Beyond our Vision

It helps now and then to step back and take the long view. The reign of God is not only beyond our efforts. It is beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying the reign of God always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. We cannot do everything but there is a sense of liberation in realizing that because this enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest.
— Ken Untener , “The Prayer of Oscar Romero” at http://ow.ly/1qveP

Oscar Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador, died 30 years ago today. After calling on the international community to protect those being killed by his own government, he was assassinated. It took place as he was raising the chalice celebrating communion.

I’d like to think that as disciples of Jesus we make a difference. And the reality is that we do. Show up with a fresh loaf of bread when someone comes home from the hospital, and you’ll make a difference in that person’s day. Recycle your plastics, cans, paper, and glass, and compost your food waste, and you’ll take better care of our planet.

But how many of us are willing to risk our lives for the benefit of others? How many of us celebrate communion as a radical act of political solidarity with the oppressed?

Remembering Romero and envisioning a world that is peaceful and just, my challenge is to trust God’s promise for the future while I work to make the world a better place. I pledge to acknowledge the limited good I can do and to trust in God’s grace to inspire those who come after me to carry on.

I hope no more Romeros will die. But I hope as well that Christians will always speak out against exploitation of the powerless by the powerful, regardless the risk. Beyond our vision, just past the horizon, is the coming reign of God.

Along the Way, I wish you God’s peace on today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.