We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Working together, then,
we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
S aint Paul uses very strong verbs, implore and appeal; words which a beggar might use before a severe judge or an unkind king. The Apostles is trying to persuade us to live as the people of God.
We do not expect a fellow whom we regard as a social equal to use such language. A friend might ask us to heed his advice. He might push his opinions at us; and might even demonstrate serious emotion by shouting or weeping. Frustrated parents might beg their toddlers to eat, but that kind of demonstration only puts adults off unless they regard the imploring appellant as a particular friend and advisor. And even then they suppose he'll settle down soon, and speak more calmly without all the bluster.
What's more, the Apostle's description of Jesus -- "him to be sin who did not know sin" -- also sounds a bit over the top. Really, Paul," someone might say, "Everybody knows that Jesus was totally innocent. He committed no sin and the Father was both satisfied and pleased with him! He was not a sinner."
But Saint Paul was convinced that God had assigned guilt and shame to Jesus; and that Jesus voluntarily accepted full responsibility for the sins of his brothers and sisters. "He was not ashamed" to stand with us before God's judgment and wrath. In his essay about gentiles converting to Christ, he said:
Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree....” (Galatians 3:13)
If the gentiles seemed cursed, or less favored, because they are not descendants of Abraham, God has cursed His Anointed One for being "hanged on a tree!"
Politicians describe political capital as the respect and authority an elected official may have after winning an election. Saint Paul invests all of his apostolic capital when he implores and pleads with us to "be reconciled to God." His insistence that our beloved Savior stands by us and was cursed for our sake must move even a heart of stone.
Ash Wednesday insistently invites us to take up the cross and follow the homeless Lord to Calvary. With him, we must follow the aliens from Eden, Adam and Eve. Like Jesus, we go with Cain who was banished from the ground, and a constant wanderer on the earth. Anyone might kill us at sight (Genesis 4:14.)
We will not be reassured by our righteousness or innocence. We have renounced those worthless baubles as Mardi Gras turned to Ash Wednesday. Our sole comfort will be the companionship of our Penitent Shepherd.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.