Lent Twenty Two "Get up and Walk"

 

A Dutch Girl at Breakfast 
 Jean-Etienne Liotard Rijksmuseum

Enthusiasm, mysticism, play no great part in religious communities.  The virtues jog quietly along a humdrum path.  Spirituality is worldly-wise and takes a material form so far as it can, and the possibilities in this direction are far greater than is commonly supposed.  

Anatole France, The Garden of Epicurus, 1894

Is this a complement?  I like this quote because to me it speaks of the normality of life with our Creator.  There is no need for great 'razzmatazz'.  This is the 'normal' walk of life, and therefore does not require an extra flourish.  Indeed, if you see it, perhaps be suspicious.  It's a bit like when names are give for extra emphasis, such as 'One Leicester', the council's promotional campaign.  To me this indicates we are needing to say this to make it happen.  Same again with Great Britain and  United Kingdom. There names are hopeful perhaps.  

I think of an elderly couple who you see sitting together on a park bench.  They are very comfortable together.  They don't need to speak.  They've probably said everything.  They look content.  This is the nature of our religion.  But there is room for us to be excited- not a bad thing, and to be stirred up, and for the humdrum to quickened in pace.  But this is important again for all relationships.

Acts of the Apostles Chapter Two 

It was a special day in Jerusalem. Hundreds of Jewish people were gathering. Together, in a first floor room, the believers waited. Suddenly the wind whipped up and flames of fire could be seen in a storm cloud. Eventually these separated out until individual flames alighted on the heads of each of those present. Everyone was filled with the presence of the Creator and began calling out in honour to the Creator, each using a different language. The commotion was tremendous and the tourists in the city were greatly affected. “I recognise my language” they marvelled, “and such words of wonder!” But others said, “Disgraceful! They have been drinking, and so early in the day!” 2 Peter heard this, and stood up above the crowd. He shouted out, “Fellow believers, be clear none of these people are drunk. No, this is the fulfilment of what the ancient teacher Joel said would happen. My presence will come upon you, women and men. Young people will see visions, the old will dream dreams. I will cause wonders to happen. The sun will become dark, and the moon turn blood red. Everyone who calls on the name of the Creator will know they are safe.” “Remember, this man called Jesus who was publically endorsed by the Creator. He did good and marvellous things with authority over nature. What happened was predicted in our history. Our people, with assistance from the colonial powers, executed Jesus for no valid reason. But the Creator did not allow death to prevail, and he was brought back to life after three days.” “Jesus is the person our ancient king spoke about when he said ‘I am never alone, the person of the Creator is beside me. This is what feels me with complete joy, and makes me sing. I see that you have not allowed death and the grave to be the end. Your righteous one is alive, and fills me with your perfect presence’.” “We know that our king David was not talking about himself, because he surely died, and anyone can visit his grave. David was speaking about things that would happen in the future; about how the person foretold would not remain dead.” “So Jesus was brought back to life, and we met with him many times. He is with the Creator, and it is his ‘Spirit’ that is with us now. This is what you now witness.” “David said of this person, ‘Be at my side, while I humble your enemies, and bring them to honour you. ‘ This Jesus, who you chose to be executed, is the one spoken of as our saviour.” Many people were transfixed and gasped in horror. They asked ‘what is to be done?’ Peter said ‘apologies to the Creator, and turn your direction to Jesus. Make a solemn commitment to follow him. Receive the presence of his Spirit in your life. This is available to all, even those who know nothing of these things. Many people there listened were believed in what Peter said. They chose to follow Jesus and turned their lives around. Jesus’ friends were able to teach and explain about the life of Jesus. The people shared food together, remembering how Jesus had shown them that just as food and drink is essential to life, so living by Jesus’ life and strength is essential. It was a very special time, with many wonderful things happening. There was a ‘oneness’ and trust amongst them. They lived a simple life of sharing, and honouring the Creator in joyful songs. Many people joined them every day. 

PRAYER:  Thank you that we are so relax together.  May I both take this for granted, and not, at the same time.