Called to Stand Up

The love of Jesus calls us in swiftly changing days,

To be God’s co-creators in new and wondrous ways;

That God with men and women may so transform the earth,

That love and peace and justice may give God’s kingdom birth.

---Herbert O'Driscoll

“What are you waiting for?” “Don’t just stand there --- DO something!” “Get a move on!” We are all familiar with these statements, or with sentiments like them, but maybe not related to the coming of the kingdom of God. When it comes to the kingdom, if you are like me, the verb that most readily comes to mind is ‘wait’. Now, on a scale of 1 to Make it Happen, ‘wait’ would seem to rate pretty low when it comes to action. Is there a way to wait and take action simultaneously?

Our lectionary Gospel readings this month have been from Matthew 25 (the prepared and unprepared bridesmaids, the managers of the talents, the sheep and the goats), and have highlighted the dynamic tension between waiting and working for the kingdom come. These stories illustrate how active our participation is to be in the ushering in of the new kingdom --- we are invited to be partners with God in unleashing love, peace, and justice on society to pave the way for the coming kingdom!

Now, action should come with a caution sign --- those who choose to partner with God often find themselves at odds with 'go along to get along' society, and Godself in Jesus ended up crucified for rocking the status quo boat. In the end, though, we are not called to count the risk; we are called to stand up. 

We might just have a hand in midwifing something new---all about love, and justice, and peace.

---Leigh Anne