Friday 27 July 2007

Walter Brueggemann notes that in the North American church, "worship that is spirit-led imagination is powerfully over and against dominant reality." He calls this other reality a "sub-version.


This delicate tension between dominant version and sub-version, I believe, is the true character of worship. The claim made in the sub-version, claims such as "Christ is risen," are a deeply felt, eagerly offered truth. And yet in its very utterance the community at worship knows that the facts on the ground, the data at hand, contradict this and give evidence that the odor of death, is still very much in play. It will not do for the church to become cynical and give in to the dominant vision. But also will not do for the church to become excessively romantic about its sub-version and so to imagine dominance. Rather, I believe that the worshiping community must live knowingly and elusively in this tension, not cynical , not romantic, but wise and innocent (Matthew 10:16) always engaged in negotiation between sub-claim and the world the way we find it.

When we worship, we reveal who we are. We are part of a story as real as life and death. We are a part of a Reign that is deeply a part of everyday life, and yet it may not look and sound like the way the world whips around us. Unlike the so called Christian Right or Dominionists or Theocrats, who long for the power of this world to be their power so that they can rule as they see fit according to their world view, we are a part of this sub-version of everyday life. We enter into the way of the cross as a life that is filled with hope and meaning not just for one side of the world or one side of the story - but for all. "Christ is Risen" is an announcement to remind us of how contrary we are to what is deemed right and good by any of the powers of this world. We will stand for and with all and yet we must do so with the understanding that when that take place...when we take such a stand...there may be no place for us in the halls of power. And yet, we continue to announce, "Christ is Risen" and we go along the way as though it is indeed the truth...the way...the life.

Connection: We are people who live with a sense of announcement. That is...a sense of knowing a truth that is outside the norm and yet very real. Today is another opportunity to walk within the daring adventure of resurrection. It is real. It is not always a welcome path. It is a gift that we are able to take to all the world no matter what power attempts to rule us.

When we walk in your blessed ways, O God, we are often walking with a gait of promise that is not recognized by the world. It can appear to be out of touch and our of step. And yet, when we walk within the realm of your Spirit, we prayerfully consider whose we are and how your love is the power that shapes us. No other powers rule. No other powers control us. Blessed are you, O Lord of Life. Amen