"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though
we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was
reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins
against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
2 Cor 5:16-19
This ministry of reconciliation. Of bringing together those who were
divided, of making those who were far and those who were near into one
people, of making them and us into a new creation, the people of God. We
have this message of reconciliation, of brining together. Think of our
churches, how divided we are. We argue and church business meetings, we
are proud and want recognition, we become jealous of others gifts,
talents, money , cars, prestige… but who among us has this message of
reconciliation, of brining together, those who are far away and those who
are near.
This weekend has brought together those who were far away
geographically, those who were near in the sense of vision, to be one
people. And who is it that has been the catalyst for this "making one"?
It is: Amanda who phones and follows people around and bugs us.
Michelle who prays so clearly and passionately and simply. Tanya who
enfolds us with her smile and her open arms. It is Dennis who draws us by
his quietness and gentleness to sit with him and receive from him peace.
It is Opa who delights in everything and everyone and comments in her own
loud monosyllabic way about it all.
These are those who have this ministry of reconciliation.
Those who shake hands with anyone and everyone.
Those who smile at us all, inviting a responding smile that can set us
free.
Those whose suffering draws us together to protect and suffer with.
Those whose wounds draw forth from us recognition of our own
wounded-ness.
Those who have joy in the midst of seemingly overwhelming limitations.
