2 November 2006

More from Bonhoeffer on the "body of Christ" from "Discipleship."

God became human. This means God took on the whole of our sick and sinful human nature, the whole of humanity which had fallen away from God. It does not mean, however, that God took on the individual human being Jesus. The entire gospel message can be understood properly only in light of this crucial distinction. The body of Jesus Christ, in which we together with all of humanity are accepted by God, has now become the foundation of our salvation.

I must admit that I have read this through several times. Previously Bonhoeffer noted that out of God's mercy humanity is accepted as it is. In the above quote, my thinking has been stretched. Are we saying here that in the Body of Christ - that is the Church - all flesh is being accepted! That's how I read it. If it is read in that manner, then the life of the Body of Christ - the Church - has to be about some spirited and prayerful consideration of how we are present in the world today. Is the Christ, Jesus, seen through us? Is the face and words and touch of the Church one that assures the world around us that all are accepted by God? Are we a part of that wonderful saving power of our God? This goes along with a comment made by a teacher of mine who often would turn the phrase we are God's "saved people" into "saving people." One is static and self-focused and the other is calling forth action and life and focus on the one we follow. I find such a consideration interesting.

Connection: So how are we going to be a part of this saving life of the Body of Christ as we move through all the ordinary events of this day? Well...let's see.

You feed us with the bread of life, O God, and as we are fed, we become that bread for the world in the name of your beloved, Jesus. We are too often afraid to claim such a blessed position so we ask for you Spirit to help us discern how we will be a part of this living body in Christ, Jesus. Amen.