Religious belief is house with many rooms
Unbelievable but true.
I was alone in the church office. The phone rang. I answered it and heard the voice of a stranger.
There was no urgency. No crisis. No sales pitch. No appeal for help.
I distinctly remember the phone call — three years ago today.
The unknown voice on the line said: “Hello. My children made wristbands and sold them doorto-door in the neighborhood. They would like to donate the proceeds from the sale to the Central Moravian Church Food Pantry.”
The mother made the following request on behalf of her children: “They would like to present their donation in person. Is there someone at your church who will be available to receive it?”
There was no celebrity. No flashing lights. No promise of large sums of money. Just a desire for human contact. A sincere request to build relationships.
Within a half hour, they arrived in person. She was 8 years old; her brother was 11 years old; both had mother in tow. This particular family had never visited our church before. They were wearing homemade facemasks and practicing physical distancing. They brought their cash gift in a small sealed plastic bag — filled with the hope they might help another family through difficult days.
To say I was overwhelmed with gratitude is an understatement.
I felt gratitude for these children’s generosity; their sense of mission and service; their creativity and ingenuity; their hands-on helpfulness.
A tiny part of me wished the television cameras were at my office that faithful Friday. What does Hoda Kotb call it on NBC’s “Today” show? A morning boost.
And somehow, I don’t think that’s why two siblings engaged in this tremendous act of kindness. I believe they were aware of needs in the community and figured out how they could be helpful.
Today, as I reflect on the phone call, I am filled with gratitude for another reason. This is the season of Easter. This weekend is the fifth of seven Sundays of Easter. Our assigned reading from the Proclamation of the Gospel According to John is chapter 4. Here is how it begins:
1Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
Theologians over the centuries pointed this verse toward heaven, albeit with varied interpretations. Among those who take “my Father’s house” as a synonym for heaven, I am reading of three groups.
One perspective, referred to as the School of Grades, is summed up by the Book of the Secrets of Enoch, “In the world to come there are many mansions prepared for ; good for good; evil for evil.” Another perspective, referred to as the School of Stages, avoids any appearance of being static by saying, “Even in heaven there is progress and development and advancement.” Referred to as the School of Full Enrollment, adherents to this perspective say, “In heaven there is room for all.”
What if “my Father’s house” with the “many dwelling places” has something to do with right here and now? Could it be a symbolic reference to children doing what’s within their means and skill set to be helpful to others?
Throughout the Gospel of John, references to a location are consistently presented as symbolic of a relationship. Quoting the New Interpreter’s Bible commentary, in this Final Discourse, Jesus is saying: “My return to God will make it possible for you to join in the relationship that the Father and I share.”
Two young visitors three years ago lit a candle for the beloved community. They used the labor of their hands to share the love of their hearts with others. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
There is room and there will be room for everyone if only we would open our eyes, our hands and our hearts to be the blessing to others that God intends us to be. To be in faithful relationship with God and with each other.
The reading from John 14 continues with verse 12: “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.”
To be followers of Jesus is to have faith that God empowers us to do God’s work in the world. Could it be that Jesus is saving the world through us? “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”