| More on liturgy and resistance. The very process of liturgy thus creates an environment and a community that understands itself to be special, under a special mandate of emancipation from that Holy Power that Pharaoh cannot withstand. There can be little doubt that intentional resistance is rooted in the imagination and maintenance of an alternative world in which ostensive powers of intimidation are narratively discredited and dethroned. I remember reading about Bishop Desmond Tutu preaching in a packed congregation. He was speaking the truth about a world that is free and cannot be contained by any power. He spoke directly and powerfully. Everyone in the room knew the picture he was painting. It was a picture of imagination - a picture that was not yet a reality but part of promise. In that sermon, members of the national police of South African -during the reign of apartheid- came in and were standing against the walls of both sides of the sanctuary. An unholy display of power meant to intimidate Tutu and everyone in the church. Bishop Tutu did not shut down the words of vision and hope and promise and imagination. This is the kind of stuff that can get you killed. And yet, he continued - an act of intentional resistance that did not step back into the power of the apartheid system. Connection: It is important to step up to speak and do what is expected within God's Reign - even when it may not be a safe place. Such a voice and such action is a breath of life that helps to lift others and makes it easier to speak up again. You promise new life, O God. This is to be a life that is real and present and available to all your people. Be our encouragement so that we walk in your promises and surprise the world with the reality of your Reign. Amen. |
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