ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 18, 2019
Scripture: Matthew 10:7
As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Thought for the Day: In this scripture, Jesus is commissioning the 12 Disciples for a missional task, and with that commissioning comes a statement in regard to the purpose of their work: Announce how the Kingdom of heaven has come near. With that in mind, let me talk to you about science. I know it is a bit of a leap, but I was fascinated recently when I listened to a lecture theorizing how our universe has an edge. If an edge exists, then what exactly rests beyond that edge? According to some scientists, other realities would exist and these other realities would not be bound by the same laws of our physical world. I find this kind of stuff mind-blowing, and that’s with my rather limited brain capacity. I would suggest that this theory is reflected in Jesus’ commission, but that edge between realities is found in Jesus himself. We live in a world where certain laws define us – laws about social structure, economics, how power is understood and used, and even how we perceive our relationship to others. The whole structure of our reality assumes these laws exist. Jesus shows up and offers an alternative reality (the Kingdom of Heaven), and in this alternative reality, love and mercy and justice are the laws. Even more importantly, the alternative reality offered by Jesus is really not an alternative, but the original and genuine reality. This other one that we live by was conceived from our own fears and insecurities, based upon a false narrative that claims scarcity and a hierarchy of human value. Jesus is suggesting how this divine reality – the true reality – can be seen in him and embraced through him. It is a Garden of Eden metaphor, but more than something we sit around and contemplate. It is who we are to be.
Prayer: My faith claims your kingdom reality to be accessible to all of creation, O God of this Heavenly reality. Work within me so that I do more than dream of such an existence, but live into it as you show me how. Amen.
