A Sliver of Hope

  A Communion Reflection on the Journey to the Spirit of Pentecost

   Have you ever been in a situation where you found yourself totally devastated – maybe desperate – defeated – even destroyed? Kind of like the disciples in the scripture passage – walking to Emmaus – they’d been with Jesus – they’d lived with Jesus – they’d heard his teachings – they’d seen him debate the religious and political leaders – they’d seen the crowds – they’d heard his words – they began to think – maybe – maybe things are going to be different – maybe we’re finally going to get ahead a little – be free of the Romans – be our own people – not be scraping and scrounging – not under control of the greedy and the powerful…  Then – Jesus was arrested – tried – convicted – executed…

I remember a time of devastation in my life. I remember being desperate – defeated – destroyed. In my mind I see myself at that time in my life in darkness – I picture myself on a dark empty city street broken and alone. I know what it’s like to have much – and I know what it’s like to have nothing. And – I know what it’s like to have much and be empty inside as well as have nothing and be full. But most importantly – I’ve learned that no matter how dark it gets – no matter how broken and alone you may be – THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. It may be just a sliver, but there is always hope.

Sometimes, I’m not sure that our organized Christianity always does the best job in offering hope. We do a good job and speaking our own “Christian” language and building our own “Christian” culture – but offering life transforming hope?
For example, what if salvation is about more than just going to heaven when we die? What if salvation is also something that we have – something we experience – something that is transformational – something that works in us – and through us – and begins to spill out of us – something that is not just for us as individuals, but something that is also for us as community? What if salvation is more than just something we get – what if it’s something we give?

What if following Jesus is more than just doing what we have to do to get into heaven?
What if we followed Jesus because we want to not because we have to? What if following Jesus has to do with each of us responding to God’s grace and God’s call to be about the work of being the hands and feet of Jesus – being salt that seasons – light that shines in the darkness – fresh new life offered to those caught up in death and decay?
What if eternal life is as much about the quality of life now as it is about the quantity of life later? What if we are to be givers of eternal life as much as we are to be receivers? What if salvation and following Jesus and eternal life are as much about offering slivers of hope to those who have given up – those without hope? Those who are devastated – those who are defeated – those beaten down by a sinful, oppressing system?

What if we can make a difference in the community around us? I’m not talking about just “leading people to Jesus” and then telling them, “Things will get better – hold on – be strong – Jesus is coming!” What about the Jesus that is already here – in you – in me – through the very Spirit of God connecting with the spirit in you and in me?
I’m thinking that if salvation is more than going to heaven when we die – if following Jesus is more than just doing what we have to do to get to heaven – if eternal life is as much about the quality of life now as it is the quantity of life later – if Jesus is already here – in you and in me – then maybe there is hope.

Maybe we CAN make a difference – not just a temporary fix – we’re talking about the transforming work of God through the power of God’s Spirit – active and working in us – through us – and around us. We’re talking about permanent change to hearts and lives – we’re talking about even changing and transforming corrupt and oppressive systems! We’re talking about offering physical and mental and spiritual health and wholeness through the resources and talents and assets that God gives us as Christian community. We’re talking about loving God and loving each other – coming together in an organized and intentional process – all of us – everyone – diverse – original – from all walks of live – offering salvation, relationship, and eternal life that is experienced and expressed NOW!