For most of us -- most of the time, our world is framed by space and time. Nearly everything that we think and do falls within the space and time boundary. Advances in science and technology enable us to push out the edge of space and time, but is not able to go beyond it.
Mystery does. Actually, mystery comes to us beyond space and time. Mystery (Ephesians 3:3, 3:4, 3:5) is truth that cannot be explained -- and cannot be roped in by space and time. Mystery is the word made flesh; mystery is the grace of God; mystery is the Resurrection.
One of the reasons I love the Episcopal Church is because we celebrate mystery. We celebrate mystery with intention and reverence. We actually call what is put on the altar the "holy mysteries". We then place ourselves in the midst of mystery, and I for one, am transformed by that mystery. I can't explain the mystery, but I have learned over the years that I can't live without its unexplainable and abiding power.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
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Dearly Beloved,
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ always seemed a paradox to me. He was of the world yet not from it. Fully man, and fully divine. The Son of Man and the Son of God. The One existing at the foundation of the world and being the begotten one from the womb of a woman to become One of a Triune in the Holy Trinity.
The paradox of Jesus Christ is blessedly manifested in his ministry. A King born to poverty. A Brother to the excluded and marginalized. A healer to the broken. A perfect sacrifice willingly offered for the ambivalence of a self seeking world.
The Prince of Peace comes into the world wielding a sword to turn children against mothers and fathers is the most frightening paradox of all.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters will tell you that the literal definition of Islam is submission and its practice is freedom.
All Jesus Christ asks of us is to let him share the load of our burdens. Our failure to heed this call is the greatest paradox of all. Like Charles Dickens character Morley's Ghost, we refuse to loosen the chains of selfishness that bind us to lives of terrible privation. Its by letting go that we gain. Its is by letting God that we empower ourselves.
Welcome the paradox of a peace that passes all understanding. Guided by nothing more then the light of Christ in our hearts more will be revealed to the People of the Way as we sojourn on to Canaan.
Selah
Peace and prayers to all the beloved.
jbm