Ministry

This is a piece inspired by the hymn Lord, You Give the Great Commission.

Ministry

by Thomas Heng

The humble individual, while made of mere cosmic dust, is crticially important to the sustenence of all of Creation. While the Infinite creates all there was, is and ever will be, it is incumbent on the individual to respond with the Integrity that has been bestowed by the Infinite, so that the cycle of unity between that which is divine and that which is mundane remains unbroken.

While the cycle remains unbroken through the boundless grace of the Infinite, the individual is not bound to slavery. Alongside the gift of Integrity is the gift of Liberty, which allows for the full expression of the individual, according to the specific gifts that one has been so endowed. Restrictions are but an illusion that the individual imposes on oneself, such that they prevent the completeness and fullness of the Infinite from effectively channeling through oneself to all of Creation.

The reality of the individual's particular role in this Journey cannot be divorced from one's immediate surroundings -- plants, animals, the elements, and other individuals. Each of these constitutes the individual's immediate Community, and responds in perfect accordance to the mysterious and unfathomable system established by the Infinite. For the ultimate purpose of the Journey is to allow the individual to find Infinity within oneself, as well as to recognise and indeed rejoice in the Infinity that resides within one another.

Communities are seemingly disparate, yet these are seen as but one Society in the eyes of the Infinite. It is the continual task of each Community to recognise its limitations in Society's scheme of things, while proceeding to channel its strengths towards the benefit of its own, as well as towards the enhancement of other Communities.

Magnificent though Society may be, it is all too finite. For over time Society waxes and wanes, as it must exhale just as certainly as it must inhale. Society's breath allows it to remain constantly aware of its dependence on Eternity. Such is the power of Eternity that no less than the Infinite can wield it, with Grace, Joy, and Love.

O mystical Infinite!

Thy Grace, Joy and Love

Sustain the individual with Integrity

Strengthen one with your Liberty

Nourish the manifold Community

Unites them into one Society

Preserves us for all Eternity!

Here are the lyrics for the original hymn:-

Lord, You Give the Great Commission

Lord, You give the great commission: “Heal the sick and preach the Word.”
Lest the Church neglect its mission, and the Gospel go unheard,
Help us witness to Your purpose with renewed integrity,
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.

Lord, You call us to Your service: “In My Name baptize and teach.”
That the world may trust Your promise, life abundant meant for each,
Give us all new fervor, draw us closer in community.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.

Lord, You make the common holy: “This My body, this My blood.”
Let us all, for earth’s true glory, daily lift life heavenward,
Asking that the world around us share your children’s liberty
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.

Lord, You show us love’s true measure: “Father, what they do, forgive.”
Yet we hoard as private treasure all that You so freely give.
May Your care and mercy lead us to a just society.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.

Lord, you bless with words assuring: “I am with you to the end.”
Faith and hope and love restoring, may we serve as you intend
And, amid the cares that claim us, hold in mind eternity.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.