The Real Unreal
Hi y'all,
My daughter and I recently drove up to Grapevine, to the newly opened Meow Wolf. If you aren't familiar with Meow Wolf, it's an interactive art exhibit that first started in Santa Fe, and they recently opened their fourth location outside of Dallas. On their website they describe this new location this way-- "Is it real? Is it a dream? Is it Meow Wolf’s fourth permanent exhibition? Yes. Get to know the unknown in this brand new, mind-bending, interactive art experience." As a family we love art, imagination, creativity, and mystery, and Meow Wolf encompasses these things. The theme of the Grapevine exhibit is The Real Unreal.
As I reflect back on our time exploring the exhibit, I can't help but think about the Christian Faith. It may seem like a strange connection, a quirky interactive art experience and Christianity, but many of the things I love about following Jesus are connected to mystery, beauty, and the creativity of our God. We live in a world where we can get quick answers to so much - a world where liminal space and admitting we don't have all the answers are often looked down upon. The real unreal-ness of our faith is a part of what can make it challenging at times. It's what might stir up doubt or uncertainty, but it's also a significant part of the unique and beautiful thing that is Christianity.
If you heard Fr David's sermon last week, focusing on John 5:1-17, the healing of the man at the pool, you may recall that one of the takeaways from the sermon was that Jesus sees us. The idea that Jesus, the King of the Universe, the Son of God, knows me and sees me, is one of those real unreal pieces of our faith. Jesus doesn't simply have this basic knowledge of who I am, my short bio, but he knows me intimately, unlike anyone else knows me, in a way that I don't even know myself and the same is true for you. This is beautiful and meaningful and real but also unreal, right? The idea that God desires to know us and we get to be this known and seen by God. It is real and true, but also a mystery. At times, knowledge like this can be a bit overwhelming, much like walking through the Meow Wolf exhibit with its portals found through closets and refrigerator doors, bright lights, and surreal artwork. The good news is that unlike an art exhibit constructed in a half empty mall outside of Dallas, our faith is built upon something longer-lasting, a firm foundation.
Matthew 7:24-29: When we build on a firm foundation of Christ, we can withstand whatever comes our way. A foundation based on God produces steadfast faith and life.
As we continue to journey through the Gospel of John and life together as a church, especially as summer comes to an end and we prepare for a busy Fall, my prayer for all of us is that we can push into the real unreal parts of our faith, that we can marvel at the work God has done and is doing, and that we hold close what David reminded us of - just like the man who needed healing, we are seen and known by God.
Peace,
Kimberly+