We continue with Bonhoeffer's words on the body of Christ and the "new human being."
No one can become a new human being except by being within the church, that is, through the body of Christ. Whoever seeks to become a new human being individually cannot succeed. To become a new human being means to come into the church, to become a member of Christ's body. The new human being is not the single individual who has been justified and sanctified; rather, the new human being is the church-community, the body of Christ, or Christ himself.
When I look at myself, I am so glad that the "new human being" is not the single individual and that it is really the church-community. I am glad because with and alongside others, we really can become something new for and in the world. We must therefore contemplate what shape that new human being is taking among us...and if it is actually coming alive through the body of Christ in which we see ourselves. Bonhoeffer's suggestion makes us look again at a personal piety that is primarily concerned about individual salvation. For one, salvation is is for all. Second, it becomes the shape of a community not a position held by a person. We are God's saving presence - the body of Christ - the new human being - right in the middle of all that is old and worn and stuck on itself. Christ is alive whenever and wherever the church-community gathers to share in the banquet of salvation.
Connection: So how is the Christ alive among us today. If you are not seeing that life just within your own life, then connect with others who claim to be a part of the many followers of Jesus. There we may all become a vision of encouragement and hope.
As the day moves along its way, O Lord, keep us mindful of your presence among us so that we will continue to look for you within the community that gathers under your name. Amen
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