The New Jerusalem

I dream with the prophet Zechariah. I imagine that he is still living in exile in Babylon, but notices: The time has come to finally return home to Jerusalem. The ruined city will however be a completely different city, a city in which God Himself lives. He dreams of a new city, of a new Jerusalem. So I stand with Zachariah amidst the fire which surrounds the city like a wall. A fiery, fire which blazes with extreme heat, however no-one burns. A fire which seals us and fills us with passion. A fire that warms our hearts. A fire which stirs up our dreams and emotions and protects us.

With Zechariah I survey the city in which all rivalry has died, all the humiliating standards of the people have remained outside the walls. There is no more violence, no humiliation, no fanaticism, no power-struggles, no prejudices. No distinction is made between rich and poor, Evangelical and Catholic, men and women, priests and lay people, black and white, married and divorced – in this city all of this plays no role.

The weak will be strong, the small big. The boundaries flow over and the width is infinite. There is a smile of grace and mercy upon the city. The people are able to breathe, to breathe in the openness and freedom of this city. The city is filled with joy. She overflows with the courage of the people. And God lives in the center of this city: He and His boundless love, He and His all-conquering peace. He will heal the sick, bring the dumb to speak, the discouraged will leap with joy. He will open ears, wipe away tears, the dead will rise with newfound joy. He alone is the truth of this city, a truth which can be felt.

And so I sense the fire of this city with Zechariah, I sense the yearning burning inside of me to live in this city of salvation, in the city of God. But is there a city such as this on earth, or is it a far cry from reality, in another world which is not within our reach yet? Is it an unfulfilled vision? But, then I hear Jesus speaking in the Gospel: The Kingdom of God is here! It has commenced here already. It is here and already concrete. Yes, the city is growing already.

Thus, I pray Lord:

Let the fire burn within us, which destroys all lordships, all envy, all greed, all terror and violence, all humiliation and degradation, all standards with which we enslave and condemn people.

Let your fire burn within us so that people hear about this city and this passion is ignited in them too.

Let your fire burn within us against all forces that want to extinguish it.

Because we trust Lord that You will live in our midst. Not only in the future city, but here and now your peace surrounds us.

Let us set a good example, because where passion burns, this city starts taking shape.

Amen.

Joseph Gehr