We humans are crazy creatures. Certain numerical numbers seem to hold significance to us. After so many years we say “wow it’s been x years.” Often reflecting on multiples of certain numbers. Today I realized that this year 2010CE is filled with some of those for me and my life’s journey. It is also filled with some for my faith tradition, Community of Christ.
So what are they?
Well in the order we will encounter them this year:
- Organization of Community of Christ – 6 April, 180 years
- Reorganization of Community of Christ – 6 April, 150 Years
- Vote to Change name of denomination to Community of Christ – 7 April, 10 years (name change took place 6 April 2001, thus only 9 years with the name)
- Graduation from High School – June, 10 years
- Baptized – 17 June, 20 Years
- Confirmed – 17 June, 20 Years
- Ordained to the office of Deacon, 23 July, 10 years
Are the others? Probably, but these are the ones that either prompted the writing of this post, or came to mind as I started writing the list. I hope the year is not just filled with memories of the past, but the formation of new memories as I and the communities I serve with step forward on the path of discipleship and seek to live out what it means to be disciples of the Living Christ through the sharing of the Holy One’s love and peace, recognizing and celebrating the worth of all people, finding ways to be united in the great and wonderful diversity of creation and forming communities of joy, hope, love and peace where all are loved, and seeking to end injustice throughout the globe.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if in 10 years ago we could say “XYZ took place 10 years ago, and today there is less injustice, today no one goes hunger, today the world is slowly recovering from the damage caused by war and greed, now we truly embrace the worth of all and respect and embrace our diversity….”?
Let step forward with that aim, to transform the ourselves and the world in that which the Holy Calls us to. So that in 10, 20 30, 150 years from now we can say “We stepped out in faith knowing that a few vibrant witness can transform the world, and the world was transformed”
Let us go forth this year and seek to be prophetic both in word and deed.
Peace be with you all,
Lyle II
— Lyle II