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August 25, 2007
BLESSINGS OF JOY...BEACONS OF LIGHT
Reflections of a Trinity Parishioner
We all know how blessed we are to live in this amazing part of the world, a center of education, wealth and power, with a pretty nice climate too. Yet we also live in an area of terrible impoverishment—a desert really—in terms of faith and connection to God. The Bay Area, a world leader in science and technology, is sadly also leading the way into what sociologists are calling, “the post-Christian era.” As members of Christ’s body, this realization should call us into action; we have work to do.
Like all Christians, we participate in the general mission of the church, to spread the Gospel of Jesus, and to “feed his sheep;” but we ask ourselves, “which sheep, and what feed?” What does the Gospel mean to the educated and prosperous families of Silicon Valley? We can take guidance from the earliest Christians, the “Book of Acts” church, who brought the Gospel to Greece and Rome, the pinnacles of education and power of their time. The Gospel they brought was not a book; the New Testament was not as yet on paper. The Gospel they brought was a living Gospel, a new way to live and, importantly, to relate, that filled an emptiness in those wealthy and educated Roman citizens. That same void is epidemic in our community today.
Consider what the Lord has told us, that each of us is an immortal, beloved child of God, an angel temporarily in a mortal body. Now go about your day, watching our neighbors walk by. Perhaps you’ll see what I have, how our town is littered with “grounded angels,” bright, beautiful beings of light created to fly, and yet they walk, they crawl, firmly gripping the earth. Our culture feeds our bodies and minds to abundance, and the body flourishes, but the angel weakens. The light fades, the wings fold, and we trudge on. What will we feed these starving spirits?
Yes we have very important work to do. The very phrase “post-Christian” is abhorrent, a bow to the idea that truly advanced societies have matured beyond “superstitious beliefs.” But we know better. We know that God does not want to leave any of these grounded angels behind. We, and our sister churches in the area, have a mandate to bring the living, loving, light of Christ to these exiles. Repelled by tales of an angry and judgmental God, we must show them the truth. Our new services are a vital first step, but only the first step; important work, yet thrilling work lies ahead; a call to personal ministry to our neighbors.
Although we will offer stimulating classes, and exciting worship experiences, there is only one food which we know will restore the spirit, the abundant love of Christ. We have it to give. As a vibrant faith family, we are all becoming bright lights ourselves, abundant wellsprings of divine mercy. The most important element in the new Trinity will be the things that have always made Trinity a vital place; the smiling welcome, the neighborly care, and generous love we share. What work could be more joyful?
As we adjust and experiment with services and programs, don’t be distracted. These are important things, but not the vital thing. Remember that you are all beings of light, made by a loving God to be beacons to the world. Greet all that God brings to us with blessings and joy. With Christ’s love driving us, we can never fail.
Blessings and peace, Jay Dean
