Monday 21 December 2009

I think today's piece from Michael Battle is good for these days prior to Christmas.

Tutu's life and thought appeal for his society to move beyond racial distinctions as determinative of human identity. Through his emphasis upon the church's life of worship, in which human identity is elevated as persons find communion with others and God, Ubuntu makes sense of how South Africans should then proceed to operate on the basis of more that racial identity. In other words, people need not kill each other because they are black or white, but should instead rejoice in how God has created persons differently so that new meanings and identities are always possible.

It is such a wonderful leap that is made here. Not only are those who are usually at opposites sides brought together (some might say they are willing to 'tolerate' each other), but they are encouraged to rejoice in our differences and what a gift the other brings - a gift that may possibly change us all. We all know that it is not easy to walk over that bridge to those who are not like us. If it was an easy bridge to cross, the many divisions that shape our societies would not have the power they now hold over us. I like Tutu's turn to what is so essential to the Christian community in order to bring some sense to this move toward others. Some may not like the liturgy of the Church, but I find that it is a part of the bridge that helps to move us to the other side. This brief note about communion is where it really takes root. The lines that come forward are to be lines filled with the likes of all God's beloved. Even when the Church has a hard time bring us all together, the liturgy is set in place with just such a vision in mind. Too often, we forget just what we are walking into when we come to worship and share in the Meal. It is an amazing grace.

Connection: In the middle of arguments about what kind of worship is the best or even 'right,' there is the liturgy that always works to shape the character of the gathered communion. Listen to the words we use and the actions that are a part of the liturgy and thus our own work in the world.

Just as your beloved, Jesus, walked among us and shared in all the life that ties us together, O God, teach us again how to walk that walk within your living Reign. Remind us of the character of our lives as we follow our Lord, Jesus. Amen.