A good word with which to end the week.
In Romans 5:12-21 the word all is repeated five times, as if it were a litany, as if Paul really wanted to stress that word all to people like us whose world is circumscribed within national boundaries. It is difficult to restrict the use of the word all to make it mean some or even many. When Christ tells us to "take courage," because he has "conquered the world" (John 16:33), does he really mean that we should take courage because he has conquered a great deal of the world?
What a great way to look at this notion of Christ Triumphant! Who cares if it is a "great deal" of the world. If it left there and not a complete all then the work is not done and the power of the Reign of God is not the ruling power in all places and through all times. We can "take courage" because there is no doubt about the who is welcome within the embrace of God's Reign and for whom the Christ, our Lord, Jesus, died. No one is left out...all come to feast because death - all of it has been defeated and now there is time for new life...life into which all are welcome...all.
Connection: There is always another one to add. It can be so easy to think of how wide and welcoming we can be...and then...there is one to add...always one to add. The door is never shut and the welcome mat is so available, any who come by...who know us...who see our lives, will know that there really may be something to this "all" stuff.
Lord of Creation when you move over all that is and all that comes into being, your Spirit welcomes new life and begins to shape it and move it and encourage its freedom that is already a part of your Reign. We give you thanks for the vision of your Reign and all who are welcome to share in its life. Inspire us to be your living word of welcome to all. Amen.
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