18 May 2005

We pick up at verse 20 in chapter one of 1 Corinthians.

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided through the foolishness of our proclamation , to save those who believe.

Remember, the proclamation Paul mentions lifts high the crucified one - that is the one who entered into the pain and suffering of the world (all of it) as the way to make known the merciful Image of God. I find this most interesting to hear and see that there is a "Christian" movement in our country today that is filled with a lust for power and dominance. This movement covers itself with words of faith and - like propaganda that is aimed to win the day - claims to have God on its side and all of its actions are therefore, ordained by God. Sounds like the crusades, but no, I shouldn't say that...that would be too direct and pointed of a remark. The crusaders today have the gall to talk of being victims within our society and yet, they are well-groomed, well appointed, well endowed with wealth, and - as one might expect from crusaders of any faith - well fed with dreams like John and James wondering who will be at the right and left side of Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. Ah, but this is where the crusaders of our day reveal their god. It is a god who promises wealth and power and holy crowns that will separate them from the rabble. What these new crusaders forget, is that Jesus (Yes, the one they say is Lord...Not everyone who says "Lord..." never left the side of the rabble. Even at his death he was with them - by God - he was one of them. There is not anything much more foolish than Jesus' life. But, don't think that the new crusaders will follow this Lord, Jesus. They have another, wiser, more prudent, better suited lord to follow and they would like us all to join the parade.

Connection: Continue to read of the Christ, Jesus, of the Gospels and the one to whom Paul points when he is painting the gracious vision of the Reign of God. Continue to watch that small cadre of the followers of Jesus in the book of Acts who really were "run out of town" - not for the rules they wanted to impose on people - but the grace and mercy and love that set people free without condition. The story hasn't changed much.

Reigning Lord of All, it is so easy for us to turn to the wisdom of our world and its flashing ways of selling something that is not the truth and calling it the truth. Keep us forever focused on the way of the cross and the way we are called to serve other so that their well being will be the well being of us all. Amen.