18 October 2005

I'm fascinated by how we let some things in our history limit the vision that seems possible within a faithful consideration of something like the communion of saints. Here is again some work by Tuoma Mannerma in "Union With Christ."

The favor of God (i.e., the forgiveness of sins and the removal of God's wrath) and the "gift" of God (donum, God himself, present in the fullness of his essence) are united in the person of Christ.
In contrast to Luther's theology, forgiveness, (favor) justification and the real presence of God (donum) in faith are in danger of being separated by the one-sidedly forensic doctrine of justification adopted by the formula of Concord and by subsequent Lutheranism.
In Luther's theology...Christ is both the favor and the donum. And this unity is...both inseparable and unconfused. (p.28-29)

Personally, I have no problem with the seeing the forgiveness of sins and the presence of the fullness of God as being an essential part of the community as we are a part of the Lord's Supper. Yes, it may sound a bit mystical as I have said before, but does that mean we do not consider it. Can we sometimes attempt to be so exact in our language that we enter into a bit of theological game playing that must see itself as always "on guard" against what might happen rather than "open to" what might happen. I understand that in the early days of Lutheranism, there needed to be a crisp distinction between how people viewed the mass and the sacrament of Holy Communion in the Roman church and how Luther had opened up the eyes of the whole body of Christ as to the primacy of the doctrine of justification. But in that wonderful work, as with all bits of work done by even the greatest minds, there is always another way to view what is present. Yesterday in worship I was particularly caught up in the presence of the Lord at the Meal. It was in one of the regular images of the prayers that I was once again convinced of this power that makes the body - the body of Christ...really present.

Connection: Forgiven and Christ fully present...that sounds like a powerful way to begin this day and to view all things as we carry on the way.

Your presence among us is vital to our life together, O Lord. It is how we find our way through what we encounter and it is the way we encounter all things. As your fully present and we are fully renewed in you, we find peace and become your peace for all. Amen.