Stepping into the Mystery: Random Ponderings from a Sauntering Coddiwompler

Song of Solomon 2: 8-14

Roger Lynn

May 26, 2019

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In our culture, and even in our churches, we often get pretty stuck in our heads, so full of all those thoughts and ideas and words. We expound on them endlessly. We argue over them. We devote lots and lots of time and energy to exploring them. And they can be important. But, at the same time, they are not the whole story.

God, Spirit, Sacred Presence, the Universe, Mystery, the Holy, the Ineffable, Awe and Wonder. There are lots of words to choose from. Pick one. Pick several. It doesn’t really matter what titles we use – they all point to a reality and an experience beyond the capacity of words to fully capture or express. 

There is a reality beyond our thoughts and ideas and words. It is a reality that is beyond our ability to control, but within our capacity to experience – anytime and anywhere. The ancient Celts had a concept they referred to as “thin places” – experiences where the veil between this world and the larger reality grows thin. The catch is that we need to pay attention so we don’t miss it.

To Boldly Go...

John 13: 31-35 & Acts 11: 1-18

Roger Lynn

May 19, 2019

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Anyone who has ever watched Star Trek (and many who have never seen the show) will recognize the line which began each episode – “to boldly go where no one has gone before.” It was not a mission for the timid. It was not something they could do halfway. Their mission required courage as they ventured into uncharted territory. It required understanding and acceptance as they encountered new life and new civilizations. 

All in all, it sounds a lot like the mission to which we have been called as Christians. The challenge which is laid before us is to reach out with open arms, sharing the good news of God’s love and acceptance with all whom we encounter. It is not a mission for the timid and it requires nothing less than our whole-hearted commitment. Such a mission runs counter to much of our cultural tendencies and our personal inclinations. We often fear that which is different and unfamiliar. It is easier to follow rules which divide and exclude than it is to embrace the diversity which is all around us. It feels safer to live behind walls than to risk venturing into the unknown. But the Christ whom we seek to follow never hid behind walls and never allowed fear to prevent him from reaching out to the world with love. In the passage which we read just a few moments ago from John’s Gospel, Jesus declares what could easily be described as the heart of his mission and his message. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) Notice that he did not say, “Love one another if they look like you and act like you and live in the same neighborhoods you do and believe the same way you do and worship the same way you do.” He did not say, “Love one another if they love you back.” He did not say, “Love one another when it is easy and convenient and won’t cost you very much.” He simply said, “Love one another.” In fact, it can be argued that it is this quality that most clearly defines what it means to be followers of Christ.