Mystery
AM Psalm 119:49-72 • PM Psalm 49, [53]
Wisdom 4:16-5:8 • Col. 1:24-2:7 • Luke 6:27-38
I grew up in 2nd Presbyterian Church of Little Rock and have a deep fondness for that church and for its denomination. However, one of the primary reasons (among many) I was drawn to St. Paul’s and to the Episcopal denomination in general is the acknowledgment and affirmation of the mystery of Christian faith that I find there. I so much appreciate celebrating the Eucharist every Sunday (which is not done in the Presbyterian Church), especially when I can kneel at the railing. It is a sacrament of pure love and grace, and love and grace are nothing if not mystery.
It was at St. Paul’s that I became acquainted with the contemplative movement and learned Centering Prayer, which has been transformative for me. One of my St. Paul’s mentors (and there are many), Nick Cole, reminds us in his April 12th morning reflection that God’s first language is silence. And silence is nothing if not mystery, is it not?
In today’s reading from Colossians, Paul writes, “I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am saying this that no one may deceive you with plausible arguments.” Yes, Paul acknowledges the “plausible” arguments against faith that we often encounter today. But these are mostly arguments born of materialism, and the material is but one form of truth, as our faith testifies.
In our Holy Eucharist, Rite II, we acknowledge the mystery of faith:
Christ has died
Christ is risen
Christ will come again
In Rite 1 we receive “The Peace of God, which passeth all understanding….” These are mysterious words, but their comfort lies in their mystery, does it not?
I am thankful to have found St. Paul’s and a denomination that so elegantly acknowledges mystery. Jesus is mystery, Jesus is truth.
Written by Grimsley Graham
...who is especially grateful for the Practicing Presence class at St. Paul’s.