Next Sunday’s Gospel reading is not a story, but a list of instructions Jesus gives his followers. We’ll look at a different section each day this week. Some of his images may connect better than others with us disciples in 2013 - we'll see!
The first invitation we encounter is: "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Jesus has been telling his followers not to worry, especially not about what they’re going to eat or wear (alas, the lectionary skips the poetic bits about sparrows and lilies of the field). His “do not be afraid” is aimed at a clearly anxious bunch, many of whom have left families, jobs and communities to follow Jesus, never sure where they’ll find sustenance, sleep or safety.
Notice how often in the Bible people are told “Do not be afraid?” Anxiety runs in the human family, part of human nature. And Jesus says to us, “You’re not just stuck with human nature – your heavenly Father has given you a gift of some God-nature.”
That’s as good a way as any to describe the Kingdom of God – the reality of God. The Kingdom of God, Jesus says, isn’t the kind you can see, but it’s realer than anything we call reality. I like to call it the “energy field of God,” the language of monarchy not being so relevant for many in 21st century America (recent excitement over a royal birth notwithstanding…)
This “God-Reality” our Father has seen fit to give us is something we become aware of by how it makes us feel, how we see it affecting things around us – just as we “see” the wind only by the movement it causes in trees and objects. It’s a reality we perceive by faith. And we help bring it into focus for each other by naming whenever we experience it.
Those early disciples saw that reality in the works of power that Jesus did – healings, miracles – and in the way people responded to him.
How do YOU see the energy field of God at work in your life?
Where did you last brush up against the peace or power or presence of God that was beyond human nature?
And what about this gift – how does it feel to acknowledge that the power and presence and peace of God are already ours? At our fingertips?
Here and now, not just “there” and “later?”
How does that change what you have to do today?
Today, after some thank yous, bring up in your mind each of the things that worry you – and visualize an energy field. In your mind’s eye, place each of these worrying things into that field, to be blessed to the max. Can you trust that each thing or person is in good hands? That you’re in good hands?
I believe you are. Already. Welcome to a new week of blessedness.
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