One more comment on the passage from Friday: 1 Peter 1:17- 19 If you invoke the Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect of blemish. The 'precious blood of Christ' is not magical. It is the sign of another way. It is how the new being in Christ is identified in the midst of the violence of the everyday powers that rule the world - or at least like to think that they do. This blood covers all of us whenever we say we are followers of Jesus. It is not like a protective coating. It is not like we become super heroes who gain extraordinary powers. It is not like we are now able to be members of team of comic book heroes. Then again, comic may be a good word. For the the blood of Christ comes when the world as it is attempts to brutalize and demean and destroy and make foolish the life-giving love of God even when we know that we will pay for such a life. We take part in what is a foolish and tragic comedy. We do not give up. It reminds me of that scene in a Monty Python movie when the knight has had his legs and arms cut off and he is bleeding and he keeps yelling at the other knights to come back and fight - you cowards. The followers of Jesus know there is blood. We know that we are invited to continue on despite the powers that would think they can subdue and ruin us. And yet, we look beyond the blood to the promise of life - and yes, it is that promise that brings among us the power of the Spirit of life. Connection: We are a holy people marked for life and that life continues to unfold before us even as we are - at times - surprised by its path and the life that it brings. Rise up of Saints of God - today is our time to shine in the light of the Christ of God. In the middle of what is so common, O God, there you are - always with us and always taking us into your realm of peace. Thanks to you, O God. Amen |
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