Whoever is not Against Us is for Us
Today’s Readings - AM Psalm 80; Isa. 58:1-12; Gal. 6:11-18; Mark 9:30-41
My husband, Stan, became interested in Kairos when we attended a Cursillo weekend as Pilgrims in 2009. I was taken by the unique type of service this ministry provides but it was never something to which I felt called. I did however attend the closing service at the end of one of his first weekends spent in the prison with the “men in white,” and I’ve been back for several more. I was apprehensive but wanted to understand this ministry that had so profoundly fed my husband. Visitors must be willing to submit to a background check, and then searched before entering the prison. The restrictions are incredibly tight, serious, and intimidating. Once inside I was greeted by 35 or 40 men dressed all in white with big smiles and greetings that immediately made me grateful to be there.
Stan has told me story after story of events that these men revealed about their lives. The volunteers spend the better part of four days talking, praying, singing, eating, and listening in small groups. The men’s stories all share a tragic background, lack of support or solid family relationships, most with drug or other addiction issues, as well as abuse, and very little trust in anyone, including themselves. What develops over the four days is nothing short of a miracle. These men who for the most part have never had a visitor, received a letter or food that you or I would consider edible for more years than is imaginable, begin to open up, realizing that possibly for the first time in their lives there is a remote chance God loves them and might consider forgiving all the mistakes they’ve made. Once they begin to open up, I liken it to contagious courage. One starts and then slowly others join in. The way Stan describes it, it’s a breathtaking experience.
Inevitably though one of the men will take issue with their “witness” to the way Christ has changed them. The gist of what happens as a result is they agree to allow the Spirit to heal and transform each other in whatever way it happens. Sworn enemies embrace each other and even begin praying for one another. It may seem unorthodox or like the disciples some may object that they are casting out spirits in the “Master’s” name yet are not followers, but truthfully, it’s the unfettered work of the Spirit in its fullest glory.
It’s hard to see unorthodox forms of worship, to see Episcopal services conducted in ways that are not “traditional”, but they can still be beautiful and holy, sacred in their own way. As the Spirit spreads God’s love, it will not always look or sound like what we prefer. As Jesus stated, “40Whoever is not against us is for us.” In the years to come, the Episcopal church will continue to thrive and grow, but it will not be without growing pains and periods of conflict. I pray that we can fulfill Jesus’ wish, to embrace all those who offer a cup of water in the name of Christ.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection: Are you open to the Holy Spirit moving in unorthodox ways or does it feel threatening? Have you considered visiting the worshipping community of the Abbey or, the Church at Riverside? What might you gain if you did? How can we support our brothers and sisters in these fledgling Episcopal communities?