Foolish Signs of Wisdom

            As we journey deeper into Lent, our lectionary texts, especially the Gospel, turn sharply toward those precipitating events that lead to the cross.  We read these narratives with assurance of how the story will conclude; yet as the climactic events unspool, we long for greater insight into the nuances of God’s redemptive purpose through Jesus.

The Crucifixion. A Novgorod icon (side of a double-faced tablet) from the Saint Sophia Cathedral. The Late XV — early XVI centuries. Novgorod, The Museum of History and Architecture

            The preaching of the cross does not settle easily into the hearts of skeptics, of whatever stripe—then or now.  Paul offers this description of those who resist his Gospel: “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified . . . “ (1 Corinthians 1:22-23a).  And he claims that such proclamation, which is thought to be foolishness, is the power and wisdom of God.

            The Fourth Gospel offers an equally destabilizing vision of God’s work through Jesus.  As you recall, John places the “cleansing of the temple” at the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, right after the miracle at Cana.  Whereas his encounter at the temple is seen as the final challenge to temple authorities in the Synoptics, John sets up a contested view of Jesus from the outset.  This “sign” must have seemed a fool’s errand to those who knew how things really worked in the politics of religion (John 2:13-22).

CHRIST CLEANSING THE TEMPLE
EL GRECO, oil on panel, probably before 1570

            We get both sign and wisdom in the cross, as challenging as that is.  While there are those who see crucifixion as Jesus’ foreordained purpose, others would see it as the culmination of a life lived confronting the injustice of powers and principalities.  One who speaks for God should be able to conquer detractors, critics argue, yet vulnerable, self-giving love turns out to display the power of God most fully—as foolish at it seems.

Pam Durso was ordained to the gospel ministry yesterday by Cornerstone Church and the Leadership Team of Baptist Women in Ministry.

            God delights to use what the world considers weak to accomplish divine purposes.  On Saturday I gathered with many other women and men to affirm through ordination the humble and gentle work of Dr. Pamela R. Durso.  Her approach to ministry is to support and highlight the work of others, not to trumpet her own gifted accomplishments. (I play in the brass section; she does not!)  As I witnessed the long line of those who streamed down the aisle to lay hands on her and bless her, I noted the bounteous fruit of her faithful work.

            More than any other season, Lent tells us where wisdom is to be found.  By following the courageous path of Jesus, we wind toward the cross, where it is on full display.

           

            Molly T. Marshall

Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping church, and serving humanity.