Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
There is a writing convention we do when inviting people to come to an ordination. At the top of the invitation it reads:
“God willing and the people consenting…”
It’s a custom that applies, not only to ordination but to all things sacramental. Because we might super confident that everything we planned to happen will happen, it hasn’t yet happened. Our friend, Kristin White is the Bishop-Elect of Southern Ohio, but she isn’t bishop until that moment.
It also puts the frame of reference where it ought to be. The presumptive situation should be planned for. But it isn’t true yet. It becomes true if God wills it and the people consent to it. Then it becomes true. What we can do is trust it will happen. We don’t get to pretend it already has.
This is the feeling I’m presently associating with the anticipated affirmation this week at our Diocesan Convention to include The Table into the Diocese of Indianapolis as a missional community. This opportunity for us and for The Table feels like a powerful reminder of what can be done to heal bonds of affection and change our own trajectories.
There is a blessed anticipation to it all. One that feels exciting and hopeful. And yet, it doesn’t really begin until God wills it and the people consent. Until then, we can anticipate its happening.
With love,
Drew