The Hub, April 17, 2019
Perhaps like many of you, I watched the burning of Notre Dame with great sadness. Whether we have been there or not, it remains an enduring part of our shared cultural heritage. Yet, we also should ponder signs of hope among the ashes: in the bravery of the firefighters striving successfully to preserve the main structure; in the crowds gathered kneeling, praying and singing together; and among the ruins, finding a cross preserved and shining forth from the ashes.
Although we do not know the cause of the fire yet, people are already coming forward to fund the rebuilding of this cathedral. The heart of the building, its faith community (and their connection to the communion of saints reaching far beyond Paris), lives on. This all reminds me of a sacred promise, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).
This is a statement of what was, what is and what yet shall be through the power of the ancient events of Holy Week and the first Easter. It’s a power alive and at work in our community and in all who believe. Our world needs signs of Christ’s light amidst so much ash and decay. Through our fellowship, service and worship, God is doing something new. Jesus, who shared our sorrows, will share his risen joy.
Please be with us, in prayer and in person as you are able, this Holy Week and beyond. For our decaying world needs to find such signs of hope. People need to see that Christ is truly risen and alive in us, and its likely we need to be encouraged in our faith, hope and love as well. For dust we are, and unto dust we shall return, but we remain in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Christ Lutheran’s (Fredericksburg, VA) worship schedule for the Triddum can be found at:
http://www.christ-lutheran-church.org/
Originally published in The Hub, a weekly email of Christ Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, VA.
© 2019 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.
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