17 October 2005

Last week I mentioned that we would pick up with some discussion over how people interpret the real presence of Christ in the Meal. There seems to be some disagreement about how Lutherans hear it all. This is from and article by Tuomo Mannerma in "Union With Christ."

In patristic thought and the Orthodox Church there is a doctrine of "theosis" (indwelling) that rests on the presupposition that a human being can participate in the fullness of life that is in God. In the Formula of Concord Lutherans hear that ...this indwelling follows the preceding righteousness of faith, which is a precisely forgiveness of sins and the gracious acceptance of poor sinners on account of the obedience and merit of Christ. Well, Mannerma notes the Luther does not separate the person of Christ from his work. Rather, Christ himself, both his person and his work, is ground of Christian righteousness. Christ is, in this unity of person and work really present in the faith of the Christian. (p.28)

In our congregation as we spend a month considering the fact that we are stewards of life within the Reign of God. it is easy for me to press us to hold onto this full sense of presence in which Christ is right in the midst of the very life of the community and we are in the mix of his presence. To separate the forgiveness of sins from the indwelling of Christ seems unnecessary and a less than bountiful consideration of the Lord's Supper. It is as though there is a fear of bringing the these two realities into one. I find that is is inconceivable to think about the forgiveness of sins and the gracious acceptance of poor sinners with there being abiding and full participation of our Lord in the Meal. We are who we are because of this wonder of the unity of the person and the work of Christ that makes us the Holy Community.

Connection: When we offer forgiveness to someone, nothing is more powerful than to be present, really present, with the one to whom we are extending forgiveness. Yes, there may be something mystical about thinking of Christ participating in our lives. But then again, what a precious way to see our lives - alive with the indwelling of our Lord. How will that change the shape of this day?!

We give you thanks, O Lord, for you not only give the gift of yourself to all of your beloved, you also grant us the favor of your presence which is a stream of forgiveness that is able to renew our sin-sick souls. Praise to you, O God. Amen.