Channels of Power and Passion

As Matthew’s gospel nears the end of its witness of the life and ministry of Jesus the teaching becomes more urgent and the context more conflicted. (Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Proper 28 [33] Matthew 25:14-30) In many ways this suits the atmosphere of our times with the images of light and dark, day and night, the need to continue to live and work with faith, love and the hope of salvation (not just for ourselves but for all). The atmosphere of urgency and light fighting against darkness and the need to work soberly and steadfastly resonates with many of us.

Sentence:

“… for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5.

Collect:

Gracious God, creator of all,

You have infused all your creation with your spirit

And have empowered us to be creative and to care for your world.

Inspire, engage us in co-creation so that the world may know your light.

Amen.

Reflection:

As Matthew’s gospel nears the end of its witness of the life and ministry of Jesus the teaching becomes more urgent and the context more conflicted. (Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Proper 28 [33] Matthew 25:14-30) In many ways this suits the atmosphere of our times with the images of light and dark, day and night, the need to continue to live and work with faith, love and the hope of salvation (not just for ourselves but for all). The atmosphere of urgency and light fighting against darkness and the need to work soberly and steadfastly resonates with many of us.

You may like to read what I wrote a few years ago.

Children of Light

While many of our brothers and sisters in the states are celebrating regime change there is also the cautionary sober reminder of how much work is to be done and the need to “roll one’s sleeves up”. Many of us around the world, while not having had recent elections, can identify with that felt need of living out our faith with resolve and clarity of purpose in tumultuous and chaotic times.

This flows on from the last parable and the one to come next week (the sorting of the sheep and the goats)! It is not simply a pep talk by the coach to work harder and push through any resistance we might have. This lifting ourselves up by our own bootstraps approach, by sheer stoic work ethic, can lead us to think we personally work hard in order to make an offering to God of our own effort. For most of us this is beyond our ability – to keep going year after year, through disappointment after trial, until we fall into a weary sleep.

Rather we are called to co-creation, to the labour of a woman with child, a follower given over to being open to the flow of the spirit of the living God expressing its self through us. Yes, our openness, our intention, our steadfastness is incredibly important. We are voluntary channels of grace. But the energy and the power of love does not begin with us but rather flows through us having been given to us in order to share, to invest and use, for the sake of others. A circular flow of the power of love.

The parable of the talents is less about becoming strategic entrepreneurs than it is about becoming humble enthusiastic conduits for the very Creator’s energy or power and passion. It is God’s dream for the earth and all of us that do dwell upon the earth that we are being invited to be a part of, to be co-creators with, co-conspirators in this mischief of grace and redemption. Somehow, we need to work hard, stay awake, and yet also let go of any sense that we have control and give ourselves over to the momentum of spirit! May the spirit of the living God lead us on a merry dance that has us catch on fire with love.

Intercessions:

Gracious God,

Our Creator and eternal dwelling place,

we give you thanks and praise for the beauty and abundance of your world

and pray that you infuse us with the power of your passion and purpose

as we seek to be faithful custodians and to share your plenty with all.

We particularly pray for those places and persons desecrated by greed, ignorance and fear … help us to see as you see and to honour and protect.

Our Creator and dwelling place,

Hear our prayer.

Jesus, master teacher and restorer of the breach,

Teach, challenge and restore our hearts and minds,

until we are enthused by your vision and dare to work for the dream of God with whatever gifts we have.

We particularly pray for those around the edge that you call to belong … help us to see as you see and to honour and welcome all who bear your image.

Jesus, master teacher and restorer of all that is not yet whole,

Hear our prayer.

Spirit of the Living God,

Come dance, inspire, ignite the gifts that you have given us

that we may burn with your desire for a world of hope and joy.

We particularly pray that we will shine with your spirit in this dark and troubled world until all your precious ones know the way home to their eternal dwelling place in you.

Spirit of the Living God,

Hear our prayer.

Gracious God,

Creator, Restorer, and Spirit of the Living God,

Ignite the gift you have placed in each of us until we and your world flourish with light and love.

Amen. 

This is my work informed by all that I have heard, read and experienced. I am indebted to the wisdom of others.