We press on in this new section of Marcia Mount Shoop's Book "Let the Bones Dance" titled: 'In-forming Mystery.'
Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus in the Gospel of John (chap.3) also pushes our understanding to go beyond accepted categories of thinking. Nicodemus was a faithful man seeking understanding. He comes to Jesus in the dark of night, perhaps a little sheepish about seeking out this man whom the Jewish establishment was trying to understand, perhaps afraid of being seen, but yearning still to talk to him and to know him. A linguistic dance ensues. Jesus wants Nicodemus to learn a new vocabulary. The limits of language are coaxed into new territory by the experience of being close to Jesus. The dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus becomes a conversation about language, about words and their meaning and how Jesus was to be understood. But it is also a conversation about mystery and being up close to Divinity.
When you think about it, sometimes our language gets in the way of the utter presence of God in our lives. If there are not words to explain it or words that will make sense the way we like things to make sense, then - it cannot be. Ha. It is very much like how a dear friend described 'speaking in tongues' when people were getting all bent out of shape by the sound of it all or the pressure to do it or you are not really claimed by the Holy Spirit. He said it is like crying. When we hurt so much or are in need so much or are overwhelming filled with joy - the babbling cuts through the need to put a sentence in place or make sense of the experience. There is nothing magical about it. It is the complete unleashing of our humanity as it is in touch with the expansiveness of God's Reigning power. Maybe all Nicodemus needed to say was "wow." That is already on the way to letting go and taking in something that we have no way to really grab it or own it or figure it all out.
Connection: It would be good to simply say 'wow' more often. Today at my cello lesson, my stiff fingers, controlling grip, and desperate need to 'get it right, seemed to be completely in awe of the ease with which my teacher made her cello speak. I could simply say 'wow.' I can hear the speaking and may one day -with her coaching - speak in a similar pattern. For now, 'wow' works just fine.
Though you seem to be so far off, O God, we are still pulled into your loving embrace and reminded of this love that transforms and challenges and gives us a new vision for what can be. Blessed are you. Amen.
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