15 December 2009

New Lutheran Quote of the Day

So long as she lives on this side of the Judgment, the church's true glory remains hidden under the cross of her Lord. But what is now hidden will one day be revealed for every eye to see "when the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father" (Matt 13:43) Until then it can only be believed. -- Richard Jungkuntz, *The Gospel of Baptism* p. 107

3 comments:

Mike Keith said...

A marvelous quote. Thank you. The theologian of glory in all of us must constantly be reminded of the theology of the cross.

Dcn Latif Haki Gaba SSP said...

Interestingly, this Gospel from Mt 13 is reflective of the apocalyptic word we have from Daniel, that "they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Daniel knew more than just about anyone what it means to suffer in this world, and that our true glory is hidden under the holy cross. Likewise, I think of how in the midst of great suffering the beloved disciple reveals to us our true regal identity in Christ, the slain Lamb.

William Weedon said...

Pr. Keith and Deacon Gaba,

The book is one that was truly formative for me. I picked it up in Bronxville years ago as a student. I always find, as I come back to it, that it shaped my own thinking more than most books I read at seminary. Once the head of the CTCR was capable of such writing and insight. It both gives me hope and makes me bow my head in shame...