Whatever the disciples do, they do it within the communal bond of the community of Jesus and as its members. Even the most secular act now takes place within the bounds of the church-community. This then is valid for the body of Christ: where one member is, there is also the whole body, and where the body is, there is also the member. There is no area of life where the member would be allowed or would even want to be separated from the body. Wherever one member happens to be, whatever one member happens to do, it always takes place “within the body,” within the church-community, “in Christ.” Life as a whole is taken up “into Christ.”
A truth, a doctrine, or a religion needs no space of its own. Such entities are bodyless. They do not go beyond being heard, learned, and understood. But the incarnate Son of God needs not only ears or even hearts; he needs actual, living human beings who follow him. That is why he called his disciples into following him bodily.
Currently reading: 8 Hours or Less by Ryan Huguley 📚
Currently reading: Preaching by Timothy Keller 📚
An Open Road by Patrick Nasmyth:
Currently reading: Radical Hope: Ethics in the Face of Cultural Devastation by Jonathan Lear 📚
Finished reading: A Century of Poetry by Rowan Williams 📚
What a marvelous collection of poems. I didn’t quite make it through all of them before it was due back at the library, but wow is this a treat. I will need to acquire this volume at some point. Williams' reflections are often as subtle and profound as the poems themselves. For anyone unskilled in the art of reading poetry like me, the comments are a perfect bit of “hand holding” to inspire some confidence to go and read likewise.
Finished reading: The Insider’s Guide to ADHD by Penny Williams 📚
Disabled email and internet browser on my phone for the new year. Still early (obviously), but initial signs are very promising.