One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God begin?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God isn’t ushered in with visible signs. 21 You won’t be able to say, ‘It has begun here in this place or there in that part of the country.’ For the Kingdom of God is within you.”
The phone rang in the office the other day so I answered it. A gentleman was on the other end inquiring about the shower ministry. I confirmed with him that yes we did offer showers and I gave him the time and days that he could come. I informed him as well that we supplied the towels, soap and shampoo. He was so very excited with the information I had given him. It was a brief conversation but one that touched us both. I could hear it in his words but his voice was speaking louder and clearer. His voice was saying that at this moment he felt visible. He felt as if he mattered to someone. He felt worthy and of value. At this moment he was not one of the “least”. It felt good to be able to share this experience with this person that I have never met. It felt like the church was really doing God’s work. God was with us. My spirits were lifted and have remained lifted.
For me the concept of the Kindom of God has always been this utopian space where everyone is treated fairly and love and grace are abundant. Everything is perfect in this space -all the time! This seems impossible and unattainable because we are human and we make mistakes. We aren’t perfect. But this conversation gave me a glimpse of that space that we strive for. It made me think. Perhaps the Kindom of God isn’t one perfect space but moments that happen throughout our day. Perhaps those moments are all around us and in us and we miss them not because God is not there but because we get caught up in the busyness of our day and miss those moments. Whatever the reason, I am grateful that I was able to share this moment with him and experience the kindom right here on earth.
Our shower ministry is much more than giving those a place to shower. It is a place where the “least” are no longer invisible. It is a place where God is working. It is a moment where the kindom is alive.
Marty
Gracious and loving God, we give thanks for those moments that we are aware of the world you envision for us. Help us to slow down and to be present so that we can experience more of those moments when your kindom is alive and well. Amen