19 October 2005

Again in "Unity With Christ" Tuoma Mannerma writes of his view of Luther's theology as he looks at the Lutheran and Orthodox perspectives on the "indwelling" of Christ.

One can characterize Luther's position in contrast to the position of the Formula of Concord also as follows: For Luther evangelium is not proclamation of the cross and/or of the forgiveness of sins only, but the proclamation of the crucified and risen Christ himself. It is one of the main themes of Luther's theology that only the crucified and risen Christ himself as present can mediate salvation. Thus, we must clearly note the organic connection between the doctrine of justification and Christological themes in the theology of Luther. (p. 29)

When we gather for worship, we gather as the living body of Christ. We are what we are fed. We are pulled into the body of Christ by the gracious favor of our God and we are simultaneously a part of the full presence. I find that to be, if I may, the backbone of our identity in the world. We are drawn into this presence and we are given all that is needed to be a gift to our world. Of course, we stumble, come up short, and simply become the knotheads we can be...but that doesn't destroy what God has done and is doing and will do among us. Always among us, fully, Christ lifts us up and we remain the beloved, the community of saints, and the saving body of Christ. I intentionally used the active sense of "save" for it is among us that the witness to the Christ continues. We participate in that life and that life becomes a light for others.

Connection: So...you've come to worship and are placed into the presence of our Lord as the community gathers for the Meal. Now, continue on this way. How will the body of Christ be expressed among us as we encounter our world today?!

How we have longed for you to be present with us and guide us, O Lord. And yet, we forget that you are present and you do guide us and lift us up and become for us our place of rest and our power to live again, today, within your gracious Reign. Praise to you, O God Most High. Amen.