Crossroads magazine June 2003
Reconstruction is very much the word of the moment. As I write, the coalition is engaged in the reconstruction of Iraq, in the UK Mr Blair and his government are engaged in the reconstruction of the National Health service and here in Malta the political parties are engaged in a period of national reconstruction following the divisions of the European referendum and the general election.
Reconstruction is also the word of the moment in the church. As we live through Eastertide and we approach Pentecost, so we live in God’s reconstruction period. After the destruction of the crucifixion, there was the discovery that what was thought to be over had in fact only just begun. As the disciples gather their wits about them in the days following the resurrection, experience among themselves the presence of the risen Lord and eventually receive his Spirit to empower them and their work, they live through God’s reconstruction period. What they thought they had is over, what rises from the ashes of their Galilean dream is something more vibrant and more varied than anything they thought possible. And what the authorities thought had been controlled was about to be set free.