Dear Caldwell,
Last Sunday, I invited us all to “depart without leaving.”
Yale theologian Miroslav Volf gives us this language. To “depart without leaving” means to become spiritual pilgrims, responding to God’s call to close whatever distance may separate us and all of God’s people. Such a departure is risky, especially in these days that are so highly charged with political, racial, socio-economic, ideological, religious and other differences. It requires leaving behind what is comfortable, what we think defines us, what reaffirms us … all so that we may embrace “the other,” and, thus, learn more about God’s creation. (Last Sunday’s sermon on that is on the web here.)
Come Sunday, we will continue to wrestle with what it means to “depart without leaving,” as we focus on what Paul meant when he wrote to the Galatians that, to be one in Christ, is to claim a world where “there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (3:28)
Member Zoraida Stewart didn’t know any of that was on my mind as she prepared the prayer she offered us last Sunday. I found it so moving I asked her for a copy, which appears below.
God of all creation, Alpha and Omega. Send your holy Spirit among us this day.
We pray for all of your children, Lord. Each time we look at our neighbor or any passers-by, count them each as family.
We pray that geographical wars and even personal disagreements might find common ground; that blasphemy, bigotry, fury, rage, envy, hatred, cruelty, counterfeit love and ideologies, selfishness and greed cease to exist; that the meditations of our hearts and minds would be the nourishing roots for the words that sprout from our mouths. May our entire essence and presentation be acceptable in thy sight, as we pay in Jesus’ name.
Thanks Zoraida. See you all on Sunday.
In Christ,
John