Far From the Cheering Crowd

And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.”  (Matthew 21:11)

Sitting here one block from a parish where I could be worshipping but feel most unwelcome as an outsider, I am again stridently aware of how atypical it is to be outside the community of faith as we enter this week that is all about community. The church gathers to share the stories of our faith; welcome its newest members into the family of faith, and together in faith experience the empty tomb.

Today we complete a 4-week series of exploration of faith that brings me to the final verse of I am the Bread of Life (S.S. Toolan)

Yes Lord I believe that You are the Christ

The Son of God

Who has come into the World

and the assurance of Jesus

And I will raise you up on the last day. 

(Minute 1:59 on recording)

On each to the 3 preceding Sundays, we have met and been challenged by people of faith: the woman at the well, the man born blind, and the family of Lazarus. We lose the arc of faithful confessions that have preceded this day. Today we are again faced with a confession of faith.

This year, I will again be exploring the essentials of faith with my mom, quietly, far from the “cheering crowds” but close to the heart of my primary faith mentor.

I will be wondering:

• How much faith is enough?
• Am I still standing by the side of the road asking, “Who is the guy?”
• Can I really lay aside my hopes and fears and believe in the promise of the resurrection on the last day?

You are invited to join me. Use either the comments section below or drop me a note. We are very fortunate in our time to be able to bridge the barriers of time and space to be “community” despite the diaspora.

Peace


Note: It is nearly impossible to find a recording that includes this final verse.  This is a clear case of the importance of including the end of the text -- a rant for another day.