Posted on 04/12/2009 6:08:12 AM PDT by grey_whiskers
It is Easter morning.
All across the world, Christians of all flavors -- Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Mennonite, Amish, Lutheran, Presbyterian, non-denominational, and Christians under persecution meeting in twos or threes -- meet to commemorate, to Celebrate, the mystery and the miracle of the Resurrection.
Many Christians differ on various points of doctrine, or of application: infant baptism, marriage of priests, ritualized confession, wine or grape juice. But let us remember -- we are ONE BODY, all baptized into Christ, and as the Church we are all the Bride of Christ; we all name one confession, that of Christian, and we all participate in memorializing and proclaiming His Death and Resurrection.
For He is not only the "personal saviour" of the mega-churches. He also suffered, died, and rose not only for our sins, but those of the whole world, and still intercedes for us in Heaven. And we as a body, through the schisms, the internecine warfare, is still an instrument and a witness.
Yes, there are, and have been many wars and persecutions, and these are often used as mocking obstacles to faith. But paradoxically, they too serve as backhanded confirmation of what Christ has said: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." And when we don't, it is true:not only our individual claim, but our corporate claim is rejected.
But there are other words of Christ, harder to hear, which work themselves out on the canvas of history, writ large with we humans as the brush. As Jesus said, "Heaven and Earth shall pass away, my words will never pass away." Look at the great works of art, the European Cathedrals, which have stood for centuries as literal monuments to the faith. Look at the great masterpieces such as the Sistine Chapel, Van Eyck's The Adoration of the Lamb, the Pietàs, the crucifixions. And the works of sacred music, from Bach, to Handel, to Luther. All in commemoration of our Lord and Saviour. Had he not Risen, would we be scultping, painting, writing, and singing?
But as there has been rejoicing, so also there has been much work to do. The classical civilizations often practiced infanticide, though Rome defeated Carthage. Temple prostitution -- and no scandal, as with the TV preachers of recent memory. And what of the weak and infirm? The vast number of Christian hospitals and charities extend compassion, mercy, and present help to the suffering: "Faith without works is dead." And slavery? Wilberforce made the elimination of slavery within the realm of England and its possessions his life's work.
But now, when Christianity is rejected by the leaders, the cultural institutions of our day? We see the merciful works of Christ being rolled back, and a return to the darkness. From sex slavery, to abortion, to infanticide (argued even by Ivy League "ethicists"); from cutting off of charitable funds for the poor and sick; to "right to die" (which soon morphs into assisted suicide, and talk of "burdens on society" and unspoken thoughts of "useless eaters").
This then is the message of Easter -- that Christ came into the world to save it. And that God sees inherent worth (we were worth the cost to him, even though we did not deserve it). And God calls us to carry on His redemptive work under His guidance, and by His mercy and Grace.
May we mindful of His sacrifice and Resurrection, seek to become and to remain Salt and Light.
Amen.
A Blessed Easter to you with thanks for this reflection! :)=^..^=
GUINNESS AND CHOCOLATE AFTER MASS.
Cheers!
The Oracle told me I would fall in love with a dead man. And that he would be The One.
Cheers!
Happy Easter g_w!
To be technical, the Eastern Orthodox celebrate Easter Sunday - April 19th; next year, as it does every few years
2010 - Easter Sunday - April 4th it will coincide.
My aunt was Eastern Orthodox and growing up I loved celebrating the holidays at her home because that meant we had two Easters ... and two Christmases, etc., with all the unique foods.
This does not change the sentiment of your well versed post.
Happy Easter to you and yours g_w!
Beat me to it...
We’re about to leave the house and go celebrate Palm Sunday!!!
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