ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 18, 2023
Recently, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, quoted Jimi Hendrix: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power we shall know peace.” As of late, it sure appears as if the church has been leaning a lot on the culture to speak the truth. Some people will be offended by a reference to Jimi Hendrix, emphasizing instead our need to focus only on scripture. Of course, whether it was Jesus and his use of storytelling, the Apostle Paul’s borrowing from philosophical arguments of the day, or John’s Gospel using the Greek concept of “the Word,” the Bible holds a plethora of ideas on lease from the ancient culture as a means of reaching the intended audience. What a crazy notion! As we continue to ponder our Spiritual Gifts, the intended purpose is to have an impact that is relevant. Now, your Spiritual Gift may not have a direct impact, but it might be serving in a supportive role for other Spiritual Gifts that are having a direct impact on those around you. The word relevant assumes we understand the context of those around us: their needs, their unique stories, their fears, their language… especially when they might not be the same as our own. It is one thing to have a Spiritual Gift, it is something very different to put it to use in a way that will actually make a difference to people in 2023.
Holy God, you call to us as those created to live the life of love. You gift us in such a way that the love we know is love that can make an impact on the world around us. It is one thing to be the recipient of love. And that is essential! But receiving is not the goal, but the joyful empowerment through which we can share this love through our unique gift so as to make a real difference in the world. Amen.
