The inter- net has been intermittent...so I'm backing up (as in going back) a few days.
Our day to Phillipi was such a nourishing day. We drove up the coast, which made Mark so happy to be in a car again, and to be out of a big city...
The site was, in one way, just like the other half dozen ancient sites we have been to in the last week, but in another way it was very different.
How you ask?
Well, it was open and we could walk over and through everything and there where no crowds, but mostly, it was because we were in such a different frame of soul.
There was time a space to sit and think and pray and read.
Our day to Phillipi was such a nourishing day. We drove up the coast, which made Mark so happy to be in a car again, and to be out of a big city...
The site was, in one way, just like the other half dozen ancient sites we have been to in the last week, but in another way it was very different.
How you ask?
Well, it was open and we could walk over and through everything and there where no crowds, but mostly, it was because we were in such a different frame of soul.
There was time a space to sit and think and pray and read.
We read all of Paul's letter to the saints in Phillipi. The words did resonate so differently sitting on the hillside above the ruins. I imagined a small group of people gathered in one of those reconstructed rooms, hearing words, not from a dead theologian who's legacy changed a world religion, but a note from a dear friend and teacher...who knew them and loved them and had a good word for them. "Let those of us who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything this too God will reveal to you. (3:15).
Nice words from history but sitting in that room, I think I would be moved to look at that guy on my left and realize that his "stupid idea" had more merit than I realized and that it is not a threat to me but an opportunity for God to move both of us closer to truth.
And we prayed....for so many and as the wind rustled through the grass and the ants crawled across the pages of my Bible, I was renewed in the reality that the church is not a building, a period in history or a theology, but the living spirit of God let loose on people.
Which brings me to another thought (sorry. You can skip this if you want).
"The Church". Is not a building, but has buildings. Many buildings. Big, small, old, new, fancy, utilitarian. And why?
This is a church in Thessaloniki.
Ok the Internet is gruelingly slow uploading pictures, so forget the pic of the church in Thessaloniki (which is very lovely, by the way). It's a picture of the doors. Big double wooden doors. The shim next to the handle, where it locks, is chipped away...like someone was trying to break in, as if there was something valuable in there that people WANTED. But were kept out instead. Kept away from the valuable things in the church. Makes me cry.
I want churches to act as if what is in there is very valuable AND we want people to come in a take it away with them!
Open the doors. Leave them open all the time. Let the stuff that is so valuable be taken. Until the place is emptied of the treasure and it is all over town, in people's homes and schools and in the parks and stores and AA meetings and hospitals and jail and bus stations. Let them come in any time and pray and sleep and dance. The silver candle sticks might get stolen, but someone might also be healed and comforted.
I know it's ridiculous and impractical, but I think it is also true.
Nice words from history but sitting in that room, I think I would be moved to look at that guy on my left and realize that his "stupid idea" had more merit than I realized and that it is not a threat to me but an opportunity for God to move both of us closer to truth.
And we prayed....for so many and as the wind rustled through the grass and the ants crawled across the pages of my Bible, I was renewed in the reality that the church is not a building, a period in history or a theology, but the living spirit of God let loose on people.
Which brings me to another thought (sorry. You can skip this if you want).
"The Church". Is not a building, but has buildings. Many buildings. Big, small, old, new, fancy, utilitarian. And why?
This is a church in Thessaloniki.
Ok the Internet is gruelingly slow uploading pictures, so forget the pic of the church in Thessaloniki (which is very lovely, by the way). It's a picture of the doors. Big double wooden doors. The shim next to the handle, where it locks, is chipped away...like someone was trying to break in, as if there was something valuable in there that people WANTED. But were kept out instead. Kept away from the valuable things in the church. Makes me cry.
I want churches to act as if what is in there is very valuable AND we want people to come in a take it away with them!
Open the doors. Leave them open all the time. Let the stuff that is so valuable be taken. Until the place is emptied of the treasure and it is all over town, in people's homes and schools and in the parks and stores and AA meetings and hospitals and jail and bus stations. Let them come in any time and pray and sleep and dance. The silver candle sticks might get stolen, but someone might also be healed and comforted.
I know it's ridiculous and impractical, but I think it is also true.