For years I have had a love-hate relationship with the apostle Paul. You know, I hate to love him and love to hate him. Over the centuries his words have fallen on the ears of outraged people who live at the margins of society. That is to say non-white people and gay people. I’m coming out hard in the beginning here because as a minister of the Word, it is my duty to be open, honest and discerning.
The meditation response Paul kicks off in my mind and spirit has helped to form my preaching and teaching over the decades. The theme in this week’s reading from Ephesians 3:1-12, for me is one of waking vs. sleeping, neatly (or unknowingly) placed in divine time.
I too have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace. I’m hoping it’s what affords me the opportunity to engage some hard truths as you read on. My adrenaline spikes at the sound of Paul calling us “you Gentiles.” It ushers me to close the book and tell Paul where to get off. But reading a bit farther, I can extend Paul some grace when he levels the playing field and tells me he’s the very least of all the saints. (You got that right, buddy.)
We’ve all become fellow heirs, members of the same body and sharers in the promise. Since my primary advocacy-activist work in ministry is in reconciliation with LGBTQiA families, allow me the grace to expand your repository of information about this text.
Generations have passed since Paul’s writing but the words live on in our churches and communities. We have learned to embrace the challenge of being gay and Christian at the same time. It is not a popular opinion and only by a slim margin are we finding safe spaces to worship. The mystery of Christ is still largely hidden in the politics and denominational dogma of Christianity. (And we wonder why so many people flee religion? C’mon, let’s get honest about the damage we cause with our pick-and-choose privileged attitudes.)
Everyone, everywhere is included in the body of Christ. He gave his life in grace, love and mercy for all of us. We weren’t there, none of us can refute this. We can only base our understanding on his words. The mystery of his life and teachings was wrapped up pretty neatly: love God and love each other. On the way out He even asked for forgiveness for his own accusers.
It’s a tough go being gay and Christian, at least if you have a penchant to live your life publicly, honestly, and transparently. I’m glad to say mainline denominations are finally pushing back (some more than others). The mystery of God’s love has always poured through the doors of the church. And throughout the ages, times have been dark. For us, no more so than today. At times, a violent and abusive government Administration, the slaughter of friends and loved ones by mentally and emotionally unstable attackers, children overrun with technology so much that they are challenged to understand nature and simple pleasures.
Paul, O Paul, what say you?
We are all Gentiles at this point. And the good news is, we are all chosen and beloved, still. The mystery of God in Jesus has not been hidden so deeply that we cannot find it. But, it has been hidden so deeply that it has become a buried treasure. And that’s the point. Once we find it, we are to bury it...deep in our hearts. Non-white, LGBTQ+, poor, immigrant and any other label the Power tries to apply, know this: the kingdom of God is among us.
Perhaps in former generations the mystery was not made known. But the church is catching on, the Mystery of Equal Access has been revealed. The Eternal Purpose continues to shine brightly through us, believers and non. It’s the way it’s always been. The church is not shrinking, only the attendance in the pews is shrinking. The church is the people. We are outside the four walls wielding our power of the Promise given us. Thanks Paul, for your service. You’re a jackass sometimes, but it is by grace that I love you still.
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