Sunday, October 30, 2016

Year C, All Saints Day, Luke 5:20-31

"Blessed are you who are poor,
      for yours is the kingdom of God."

Sacred Time.  Sacred  Space.  And a people made Holy.

Walking with one to the Gates of Heaven, and there we bid goodbye.  

It is a rare privilege to be able to be with one who is dying.  For me as their pastor it was the only time when I felt my work was complete.  Into your hands we commend your servant.  We have done our  part, and now Jesus takes over.  

"Blessed are you who are poor,
      for yours is the kingdom of God."

This is the thing.  Finally we have nothing.  It's not that we don't try to accumulate vast riches.  Much of our lives is spent doing just that.  It's that in the end, we come to the gates of Heaven naked, with nothing.  There is no advantage for the wealthy.  Or disadvantage for the poor.  We have nothing, except for the Grace of God.  


"Blessed are you who are poor,
      for yours is the kingdom of God."

Poverty is not a virtue achieved.  It is the canvas upon which the Artist paints the richness of God's mercy.  When we have nothing, everything is Gift.  To have nothing in and of ourselves is to be blessed with everything from the hand of God.  Such is the Kingdom.


"Blessed are you who are poor,
       for yours is the kingdom of God."

It's the final stage.  A great cloud of witnesses surrounds the throne.  The Chorus sings the melody of Creation, the harmony of Redemption, and soaring above all, the descant of the Spirit's sanctifying work.  

The Father's Love.  The Mother's warm embrace.  And a Son who walks by our side.  Children of God.  Saints.  White robes now clothe our nakedness.  And the blood that pulses through our veins is His.  

There are no more decrees descending from the throne.  Only praise ascending with the angels.  

The warring madness is over.  Peace settles in with a gentle breeze.  

The Garden is no longer a wilderness.  It lies in the heart of the City.  And there all Nations, Every Man, and Every Woman takes up residence.  A rich tapestry.  

With our own eyes, we shall see God.

And all will be Good.

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