Author: Melissa Hendricks Wike

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will forever bring forth God's gracious transformative inclusive invitation to all people, including people with disabilities, and all those oppressed by systems who value money, power, and control. God of All sent Jesus of Nazareth, the Incarnate God born of Mary, and he came and humbly walked this earth, ministering to and healing people living "with their backs against the wall." In Luke's Gospel, Jesus tells parables in such a way as the people of the first century could easily relate. In particular, Jesus speaks directly to the growing threat against the poor, sick, and those with various disabilities. The author Luke, for this project, remains anonmynous, as do many facts about him, but one thing is certain: he is also concerned about the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor, and exactly how those with much should give to those with little to nothing. Moreoever, it is clear from the gospel and Jesus that the typical blaming and shaming does not occur with those he touched. Jesus's presence begins to dissolve the old law and point to the kin-dom of God where all people have the opportunity to serve the Divine equally. The drama unfolds in six distinct yet connected chapters, which includes an introduction and conclusion. The introduction will explain the thesis statement by considering a theological anthropolgy of disability. Definitions of disability and models of disability will be included in chapter two as well as key terms defined, such as: sacrament, hospitality, healing, equality, access, vulnerability, honor with justice, and ablelism will be discussed throughout. In chapter three, the theology of disability will be defined and explore from a variety of theologians, scholars, and authors that have found their voices from the experience of disability. Chapter four will include scriptural considerations including the hemeneutic of suspicion, cures, healings, and theodicy. In chapter five, the Gospel of Luke 14:1-6, and 14:7-14, and 14:15-24 will be discussed in detail, where metaphor is used by Jesus to get his point across from those listening in the ancient day, and modern day readers with disabilities seeking answers together. Afterward, conclusions will be presented, including how the key scripture (Luke 14:15-24) can speak to the typical mainline or any Christian Church in more effective ways, reaching people with disabilities, inviting them not only to worship, study and fellowship, but to celebrate the kin-dom in one very special way, through the sacraments. Particularly, it is through Holy Communion that we feel a connection with our Creator, our Disabled Christ, our true selves as God created us, and our siblings in the faith. This student has traveled a difficult physical and spiritual journey through a dark valley of suffering and pain, asking all the valid questions, to come through to the other side of bright sunshine. One lesson learned is that Holy Communion can infuse healing energy into our hearts, minds, and lives with purpose and joy, and it is at the open table people can begin to feel and share this healing connection with one another and God. This connection is divine Love, experienced as hospitality and continued through the never-failing hope of the Spirit's gifts bestowed upon God's people. The world would have people believe that money, power, and prestige are the most important things to accomplish, but these are tangible and will ultimately disappoint. On the contrary, Jesus gathered around the Table showing the greatest honor to the poorest and most maginalized of his time. Honor and justice may be restored to people with disabilities and their brothers and sisters in faith who also struggle with systems of injustice. The Sacrament makes it possible for people of all abilities to experience hospitality, hope, honor and given freedom, and justice in this "upside-down" paradoxical biblical world, where Jesus turns the tables on everything we hold to be true, from a disability standpoint. Anyone who has ridden one of the new roller coasters that literally goes "upside-down" knows the fear and excitement; the shame and adventure, exclusion and inclusion, People with disabilities continue to suffer rejection at the "right-side up" church due to different fears and the costs of money and discipleship. The changing of the word "kingdom" to "kin-dom", is revealed to be God's hospitable desire for all people to be invited, welcomed, included, and loved, not only in the community, but also in the church.