CommuNion and Community

Salvation unfolds in the shelter of all that we “live, move, and have our being.”

It has been quite edifying to return to the journey and writings of Paul through the lens of The Acts of the Apostles and Philippians.

As we have moved through the recent lectionary texts, I have observed two distinct portions of the Apostle Paul. The first is the image of the servant himself - one whose certainty became zealotry; one whose sense of God and calling was then disrupted and reset; one who then becomes even more certain in some ways of the grace that has been outpoured yet while imperfect, becomes a conduit of that grace. The second is of the image of faith and salvation that emerges in some essence - beyond the formal articulation on the page.

This essence is not always in the foreground of Paul’s letters. Perhaps more often, Paul writes as though he is in a debate (which he often was), providing an interpretation of the faith that is precise, literal, and logical. To read through the letters to the Church in Rome and Galatia is to come away with Paul’s understanding of the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the relationship and purposes of Law and Grace. But it is difficult to locate within them encouraging words for what this all might mean for the daily journey when one isn’t fighting off heretics.

But within portions of Acts and Philippians, it seems that the defenses have come down and Paul is simply sharing of the deep love of the soul.

It is within these texts that we hear Paul speak of a God “in whom we live, move, and have our being,” which is one of the most beautiful images of God and faith. This is among the scriptural groundings for the mystics and one that seeks to train the senses through the lens of the heart. Who is God? How does God relate to us and vice versa? What does faith and salvation look like?

Live. Move. Breathe.

Yeah, it’s like that.

It is the tie and communion with God in which all things unfold.

When Paul is connecting to the Philippians, he then notes that faith and salvation are all in some state of process. There is some good work that has begun and is underway, and God will continue to partner with them. They are growing in love and wisdom - more each day. And then they are “working out their own salvation - with fear and trembling” (reverence and humility) together in community. Who is God? How does God relate to us and vice versa? What does faith and salvation look like?

A partner, friend, or lover. Among, within, and between you and me and all of us. Here and now. Behind and Before. Forever and Ever. Amen.

It seems more ethereal and transcendent than elsewhere Paul has put pen to paper (quill to papyrus), but it resonates with everything the soul knows to be true.

Within our scripture and tradition is a world of theological treatises often designed more to defend a position than to extend an invitation. This short walk with Paul may remind us again that the stuff of religion and faith is most powerful and genuine when it emerges from affection and wonder. It may be interesting and perhaps even beneficial to learn of one school of thought’s interpretation of ancestral lineage, sin, and grace, but more so is the invitation to come alive to what God is doing here and now.

May we give thanks for the great inheritance of the tradition we have received. May we give thanks for good debates and sound theological arguments. But let us give greater thanks for the portion of faith that is the experience of the heart/soul in daily living. The work and care, routine and surprise, sorrow and delight, friend, neighbor, and foe, rain, shine, and snow, rest and exhaustion, lament and frustration, elation and joy… it’s all unfolding in and with God;

May we continue to be Christ’s Church,

Rev. Chris McCreight

Manuscript and video of the sermon, “The Christ Hymn”

“ If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.

Like this. Like this.”

— Rumi

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