From “The Cross in our Context” by Douglas John Hall
If the cross is understood as a statement about God, then it must also and therefore be seen as the most astonishing affirmation of the grandeur of the human creature of God… Biblical faith dares to claim that this creature is the beloved of Eternity itself-not, certainly, as a species above all the others, but as the priestly creature upon whose shalom the shalom of the whole is contingent.
It is interesting to note that as we speak of God’s activity – especially that of God on the cross – we are also hearing about our own humanity. Yes, we are simply creatures within the wonderful grandeur of creation, but as we hear and see how God affirms our place within creation we are invited to step into what we have come to call the Good News life. This is a life in which we dare to trust what God has done, is doing, and will do to affirm our part in the healing of all creation. In a warring world, that journey of healing or shalom seems almost impossible. And yet, this invitation to be a part of such a vision of shalom is really an invitation to be a part of what God has promised to do among us. We must dare to take God at God’s Word.
Connection: Today the healing of creation demands the prayerful attention of all of us. There is no magic wand. This is not an action that will be done by someone else. It is within this day that the shalom of the Reign of God begins to unfold as we dare to take part in its life journey.
Lord, take us by the hand and lead us into the way of peace for too often we do not believe that just one person is able to have an impact on the condition of life around us let alone the whole creation. And yet, we trust your living word and how you hold us up as your beloved and therefore empower us to bring your loving Reign into this day.
Make us instruments of your shalom in the many activities that come our way today. Amen.
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