pat loughery

The New Testament witnesses assume the possibility of a community who, in the face of the tribulations they encounter, keep their eyes steadfastly on the reign of God by praying for its coming, by being its disciples, by proclaiming its presence, by working for peace and justice in the midst of hatred and opposition, and by looking and working toward God’s liberating future.

“Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission” (David Bosch), p.54

This lovely quote comes from a meaty book that I think I need to read about 17 more times to understand deeply. But I loved this – it comes as Bosch is looking at the early Christian communities as they developed in response to the resurrection of Christ, and looking in particular at how they understood their mission in the world until Jesus’ return.

For us, too, these are our occupations: looking upward and outward with Kingdom goggles, and by actively participating in its inbreaking here and now, at all costs.