Today's reading is Mark 16, the Day of the Resurrection, when the women found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty! I had almost forgotten the Vacation Bible School class where we teachers acted this out for the children and when Jesus was found alive they all cheered! The vital reaction to the Good News is still with us! Christ is still alive with the teachers and kids in our parish.
I am thanking God that the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth (John 16:13) brought this into my remembrance. The Spirit will teach me everything and remind me of everything Jesus has shown and said to me. In this I will find the remedy for my frustration.
You know my frustration, Reader, surrounding the lukewarmness of preaching I have heard this summer. Today the scales fall from my eyes as I remember this frustration has been ongoing for 30 years of my own life--and since the earliest times in the life of the Church. I find the message to Laodicaea, "since you are lukewarm I spit you out of my mouth!" (Rev 3:16) comforting in a way. Tepidity has not stifled the Word. There have been beautiful Christians to fellowship with throughout.
Furthermore, Revelation continues: "I stand at the door knocking" (Rv 16:20). There is still hope the tepid and uncertain may open the door and invite the Lord to come in and eat together. Jesus may still be welcomed. The Good News may yet be preached and yet be cheered in the "big church." Hallelujah!
