21 August 2006

Douglas John Hall writes of Luther's comments on the place of suffering in the Church.

...Luther insisted that among the so-called marks of the church there is only one that is indispensable - only one whose absence would automatically call into question everything else claimed by such a church, including its unity, holiness, apostolicity, and catholicity. As Von Loewenich writes:
"Luther lists cross and suffering among the marks of the church. ...Luther counts seven marks by with the church can be recognized, and he would prefer to call them the seven sacraments of the church, if the term 'sacrament' had not already taken on a different meaning....As the seventh mark of the church, Luther mentions 'the holy possession of the sacred cross' ...suffering; a church of which that cannot be said has become untrue to its destiny."

We do not hear this kind of emphasis among churches today. We are in a time in which our history has been so woven into the pattern of empire that suffering has to do with the suffering that comes to many of us as we age or are injured or become sick or are troubled in spirit. Suffering as a mark of the church...as a life mark that demonstrates that the Christ is the one we follow, is not well known among us. The cross comes into the picture as we stand with others. The cross comes into the picture as that stand is one that is offensive to the patterns of acceptability today. The cross comes into the picture when, for the sake of another, we forego our status, our position, our benefits and do what Jesus did so regularly, eat with the outsiders - the rejected, touch those who are "by law" untouchable, stand up against the status quo of a system that does nothing for the actual well being of the people. When we talk about this "mark of the church" we begin to talk about the need to be empowered by the Spirit...encouraged...uplifted...supported...forgiven.

Connection: In the middle of the day, upon waking, at the end of a day's journey, there is the simple sign of the cross that reminds us of who were are and the way we are called to live and who is present with us. Sometimes the courage to be the church begins with such a simple sign.

Deliver us, Lord God, from the many ways we turn our backs to the way of the cross and the new life that you offer to us as your followers in this time and place. Though we never find suffering a goal or a pleasure, we know that in the midst of being your people in this world we will experience the joy of your presence and we will face the cross that our world will place in front of us. We give you thanks and praise for your promise to be alongside us through all that we will face today. Amen.