We
hear in the reading from Hebrew Scriptures, Isaiah 11 this week that from the
roots of a bulky stump, a branch emerges. The extravagant hope of Israel will
come from a shoot, a branch. The branch will have wisdom and understanding,
counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord, justice and equity,
righteousness and faithfulness. That’s some branch! Or more accurately, that’s
some hope!
As
confused and dark as our world often seems, we are living in a time of great
imagination. Our economic system is in transition and we pray that the greedy
will not prevail. Political power is up for grabs and may those who stand be
compassionate and reflect God’s love. Scientists have grown beyond the
boundaries they previously knew. A global community has adjusted Religion. The
internet has created equal footing for art and literature. Our culture is
reimagining; we are dreaming together.
But
with this hopeful activity comes a measure of fear. As if the rug has been
pulled out—or maybe a more poignant picture—it feels as if the roots have been
pulled up. As I write this, I am reminded again like last week of parts of
Townsville post cyclone when there are trees lying on the side of the road, the
debris and damage from the storm is so visible. I’m also imagining the damage
that is still being repaired after a storm a number of days ago here in parts
of Sydney. The tree roots seem to mock us, saying, “The world is uncertain,
unsturdy, unreliable.” Karl Barth says it is less like we are rooted or
standing firm and more like we are being upheld by the winds of Spirit.
I
wonder if the hope of Isaiah is less about being rooted in David and more about
being upheld by the Spirit. Because this prophet dreamed big, really big. So
big that dependence on the stump was out of the question. But dependence on the
Spirit, it’s all over this passage.
It
is very difficult to sustain an undivided view of reality. There is within each
of us a desire for unity, wholeness, and inclusion; yet the moment we are hurt,
affronted, or challenged we want to cut off and remove the offending person or
group and the unity ends. We pay lip service to nonduality, inclusivity, and
holistic living, as long as you agree with us. Cross us, or even disagree with us,
at your peril! A number of world political leaders act like this and often
their decisions seem irrational but probably come from the fact that they
believe they have been crossed.
I
am told that if one grew up in apartheid South Africa, there was an ironic
slogan printed on all their coins at that time, “Unity is strength.” Just how
bizarre that statement was became evident as history unfolded. Perhaps we
attempt to counter the very darkest of our shadow material by projecting it
into the world as our mottos and visions? So, in this week’s readings Isaiah
dreams of a nondual world where lions and lambs lie down in unity, and children
don’t get bitten by snakes. Paul encourages the Romans to create harmonious
welcoming communities. And John the baptiser speaks of a level freeway to God.
Sadly,
the words are hardly cold when he spews venom at the vipers from Jerusalem who
oppose him. The key to nonduality is the centrality of love. Call it life, or
call it God, when you realise that there is only One reality that includes all
of us and them and those others too, then it all comes together and makes
infinite sense. It is a freeway indeed. Sadly, the on-ramps to the “I-One
freeway” may be hard to find. Nonduality is difficult and harmony is hard. That
shouldn’t keep us from seeking it though.
I
am going to finish today with the words from a hymn which provide much to
reflect on:
God, Send Your Prophets Here (Tune Leoni)
God,
send your prophets here,
For
all around we see
The
sinful, broken values of humanity.
Accepting
death and fear,
Our
nations go to war
And
so, deny that peace is worth our struggling for.
Send
stewards of the earth,
For
it’s becoming plain:
This
world we haven’t cared for cries aloud in pain.
Forgetting
nature’s worth,
Consuming
for today,
We
never realize what it is we throw away.
Send
ones who love the poor,
For
leaders arm the lands;
They
buy their tanks and take the food from children’s hands.
With
greed, we long for more
While
others cry for bread;
Remind
us that we can’t be full till all are fed.
Who
are your prophets here?
We
wonder, Lord, and search—
And
then we realize you are calling us, your church.
Your
kingdom, God, is near;
You
show what life can be!
So,
by your Spirit may we answer, “Lord, send me!”
Text:
Copyright © 2011 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
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