine out as brilliantly as a humanity that is free to relate to the whole world...and therefore, our whole being.

Connection: It does take energy to reach out and relate to others we do not know or around whom our comfort level is not high. Then again, the energy we receive in those relationship restores us to new life...again and again.

Come, O Spirit of Life, and send us into the depths of our humanity and pull us into relationship with the wideness of your blessed Reign and into the fellowship of your presence in the midst of us. Amen.