3 August 2006

Let's continue with this look at the cross and the church with Douglas John Hall.

The cross, which through the illumination and spiritual power of the resurrection becomes for us "gospel," is gospel, good news, because it frees us from the bondage to death and decay that is our spiritual condition. It does this through confrontation - through causing us to face and to enter into the negating reality that, because it is repressed in us, exercises an inordinate influence in our lives. The power of death - "the sting of death" - is a power that it has chiefly because it is so deeply concealed in our psyche.

We must always remember that this death is the death we will all face and it is also the many ways that death takes away our life as we are still alive. Unfortunately, we too often do not know how and when and how often our lives are being reduced and the abundant life given to us is not allowed to come to fruition. It may be in something as subtle as loving or reaching out to others. When we are afraid of what might happen to us if give ourselves away to another, we lose that wonderful opportunity to be more deeply related to another person. The cross is that brutal reminder that death does not rule so therefore we are free to get out from under the power we give death. Yes, we must acknowledge its power - it is real! But then, when we see its power, we are free to act in a contrary manner than what death expects - because it does not rule us.

Connection: Liberation from death is knowing its is all around us and we tend to bend to its weight but we need not bend. Rather, today we are free to stand up to its weight and not be overcome by the fear it attempts to pour into our lives. Think liberation today...in some small way...in some small, insignificant way. Then, take note that there is no smallness to liberation from the power of death. That's why we say Alleluia! at the mere mention of the resurrection. Liberation, Alleluia.

Come, Lord, Jesus, be our guest at the table of this day. Set before us the banquet feast and encourage us to eat from the table that is set and ready for us even when death attempts to make us forget its reality to come and already present. Amen.