03-13-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 13, 2026
In Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome, he wrote, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (6:3-4). As we were preparing for baptisms at CCCC not long ago, I referenced this passage. To be honest, when working with younger groups, I don’t always use this passage because they often don’t fully grasp the profound and powerful metaphor of dying. However, I don’t believe any of us fully comprehend it until we’ve experienced the other side of an intentional act of letting something die so we can truly live. I’ve heard an alcoholic living in sobriety say, “I am dying to my old way every single day.” I have a friend who, after enduring a deeply painful divorce, expressed the need to see his bitterness die so that he could live more fully. Some individuals have discovered that it is essential to let their anger die; otherwise, that anger could be their demise. There are many stories that reveal resurrection on the other side of the tomb, but getting there can be extraordinarily difficult. In the journey of discipleship, those who genuinely grow in their faith will encounter numerous deaths. Early in our faith journey, something resonates with us, but over time, we realize that this understanding of God may be limiting or even unhealthy. Sometimes, we can simply let go of it, viewing it as a stepping stone. Other times, we must let it die. I recall individuals who used certain passages of scripture to defend racism or other bigotry, only to experience a profound transformation. What had previously given them a skewed sense of peace was now understood as damaging to others and contrary to the Gospel. So deeply ingrained was that hatred for certain individuals that a complete transformation was necessary for the emergence of a new life. Naturally, the prospect of letting something perish can be incredibly daunting. This is where resurrection, and even the ritual of baptism, can infuse our souls with hope. Faith enables us to confront the darkness and declare, “I may not be able to see beyond the shadows, but I place my trust in the One who has the power to bring new life from the most difficult of circumstances.”

My trust grows in your power to bring life from death, but I need experiences that reinforce this truth, Holy God. Continue to show me and teach me, so that when those challenging moments come my way, and the darkness appears impassable, I will still find the faith to believe that a new day and new life will be given. Amen.