21 November 2006

Bonhoeffer again on the unity of the body of Christ in "Discipleship."

The unity between the Christ and his body, the church, demands that we at the same time recognize Christ's lordship over his body. This is why Paul, in developing further the concept of the body, calls Christ the head of the body. The distinction is clearly preserved; Christ is the Lord. There are two events in salvation history, namely, Christ's ascension and his second coming, which make this distinction necessary; these events categorically rule out any idea of a mystical fusion between church-community and Christ. The same who is present in his church-community will return from heaven. In both cases it is the same Lord and it is the same church; in both cases it is the very same body of the one who is present here and now, and the one who will return in the clouds.

Luther may use the expression "little Christs" when referring to all who are baptized, but here we see how that is to be understood. Christ is always the head...always the one who rules over all...always the one from whom we receive the insights and direction for the life of the church-community. Yes, we participate in the real presence of our Lord in the world as we are a part of the church-community, but it is a participation in which we are informed of the way and we continue to turn to the Christ for direction and encouragement. Bonhoeffer wants to make sure that we hear the difference in how Christ is present here in the church-community and then there in the return of his complete presence. At both times Christ is Lord and yet at both times, the promise of the return is one that has not yet been seen quite as we see the Lord present in the life of the church-community right before our eyes.

Connection: In some ways, we must not demand that we see the Christ in place and fully and continually present as the church. Things are not that in place - perfect. And yet, within this day, we say that Christ is still the Lord - the one who directs...who takes care...who provides...no matter what the day brings.

Be present as the day move along through all the antics of our lives, O Lord. Too often we do not know what we are to do next and how we will manage to move through that which is on our plate already. Be for us the encouragement and word of hope that holds us up and moves us into and through all that will become the factors that shape this day. Amen.