Somewhere along the way, I think the Church decided that the
end goal of our mission was to see how many people we could gather into our
church buildings. We are endlessly
impressed with the so-called “mega-churches” and their thousands of
members. We regularly ask, “so how many
do you worship?” (The correct answer to that question, by the way, is “one.”
Think about it.) We fret about declining
membership and wonder how we can “attract more people” to our congregations –
especially families with children.
Somehow we seem to have come to the conclusion that the Upper Room was
the end of the disciples’ journey with Jesus rather than a stopping off point
along the way.
The disciples and Jesus gather in the Upper Room three times
in the Gospel stories. Each time the
gathering is a prelude to a significant event in the unfolding of Jesus’ ministry
for the sake of the world. First, Jesus and
the disciples gather in the Upper Room prior to his betrayal, crucifixion and
death. There, he offers himself to the
disciples in bread and wine. He teaches
them the meaning of servanthood by washing their feet. He commands them to love one another. He promises them that they will not be
abandoned and that he will send an “Advocate” to guide them. Second, the disciples gather in the Upper
Room during those terrible three days following their master’s execution. They gather in fear and uncertainty not
knowing what to do next. Suddenly, Jesus
comes among them. He offers them his
peace. He shows them his wounds. He opens their hearts and minds to grasp the
wonder of the Resurrection. He tells
them to wait for the coming of the Spirit.
Fifty days later, they are gathered in the Upper Room again. Jesus has ascended into heaven and they are waiting
and praying. In wind and flame the promised Spirit comes and they are driven out
into the streets of Jerusalem to bear witness to the Good News that death has
been overcome with life and that God’s Reign is breaking out. They go to the four corners of the world to
continue Christ’s work of healing and compassion and welcome.
The Church of Jesus Christ still gathers in our “Upper Rooms”
week after week. And so we should. We gather around bread and wine and
experience Christ’s presence among us.
We are reminded of Jesus’ Way of servanthood and love. We share our
fears and our anxieties, our sorrows and uncertainties with one another. We wait and pray. We celebrate and give thanks for the Good
News that death has been overcome by life.
But, the weekly Gathering is just a way point - not the point - on our
Christian journeys. The Spirit blows
anew and we are sent out in service and in witness. We are sent out to the far corners of our
worlds to live the Good News that has given us life, and to invite others to
join us in Christ’s work.
Peace,
Bishop Mike
Thanks for reading!
