The Unity Barrier (Part 2)

The guests were all enjoying the party, for the party is love. They were enjoying it so much, those outside of the party wanted to come in. The Host was happy for others to join the party and as the door was unlocked they were free to join.

When those outside opened the door they saw the barrier and as before many turned away, for the same reasons as before, but also, as before, many persevered and climbed over, under and around the barrier.

As new people entered the party the guests who were already there became wary of the newcomers and in some cases resentful. The reason for they felt this way was because of change. Many of the existing guests didn’t like change as it challenged their preconceived ideas of what a party should be. Again they were forgetting the party belonged to the Host and they had said ‘the party is love’.

So, what was upsetting the existing guests? Well, some new guests danced more wildly and freely than the existing guest which challenged their perceptions of how to be free. There were some that came in and just rested because they either needed to or just enjoyed partying that way, whatever the reason it really frustrated the existing guests. Some of the new guests ate more food for they were hungrier than the existing guests which they thought unfair, although there was plenty for all appetites. Others found new foods that challenged the existing guests taste buds, and they didn’t like to be challenged to try new things, especially when the old things worked perfectly well. Some new guests started playing different music in different styles, which the existing guests found difficult to accept because they believed the party rules clearly stated there were certain styles of music that could allowed. Different music had to be played outside the door.

The music was the last straw for the Host. He stood up and said “STOP! The party is love and the party is for all who have entered in. Have you not understood? The barrier you entered through to get in is called Unity, which means you are united in love. I lam the Host and I love all who overcome the barrier and come to the party. Why are you creating more barriers to people entering the party, only the Host can judge how you should party. Now go and party so that more outside the door may hear how wonderful and marvellous the party is and will want to come in. There is room and plenty for all at the party. For the party is love.    

And there was singing, and there was dancing, there were games, and there was rest, and there was food a plenty. For all loved the Host, and all were united in love. 

The Unity Barrier - Part 1

A Host was having a party. It was to be a terrific party. Quite the best, most wonderfully marvellous perfect party that had ever been had. Everyone would love being at this party for the party was love itself.

Many people came to the venue of the party that day, but when they got there they opened the door to find a barrier in the way. Many turned away at the thought of having to get around the barrier. It wasn’t that it was a difficult barrier, it was just that some thought it impossible to believe that there would be a great party on the other side, others objected to having to overcome a barrier of any sort and chose to turn away, and others got annoyed and decided to have their own party.

The few that chose to overcome the barrier, did it in different ways. Some climbed over it, some under it, and some around it. All who got passed the barrier found exactly what they wanted and needed, and they started to enjoy the party.

The party atmosphere was wonderful from the start, but in one corner, an argument broke out about whose way was best to enter the party. Some of those who had climbed over the barrier were saying the discipline of the climb meant they deserved to be at the party more than others as they had earned their right to be there. The ones who went under the barrier argued that it demonstrated true humbleness to be that lowly and it was a sign of how grateful they were to be there. The ones who went around to the left of the barrier said they had shown real creativity and that’s what parties were all about and if you weren’t going to be creative at a party what’s the point of being there, and the ones who went to the right of the barrier said they had demonstrated a real desire to do things in the right way, and anyone who didn’t do things the right way should be thrown out.

No one could agree and all had forgotten the party was love itself.  

The Host stepped in. “STOP!” he said. “There is no need to argue. The barrier at the entrance to the party was put there to be certain that those who truly wanted to be here would be here and those who didn’t would not come in. You do not know this but I named the barrier Unity, as all who overcome it are united in wanting to be here. How you got here is not that important. The fact you are here with me is very important. Enjoy the party, for the party is love.”

The guests at the party, stopped arguing and put their differences aside and enjoyed the party, for the party is love.

Distracted

Our Father who art in heaven (Calm and quiet)

Hallowed be thy name (Loud enough to make people sit up)

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done. (Normal)

On earth (Loud)

As it is in heaven (rushed and quiet)

Give us this day our daily bread.

And our roast beef with crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, a bit of veg and loads and loads of gravy. Perhaps apple pie and custard for afters. (Stops, thinks, remembers he should be praying). Sorry – I'm distracted.

I meant , Give us this day our daily BREAD.

But I need more than bread. Give us our houses, warm and comfy. And a flash car with air con, gotta have that. Don’t want to open the windows. (Looks up to God). You know what I saw the other day Lord, I saw a car that could…(stops, bows head again) DISTRACTED!

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us, our distractions, our toys and things to play with, an Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo. A decent tablet with loads of apps. I could spend hours just …. Gadget, tut! (looks up hopefully!) I could use them to read the Bible (Bows head again)

Give us this day our daily bread.

(Absently picks up a book) And our books and videos, our sitting down to read the paper or watch the telly. (Stops again. Shakes head. Puts down book. Determined look on your face now)

(States firmly) Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our things that distract us. Just like I keep getting distracted. All the time. Not just now in this prayer but all the time. Our hobbies football, golf, bowls, train spotting, bird watching, model making, my collection of rice pudding skins dating from 1950 to the present day. It’s fascinating how the colour and texture have……changed……Arrgghh! I’ve done it again!

(Step forward - Shouting)

Give us this day our daily bread. Bread. BREAD! Give us this day our daily bread.

(Quieter) Bread. Jesus – you are the Bread of life. Give us this day our daily Bread. Give us You. Lord Jesus give us You - daily. All these distractions in our world. When we should ask - Give us the Bread of Life.

(Pauses to draw breath deeply and obviously).

Give us You. Help us to remember Whoever comes to You will never go hungry, and whoever believes in You will never be thirsty. Lord help us to understand what this means.

Lord forgive our trespasses. Oh yes Lord forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those who trespass against us.

Whoever comes to You, the Bread of Life, You will never drive away. Trespasses are forgiven. For you came down from heaven not to do your will but to do the will of Him who sent You. And this is the will of Him who sent You, that You shall lose none of all those He has given You, but raise them up at the last day. (Pause, deep breath)

And lead us not into temptation. And deliver us from evil.

The tempting evil  of distraction - When there is so much of it about. Do not lead us there. When we can find our way there perfectly well on our own. Please give us the strength and the courage to resist. As you have done today - deliver us.

(Triumphant) For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory.

Forever

AMEN