Oh, that’s so 21st Century

20May
‘I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.’
- John 16:25-28

Three years ago, the world was still in some form of lockdown. Wearing white, duckbill looking masks, we snatched moments of delight and measured community sitting in our Festin’ chairs in streets, listening to Harry Hardin and Anais St. John entertain from porches. I would not want to be told at dinner tonight, “Beloveds, we’re going back to May 2020, and by the way, you’ll be on your own -- except for this great new omniscient AI website that will be launched this weekend…oh, and God. You’ll still have God.

In other terms, that is what the eleven Disciples and The Women heard in Jesus’ farewell discourse, of which today’s scripture is a part. After three years of Jesus’ ministry their lives had been transformed. They dared to hope, to love unconditionally, to feed and heal, to forgive lavishly, to know God intimately. Now, Jesus, the focus of their transformation is saying, “… “I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.” But not to worry, here’s the straight scoop, no more metaphors. When I am gone God will send a Spirit, a sort of breath-like me, a holy wind of love that is God and me and something new. Not only will the Spirit be with you; it will be IN you; if you know what I mean. Y’all following my new thesis, here? Can I get an Amen?

Among Jesus’ followers at the table, the sorrow and fear and thundering sense of failure must have been silently deafening. And then Jesus says, let’s go to Gethsemane, I need to pray.

When you and I read Jesus’ farewell discourse, we do so with the benefit of knowledge of the Resurrection and two-thousand years of Christian theological evolution. Accordingly, we may not empathize with the fear and crippling sorrow experienced by those in the upper room with Jesus that night. We may not fully welcome the good news of the Holy Spirit. We use EFM, DOCC, and Bible study as insulation instead of amplification. 

Oh, that’s so 21st Century. Numb, Smug. It’s all in the head. We’re too smart to feel. Maybe the true reason we do not empathize with Jesus’ family in the upper room, in that moment; is that we have not beached our fishing yachts to follow Him, maybe we have not risked all to love and to forgive with absolute abandon. Maybe we have not broken our addiction to fear, worry, guilt and shame to try the freedom of Jesus’ Hope. Maybe we have stopped short of living in a deep, intimate relationship with the Three-in-One.

Musical Reflection - Spirit of the Living God - David Iverson. Chris Brunelle

Spirit of the Living God, Fall fresh on me. Melt me in the fire of your Love. Mold me into a cup for your table. Fill me with the redemptive blood of your Holy Spirit. Use me to feed your flock. Take me when I have fully lived your dream. Spirit of the Living God, Fall fresh on me. Amen.
FaithHopeGospel
Tags
faith, jesus, hope, doubt

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