Beyond doubt the Resurrection is an amazing transformation. As St Paul's states today: "When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality..." (1 Cor. 15: 54) death no longer has a hold on the person and not only that, because we await our own resurrection in hope, we are not dominated by the fear of death here and now. This allows us to live unselfish lives and to bear fruit for the Kingdom: "Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15: 58) Yet, our full appropriation of the promise given us in baptism remains a challenge. When we act as blind guides, self-important disciples and struggling to see past the log in our own eyes to take out the speck from another's eye we reveal the corruption within rather than the in-breaking of the risen power and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. With Ash Wednesday this week there is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to lives that give true and authentic witness to the hope that is within us: "Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. keep your conscience clear, so that , when you are maligned, those who abuse you or your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame." (1 Pet. 3: 15-16)
No comments:
Post a Comment