Girard starts with: The Cross is a decisive defeat for Satan, the end of his kingdom, which follows logically from the whole mimetic interpretation. It is an end to the cycles of violence - it is the beginning of light shining and exposing how we - all of us - operate. Therefore, something new is really possible. This is the supreme theme regarding Satan, the most amazing and the most difficult to believe - the idea that the Cross is a decisive victory over Satan and the end of Satan's power. Girard notes: Once we realize that the power of Satan is dependent upon a lie, which will not remain effective unless it is firmly believed by all people, an untruth that is always mistaken for a sacred truth, everything else follows. It only takes one witness to the truthfulness of the lying power of Satan - and the principalities and powers - and the structures of evil, to expose the lie that continues to keep us bound up by Satan. As was noted weeks ago, the power that helps to expose these lies is the Holy Spirit the defender of the victim - the Paraclete. This also means the community of saints who find at their very center, this defeat of Satan on the cross. This is not an individual journey - a mere inner walk. It needs to always be communal because no one can fight this kind of darkness alone. In fact, I think this 'theory' would suggest that alone, we really can do nothing but live according to lies that help us go our own way. Satan is always happy with that decision. For it is then that we forget about other - other victims - other powers that attempt to look fine and keep order but are really the source of much evil. Connection: The old bumper stick has some truth to it in this context - "Question Authority." Look more deeply at what is being held up by the 'authority' within any context. Is it a power that does not see or care for or seek to redeemer/liberate the victim - or is there another power at work. This is hard to say and dangerous to say out loud, I think. For now, is places each one of us in the position of being a contrary voice whenever we see the authorities that exist - using others for the welfare of some - of a mere institution - a way of life. When we stand as followers of Jesus (mimic that positive journey) there is going to be a tension among us as we run through the 'normal' actions of the day. Normal may not be blessed - it may just be a part of the order that keeps the father of lies smiling. As you walk with us, O God, give us eyes to see the path of your beloved, Jesus, so that we will not walk down the path of so many powers that hang on the promises of lies and liars. Draw into our lives others who long to walk together into the power of the cross that brings light to our darkness. Amen. |
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