11-12-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 12, 2023
I have wondered quite often if the church takes seriously what it suggests in claiming itself to be the Body of Christ. Is it simply a cute title that makes us feel all cuddly close to Jesus, or is there a profound expectation that what we do clearly and unquestionably communicates Jesus to the world? When we share meals, whether at the communion table or the chili cook-off that we will do again in February, do they reflect the meals of Jesus? When it comes to the grieving and the lonely, do we embody Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount by comforting them and communicating their special place in God’s kingdom? In a world driven by concerns about scarcity, do we reflect Jesus, who created abundance, and invite others to participate in that experience of abundance? I believe there are moments when we do quite well, and then other areas where there is work to be done. Today, in my sermon, I will imply certain expectations of those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus and thus part of the Body of Christ in the world. And with that, there will be an underlying implication that what scripture suggests God is doing is the very thing the church, the body of Christ, should be doing. It is not always us doing this work individually, but when the church finds that collective purpose and people bring their individual gifts together, the world begins to meet the Jesus of history as if he were fully present in this moment of time… which I sort of believe he is.

We speak about the world needing Jesus, yet I sort of imagine your Spirit, O Lord, whispering back to us, “It does, and that’s the reason I have called you to be the Body of Christ in the world.” May I hear you and then do what is necessary for the purpose of taking you seriously. Amen.