Here [in the Holy Eucharist] the high holy God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, comes to reside in us so that our bodies become holy places, living temples of the living God. Here the risen Lord Jesus comes to live bodily in us (John 6:56). That simple mystery is the heart of our spiritual life, its secret center. -- John Kleinig, *Grace Upon Grace* p. 282
Pastor Weedon,
ReplyDeleteWith theology like this, perhaps I should consider transferring to the Lutheran Church :) All kidding aside, this is a wonderful witness to the Eucharistic blessings that are poured out upon us in Divine Service. Such a shame that many of our Christian brothers and sisters have forsaken the true Body and Blood of Christ for the personal charisma of this-or-that preacher.
Ignatius of Antioch once said, "Where the bishop is, there is the Church". I might instead argue that where the Body and Blood are, there is the Church.
Of course, we then get into the debate about where the Body and Blood can be found, the bishop question comes up again, and then heads begin exploding in mobius loops of ecclesial polity. Better leave that be for now. Given your crazy schedule this week, that's probably (rightfully!) the least of your concerns... or mine.
Rob+
I should probably amend my earlier comment - "Where the word is purely preached, baptism rightly esteemed, and the Body and Blood truly present, there is the Church."
ReplyDeleteThere. I think that makes it an Augustana-compliant statement.
Rob+