Welcome to Jupiter

Juno has begun its orbit Jupiter. It was a journey that took almost five years and Juno has arrived. You would think after almost five years there would be a little reprieve for the craft and the Juno team but the reality is the work is just beginning. Juno will now do all it can to analyze this mysterious planet and unlock any secrets it might hold.

As I read the stories over the last few days they began to resonate with me. I have just started my 5th year at my current appointment at Glassboro UMC. The journey has been long but there is no time for rest as we have more exploring to do. there is much to see, experience, and accomplish.

The world is so much different from it was five years ago. Terrorism has always been a daily occurrence but for us in the west it has become something we have become more aware of. The disparity between rich and poor continues to grow daily. Our political situation has become more and more combative. The church’s voice has become increasingly fragmented and ineffective.

The interesting thing for me is that the world also remains much the same in so many ways. We continue to yearn for relationships that are deeper and more meaningful. We continue to have a need for people to step up and make a difference. The world still needs a church that rises above the politics and speaks a bold message of hope and love. Just like Juno is doing in Jupiter, it appears as if it is time to unlock the secrets our planet holds.

 

The secrets we need to uncover are ones that we have done a good job burying. We have buried these secrets in fear, anger, and greed. We have piled arrogance, violence, and apathy upon them. We have continued to drive by these secrets as we hustle off to work, play, and yes even church.

The secrets  we have longed buried are faith, hope, and love. We are a people created to have faith in a God beyond our understanding. We are a people who are called to live with hope in something more. We are a people who need to show and be shown love. These secrets aren’t really that secret, we just have neglected them.

In our rush to be bigger we have intentionally pushed them to the side. We want to have bigger houses, cars, and churches. It is tie to change that. It is time to analyze scripture once again with minds wide open. It is times to invest in relationships with each other with hearts wide open. It is time to go into the world and share the love of God.

So as I sit here this morning in awe of Juno, I am excited to start the next phase of my mission as well. I am ready to boldly go where Jesus is already working. I am thrilled to be able to participate in the work of God in my communion and the world.

Wherever you are today, I encourage you to do the same. Engage the world around you. Lay bare the faith, hope, and love that God has provided to you and abundantly share it with others.

It is time! Let’s go explore!