My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ

I wonder whether it has ever struck you that the Christian bible ends exactly the same way as it starts, with a vision of paradise. The first is a garden, the second a city - a reminder that we are stewards of creation who by God's grace share in the work of creation - but both are a vision of perfect harmony and right relationship with God, with each other, and with all creation. The bridge between the two is the cross - the place where, in the words of the early church fathers, "the fruit was nailed again to the tree " so that the paradise which was lost might be restored. The incarnation uniquely reveals what every page of scripture declares - that God is a God of history, the God of our history; actively present in our world and in our lives.

That testimony of scripture stands in marked contrast to that of the secular world in which God becomes more and more peripheral and irrelevant to daily life. God may feature strongly in the lives of some, but for a growing number of people God is no longer a significant factor. Their lives are lived without reference to God; God has no real place in their lives and is neither a part of their worldview nor that of their culture. The real challenge to Christianity today is not that of a scientific worldview, but a secular one that seeks to root out and destroy all religious intrusions into public life. The recent attack in parts of the USA on the use of the word "Christmas" in advertising is illustrative of this. In fact, the Australian historian, Alan Gilbert argues that "secularisation is a much deadlier foe than any previous counter-religious force in human experience."

Part of the danger lies in the subtlety with which faith is moved to the margins of public life; often on the most "reasonable" of premises. So, for example, religious education is banned in State schools to protect minorities from the proselytising pressures of a dominant faith. And as religion is moved to the margins so, without even being aware of it, even faith becomes secularised; increasingly irrelevant in the hustle and bustle of daily life. In his book, 'The Contemplative Pastor,' Eugene Peterson speaks of some Christians who are faithful in worship, but who nevertheless have "secular souls." It is a telling phrase for it speaks of people who profess the faith, but who have a secular worldview; people whose lives are largely unshaped by their faith and who are largely indistinguishable from those around them who have no faith. It is also a sad phrase for it describes many who sit in our pews, faithful in worship, but without that ongoing, living relationship with shapes every fibre of their being and every moment of their lives.

Scripture speaks powerfully against this secularisation of our lives. It proclaims that all life has its being in God and is lived in the ongoing presence of a God who is active and involved in every aspect of our lives. In stark contrast to the secular worldview the scriptures proclaims a worldview in which God is central. Spiritual formation must involve a growing into such a religious worldview; into a constant awareness of the indwelling Lord at work in our life and in the world - "practising the presence of God," Brother Laurence calls it, "finding God in all things," says Ignatius.

This contrast in worldviews was brought home to me very strongly in the Morning Office for Advent in the Franciscan Daily Office Book. One of the canticles in that Office is taken from Isaiah and reads:

Go up to a high mountain
herald of good tidings to Zion;

lift up your voice with strength,
herald of good tidings to Jerusalem.

Lift up your voice, fear not,
say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God.

It is a canticle that speaks of confidence in God. Spoken first to a people in exile, it declares that God is at work in the events of their lives and the course of history. It proclaims that God's purposes are being worked out and bring blessing and restoration. It is a declaration that, whatever the world might say, our God reigns. But more ... it not only proclaims this truth, but calls upon God's people to live it and proclaim it with boldness.

Spoken to us through the liturgy, it challenges us at the start of this new year to live the good news of the indwelling Christ and to proclaim it with boldness. It calls us to practice the presence of God and to see God at work in every aspect of our lives and the world around us. And as we obey its call and respond to its challenge so God will lead us into a world of wonder where we will see the glory of God in 2006.

Lift up your voice, fear not,
say to the world, 'Behold your God.

Lift up your voice with joy:
'Behold our God; our God reigns.'

+ Brian

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