33rd. Apocalyptic and Wonderful

Earlier this year the movie “Everything Everywhere all at once” was released. I found it a brilliant movie, and although I do admit a small crush on Michelle Yeoh, it is not because of that. It is a movie about choices in life; and making decisions that impact our lives and those around us.  In this movie, and in other recent movies and shows, there is talk of the multiverse; which comes from a line of thought in Quantum physics that there are infinite universes, all based on choices. If we choose coffee, then that sets us on one path; if we choose tea for breakfast then that sets us along a different path.  It is a fun concept, but can also lead to our heads swimming, and for some neurosis about making choices.

We can come to those threshold moments in our lives in which a new direction, a new way of living is presented to us. What will we do? This is not just a new job, new house, or new car; this is also about a fundamental option to live in a different way.

For some it is that moment when they stand before God and the community and their partner, and they say “I do”. Or before God, community and bishop and say “Yes”.  Others, it is that insight gained through therapy, counseling, spiritual direction, or from a trusted friend. They find a new way to live in this world.  Others too, it is that moment when life comes crashing down; all our falsehoods, all our manipulations and machinations, all our lies that we tell ourselves, fail; and we face the truth and rebuild.  Or when we face death.

The word “Apocalypse” sounds scary! We hear or read that word and we think of destruction, death, the end of the world. However, the original Greek means “uncovering” or “revealing”; so the intent is not to be scary. But it speaks of seeing differently and then making a choice to live differently.

Jesus is/was apocalyptic. He uncovered and revealed the Ultimate Truth of the Universe: God loves us. God loves all, equally. Jesus calls us to then live differently, based on this Ultimate Truth.

Now we may think “so?” “ Yes”. But, centuries and centuries people have contemplated this truth, and some got it, some truly took it to heart and mind and soul, and it changed their lives!

We may think we have it, but do we? How can we when we live so small. So preoccupied with our status and so called power. We live with our anger, our fears; we live life only for ourselves, and our things, and what we want.

We look at our world, and other so-called Christians. People who have experienced God’s love would not live lives that are filled with such racism and violence; so much vehemence to destroy others with their lies.

God’s love is apocalyptic. Jesus offers to humanity a new way to live; one of community and working for one another. One of equality, in which we concern ourselves with the needs of others. One of healing and welcome; forgiveness, mercy and compassion.

Jesus knew that this would/could change the world; and Jesus also knew that people would resist this; seek to corrupt it; seek to manipulate it.  History bore him out. Jesus in the Gospel acts as a prophet, or almost a seer; that Jerusalem will be destroyed because of the leaders' wish to set up their own kingdom, repeating a history and Rome knocking that down in a truly brutal way.  Early Christians were also persecuted by those in power because they represented a threat to the power of the establishment. When an economy is based on military conquest, on slavery and subjugation; telling those who are subjugated they are worthy of dignity becomes a threat. And it seems even 2000 years later, this is still the case.

However, people have gotten the message of Jesus, truly…people whose lives have been filled with anger, grief, fear; encountered God’s love in the word, in the sacrament and in the actions of those true believers, have had their lives changed.

Think of those in addiction: the first step, acknowledge a higher power. God’s love has more power than any chemical we put into our body, and how many people have found healing and new lives because of this.

People who have been hurt and all they have known is that hurt, and they have nurtured that hurt, fed it…they hear Jesus’ message of forgiveness, and realize that they can find the strength to forgive, to take back control of their lives. They begin to live.

Others, who have done the hurting, are remorseful but cannot accept forgiveness, they cannot believe themselves worthy of forgiveness; they look to the cross and the Eucharist, and it sinks in: God forgave that, God will forgive me too” and the burden is lifted.

The Eucharist is Apocalyptic. It uncovers and reveals. It is meant to change us and the world. The Eucharist is God’s gift to us, to reveal the infinite and powerful love, in Christ, through the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist uncovers God’s willingness to forgive, to reconcile, to be healing. It has changed men and women for centuries; creating the great saints; providing hope.

Through that love, people have created hospitals and orphanages, schools and homes to help others be healed.  Through that love, people have found the courage to give of themselves in marriage, create families; or enter into a life dedicated in service to others.  Through that love, people have found the strength to get through one more day. To look up and out into this world, and know that God is not out to get them, but only to lift them and all up.

God invites us to the fullness of life: God reveals that fullness of life, in Jesus Christ…will we choose it?