A Relationship With Mystery

Today's readings: Ps 34, 145; Prov 8:22-30; 1 John 5:1-12; John 13:20-35

When we’re young (or young to our faith) we most easily understand Christianity as a religion—a list of rules and ideas defining our relationship with God. This fledgling Christianity can provide comfort, often in the form of answers. In the long run, however, we must admit we face far more questions than we have answers. In the midst of these questions, we have three basic options: 1) to abandon our faith as inadequate or false; 2) to cling to religiosity despite our experiences; or 3) to mature from Christianity as religion to Christianity as relationship.

Experiencing our faith as a relationship—to God and others—takes us away from the feelings of comfort and control provided by rules. Like all steps into the unknown, this one can be frightening. Some people stay in miserable situations—soul-sucking jobs, abusive relationships, etc.—because fear of the unknown paralyzes them. Should this be the story of our faith life? It doesn’t have to be, if we can think of the mystery of faith as an adventure rather than a trial. This week we will not seek answers. Instead we will explore the mystery and paradox of faith.

Let’s begin by considering the odd exchange between Judas and Jesus at the Last Supper. When the disciples wanted Jesus to tell them who would betray him, he didn’t name names but dipped some bread, handed it to Judas, and said: “Do quickly what you are going to do.” At that moment, John tells us, “Satan entered into him” and he left (John 13:21-30). Earlier in the Gospel, Jesus successfully evaded the authorities a number of times, yet he allows (encourages?) a close companion to betray him. Why bring it up at all if he doesn’t intend to stop it, or let the disciples stop it? We don’t have to go so far as the Gnostics who paint Judas as a hero of the salvation story to realize this revelation of betrayal and the relationships it portrays are not black and white. What does it say about God’s transformational grace that even betrayal can serve a higher purpose?

Comfort: Mystery welcomes and frees us.

Challenge: Create a ”family tree” that doesn’t focus on biological relationships, but spiritual ones. Allow it to grow as complex as it will.

Prayer: God of Mystery, I trust you to lead me through the unknown.

Evening reading: Ps 29, 121


Tomorrow's readings: Ps 54, 146; Isa 48:12-21; Gal. 1:18-2:10; Mark 6:1-13