08-15-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 15, 2023
In Sunday’s sermon, I used the whole superhero idea of backstories (the journey of the superhero) and how they communicate the HOW—how they became super; how they gained their special powers; how they got those really cool outfits. And though I quickly described three different ways in which folks became super, I focused on gettin bitten. Of course, I was drawing upon the Spider-Man story and how he was bitten by a genetically altered spider. I played around with the idea, suggesting that at some point we got bit by Jesus. Not a genetically altered Jesus, but a Spirit-filled and grace-unleashing Jesus. And just like Spider-Man, who began to take on the essence and attributes of a spider, the hope is that we will begin to take on the essence and attributes of Jesus. Of course, what exactly does ‘bitten’ look like? It’s a cute metaphor, but I think most of us want to know the down-and-dirty details of exactly how that happens.

For those of you who can remember a moment in which you fell in love, do you remember the first moment you were smitten by this other person? Do you remember when that person consumed your every thought? Do you remember going to bed at night and waking first thing in the morning with that person’s face in your thoughts and maybe a certain scent in your fragrance memory? I believe the same thing happens as we begin to fall in love with Jesus and the ways of Jesus. When we first glimpse the unconditional nature of his love put on display in his life and death, and the breath-taking beauty of this love is something you can no longer dismiss, I believe you’ve been bitten by Jesus. This can happen in a time of worship, prayer, fasting, service, or simply in a moment of reflection while you are on your way into work one morning. Suddenly, love is no longer an object you are simply observing but a gift you are experiencing. And you find the essence and attributes of the one who is the source of that love reflected in your own life. That’s what I meant when I borrowed the Spider-Man backstory.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and showing me the power of love. Thank you for a faith community inspired by your love that seeks to Put Love First In All Things. Thank you for the way your love has bitten me and infected me for the good. Amen.