Again we look at the "kingdom of God" as seen through Jesus.
The kind of kingdom that is present is also revealed in Jesus' relations with others. He makes no attempt to keep himself "pure," but enjoys meals with the poor and outcast. Moreover his meals are not tied to one time or place, but are spontaneous occasions of fellowship denoting the hospitality of God's kingdom. The celebration of such meals while Israel was under foreign rule with the (albeit indirect) agents of that rule also indicates the inherent political nature of the kingdom. For God's "Kingdom is not established only where other rulers have been overthrown; rather God's power erupts in the midst of oppression, forgiving and healing, and wherever that power is, there is cause for rejoicing. The world is not, that is to say, given over to Satan, or to Caesar, until God will restore his rule over, it by destroying the alien rulers. On the contrary, God is already present in this 'evil age', overcoming it with mercy.
The "kingdom" is present. It is revealed in Jesus and it continues to be revealed in the manner in which Jesus let it out! Within what is called evil there is unbounded mercy...again...and again...and again. It is the kind of action that creates hostility among those who do not want to see the work of mercy upset the very clear divisions between those who see themselves as good and those "others." It is also the kind of action that takes place in the most basic movements we can make within this day. The "hospitality of God's kingdom" is the life of those of us who claim to already we walking along the pathways of this Reign. Mercy flies in the face of the powers of our world. That doesn't mean that mercy will 'win the day.' In fact, we have seen over and over again that the powers of evil - the powers of the world as it is - have a winning record. They are able to destroy those who are relentless in their acts of mercy. Then again, there are always new witnesses - new followers - new martyrs - who, in the face of such violence and hatred, continue to walk in the ways of mercy and loving kindness so that no person is left out or forgotten.
Connection: This hospitality of God's Reign is so basic to who we are. Remember it is what takes place even in those passing glances and interactions that happen throughout the day...yes, even there is the Reign of God among us.
Within your blessed Reign, O God, we become the welcome and the touch and the listening ear and the helping hand that is available to all. Make us a courageous people who will risk being hospitable in your name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment