April 7, 2008

7 April 2008 "God will be fond of you"

            One of the lectionary readings for the third week of Easter is 1 Peter 1:17-23. This text contrasts two ways of living—one way is directed toward perishable things, i.e., what we can amass in this life; the other way is directed toward imperishable realities, such as the self-giving love demonstrated by Christ on the cross. The stunning display of God’s determination to redeem perishable humanity invites our deepening engagement with that which lasts. That which we set our heart upon makes all the difference.  And new living is possible because we “have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God” (v. 23).

 

            In his book Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, Jonathan Kozol writes of a young boy, Anthony, who aspires to be a writer. Remarkably, he is able to imagine circumstances far beyond his present estate, imperishable realities, if you please. He writes of his hope for God’s reign in what can only be described as inspired language:

 

                        God’s Kingdom…God will be there. He’ll be happy that we have arrived.

                        People shall come hand in hand…

                        God will be fond of you.”

 

            This epistle text of Easter affirmation tells us how fond God really is of us. At Central, our whole curriculum teaches that—and equips people to express it to others. We are setting our hearts on what endures.

 

           

 

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