15 August 2006

When we consider obedience in the Church, we will have to consider what suffering may take place and why...Douglas John Hall again.

It is true of course that both the newer Testament and some very important theological traditions accentuate the theme of necessitas in relation to our theme, the suffering of the church. When these traditions are informed ones, they make once again the important connection between Christology and ecclesiology. The Christ, too, as he is presented in the Gospels, was conscious of a necessity carrying him ever closer to his passion and death: "The Son of Man must suffer and be rejected" - the so-called predictions of the passion. The suffering of the church is seen and should be seen under this same necessitas.

The invitation is not merely one that says come suffer. Rather it is one that says come and be a part of the Reign of God. The suffering comes as one begins to live within the dynamics of our world as one who is ruled by the Lord of Love. Suffering comes when we no longer can go along with how much the world depends on separation and war and division among people for any number of reasons. I'm listening to a book on tape called "The Team of Rivals." Its about the Lincoln presidency and how he pulled together people of diverse opinions to shape his cabinet. It also gives a bit of the history of the Civil War and the great divide over slavery. I have been overwhelmed by the announcement of the death toll after each of the battles. Remarkable that one nation once united would find itself thrown into the bloodiest of wars because of some people's need to lord over others and keep the world in patterns it had learned to love. If we are to change the patterns of our world it will take conscious work and prayer deliberation - and always daring action that will not be well received by all.

Connection: Some of the conscious work is simply a part of the day to day aspects of our lives. It is saying "yes" and saying "no" when the world is pulling us this way and that way. It is knowing the story of God's love in the flesh and then...prayerfully facing the moments ahead with a sense of direction and purpose.

Guide us ever, Great Redeemer, through this day and within the vast expanse of your gracious Reign. We are so easily pulled away from the domain of your love and it is only by the power of you Spirit that we begin to chose a life blessed by your creative openness and peace. Amen