Second chance beckons the church to think eschatologically. Eschatology in academia is related to “end time”, however I am more inclined to associate it with the question of ‘present time’ or to be more theologically correct, Kairos. It begs the question, “what’s God doing in your life, church or community today in this moment in time?” If we accept this understanding, eschatology is lived out in the reality of today’s challenges and opportunities. Jesus’ words are of prophetic proportions, “…tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34). This may very well be one of the messages of hope for the community of faith in this time. There isn’t a more appropriate time for the Church to see the neighborhood afresh with new lenses. Let’s see the new thing God is actively doing now in our backyard!
Finally, we are richly blessed to be part of a church that embodies and practices second chance. Are you one of the many whose life was in crisis and didn’t know where to turn or go and the welcoming doors of the Episcopal Church stayed opened for you? Just ponder on the many broken relationships and shattered lives this church has been instrumental in nurturing back to wholeness – those now experiencing new beginnings. This church is designed to see the best in you, enough to walk alongside you in the patient journey of reconciliation and redemption. The Episcopal Church is bold and unabashed in proclaiming and promoting the dignity of every human being, irrespective of class, creed, culture, status and/or ethnicity. I see myself as a perfect example to this TRUTH; a stranger who came among you, and has experienced hospitality, grace and acceptance with much thanksgiving. As Christ’s ambassadors, we are the healing balm in an otherwise hurting world; the almost perfect personification of second chance.
Fellow workers with Christ, let us commit afresh to be agents of second chance, and vessels of righteousness for the mission of God. Christians are tough through perseverance and resilient in fortitude. We just don’t know the word “quit”, because we look to the cross of the Savior who conquered where others surrendered. Let us continue to be those who turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones!
May God give you the grace to be broken bread, and poured out wine for the world! May this season bring you peace, prosperity, and good health as we live in the renewed hope for the Church whose Lord and architect is the one who conquered death, rose and ascended with the words, “…and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). May you know today how much you are loved and cared for by him who came to be God’s love, Jesus the Christ!
+Santosh