EASTER V
May 15, 2022
“All is Made New and Clean”
“This life, therefore, is not Godliness, but the process of becoming godly, not health, but getting well, not being, but becoming, not rest, but exercise. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way. The process is not yet finished, but it is actively going on. This is not the goal but it is the right road. At present, everything does not gleam and sparkle, but everything will be cleansed.” Martin Luther
Spring has arrived, in all its glory, and, of course, we’re hopeful that the actual season will last for awhile before summer is upon us. Whether you go for a walk or a drive, or reacquaint yourself with your back yard, there’s no question of new life springing up all around. The activity of the natural process appears so quickly and quietly — it seems we should hear little pops as the blossoms open and perhaps gentle sighs as leaves unfurl. After so many chilly, gray days, the lush, growing abundance is nearly overwhelming.
The new, the clean, the fresh is an appealing concept, as we like the thought of making a fresh start or a new beginning. Our ancestors in the faith used these images in describing God’s relationship with his people over the centuries. Paul writes to the Corinthians about the profound change that is experienced through Christ: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17). Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection brought about new, sweeping changes to relationships with God and with one another. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ as a new covenant (Luke 22) and in John’s Gospel we read: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (13:34)
The appeal of cleanliness or being made clean is as real in the spiritual sense as the physical. Sin and wrongdoing are depicted as making us unclean, plain old dirty and disgusting, and as sinners, we are unfit to be in God’s presence. Psalm 51 gives us the familiar words of our Sunday liturgy: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” (v. 10) We are made both clean and new, re-created through the forgiveness of our loving Father in heaven.
Martin Luther’s understanding of the human life and condition is timeless, and is as clear and understandable today as it was 500 years ago. We are assured that as we journey through life, we are in an active process, and although we haven’t reached the goal, we are on the right road. We need to hear such encouragement throughout our lives, as well as to share it with others. These words of faith keep us focused, looking ahead to all that God has in store for us.
Amazed at the beauty all around,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers