Range and Reality of Christian Truth -- Part 3

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In recent days, we all heard about the  horrendous news of the murder of the old French priest by ISIS. We are dealing here with the demonic, and I am consoled that Another has dealt with him, once and for all and long ago.

This series has sought to present the range of claims which our faith offers simultaneously. The great reformer Martin Luther once said that God has a right hand, and a left. In His right is the gospel of peace and of forgiveness. We need to hear Jesus' voice in the Sermon on the Mount calling us to turn the cheek and going the extra mile. He calls us to witness to the intrusion of God's kingdom.

But for now we also live in the old aeon, the 'not yet.'  God's left hand is also at work. St. Augustine offered the parameters of a 'just war' which is defensive, proportionate, authoritative, and necessary.  Thomas Aquinas discussed just war under the category of 'defending widows and orphans.'  Surely fighting back against terror fits such definitions classically.  

At the same time Christian theology has a long history of seeking to understand the nature and role in God's purposes of other religions, especially Islam. Our history of mission, including among Muslims, has included service as well as witness.

Finally we as Christians hear the 'distant triumph song.'  We believe that on the last day Christ himself will mete out judgment  and mercy beyond our human understanding. Here once again the gospel offers a fugue with notes of deep realism and hope.

Peace

+GRS

Complete the Race (II Timothy 4:17)

At the end of our vacation we find ourselves in Chicago for its Marathon weekend (the fastest, I have read this morning, perhaps because it is cool and relatively level). Marathons offer many good things. You can see world-class athletes from places like Ethiopia and Kenya. There is a feel of fiesta with signs by family members, getups by some for-fun runners, and food for sale.

But as I looked out my hotel window at 7:30 a.m., I watched the race of competitors who have lost legs or their use. Wheeling vehicles by arm for 26 miles means serious fitness and determination.

Those competitors were to me, this morning, a symbol of the Church too. For each is wounded. The larger family cheers them on. Each by grace has risen up to run the race. Ahead is the goal, the prize, the welcome home. We find the companionship of Jesus the Lord, there, and along the route too.

Amen.

GRS