Monday, February 15
“Do you know what I mean…thy kingdom come, thy will be done?” Grandma was sincere. She wanted to know that I knew what Jesus meant and I didn’t!
What was a kingdom? We had a president and growing up across the street from Valley Forge Park, I knew we had fought a revolution so that we didn’t have a king! I also didn’t want some king’s will to be done…and, even at six, God wasn’t a king or a queen for me…God wasn’t a man or a woman. God wasn’t a ruler. God was a gentle presence I knew in the rainbow, felt when Grandma’s hand held mine or smelled sitting beside the picnic basket. God was a spirit, and kingdoms just didn’t make sense to me. Nor did giving up my freedom to do this king’s will. No way!
When I told this to Grandma she smiled and said I would understand it in time, and we never talked about it again.
Fifty-two years later, I understand the politics of Jesus praying for a kingdom that was different from Herod’s or Caesar’s. I understand Jesus’ desire for God to hurry up and do something to end the oppression of the Hebrew people. I even understand the special power this prayer has because we have prayed it over and over again for almost 2000 years. I pray it too, because I remember Grandma and her love. It is special for me, and I do not believe that God’s kingdom is coming or that we can ever fully know or do God’s will.
In fact, I don’t think God wants to be a king or a ruler. We have free will and even if we make mistakes, I think God rejoices in our freedom, not in our subservience. We’re the ones that want God to be in control, make us safe, take away the anxiety of decision making or the fear of taking responsibility for our actions. We want the pain in our lives to end, and we are willing to give up a lot to get it…even a lot of our freedom, and I don’t believe this is God’s will for us.
I believe God wants us to soar on eagle’s wings, roar like lions, overthrow tyrants with our votes or arms, and work together for justice and freedom for all people and the earth. God is with us in the pain and joy of our lives, and calls us to love fully and love boldly. Jesus used the words and images he knew and I’m glad he did. I’m also glad I can too.
Give us courage, O God, to love fully and boldly, working together for justice and freedom. Amen.
–Fran Bogle