Love God. Live the Eucharist.

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Sunday, June 21, 2020: The Power of Christ

I have a song for you . . . [I sing and play on guitar]

 

verse 4

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

 

What do you think the “power of Christ” could mean? Perhaps it refers the overcoming of sin that St. Paul talks about in the second reading. That we have sin in the world, starting with the first humans – Adam and Eve. But that Jesus came to change all that by his death on the cross. The presence of Christ, or the power of Christ (as the song refers to) is that force of awakening for each of us . . . that challenges us (invites us) to be different.

 

As Paul alludes to . . . that sinful state was with us at our beginning as humans but now, with Jesus, it has changed. Think of sin not so much as “actions you have done” but more as “missing the mark” or not being true to yourself and who God created you to be. It’s been said that the two biggest days of your life . . . are the day you were born, and the day you figure out why.

 

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

Jesus, in the gospel, tells the disciples not to fear. For they will face hardships. Following Jesus is not about bunnies or unicorns or rainbows, but the pressures of the world which may (and probably will) cause us to feel like we’re getting destroyed. Much like many of us have felt with COVID 19 and all the uncertainties around it . . . what will summer be like? Will school start again in the fall? Will life ever return to normal?

 

This past Friday, we held a rally and march in solidarity of people of color. To show that we are all one, no matter the color of our skin. But still there were people who were afraid of what could happen with such a gathering.  

 

We all have fears to face. But no matter what you are facing, or what burdens you are carrying . . . here is the ONE certain thing: IN CHRIST we have hope. That is the meaning of receiving the Eucharist (as part of our 1st Communion Class is with us today).   For the word Christ is NOT Jesus’ last name. It is his title, which is Jesus the Christ. Like I am Kevin the Priest, or we have Wendy the Faith Formation Director.

 

The term Christ refers to that mystery of change that occurs with Jesus on the cross. For the story doesn’t end on the cross. That death is not the final answer. Light is stronger than darkness, forgiveness is mightier than sin. And whatever burden you are facing, remember that hope is stronger than your fear.

 

So when we receive the Eucharist (and some of you are receiving it as a “spiritual communion”) when we receive it, we are eating hope. We are consuming the belief that things will get better. They may not turn out exactly as we want, but things shall always be better.   In the end, everything turns out OK, and if things haven’t turned out well you for you yet, then it is not quite the end.

 

Christ is our light, our strength our song. And we are commanded, “Fear no one.” and “Do not be afraid.” as you heard in the gospel. For when we let go of the feeling that somehow we have to figure things out or that we have to be in control. When we can trust in God’s love. That now, at the time when we die, Jesus will acknowledge that we were on his team . . . not perfect, not sinless, not 100% pure . . . but followers that said, “I will trust the power of Christ” to help me through any challenge or threat or fear. That I commit myself to stand in “the love of Christ.”

 

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

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