March 13, 2023

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

The title of Frederick Buechner’s classic book says it all: “Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale.”  The message of the gospel is first a tragedy. (What?! I’m not such a great guy after all? The wages of sin is death?!?!) Then it is comedy. (Huh? I’m getting off scot-free despite myself?! That’s ridiculous! The gift of God is eternal life?!)

And then finally it is Fairy Tale. How do fairy tales end? Happily ever after.  As Julian of Norwich famously said, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

Amen!

“O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality tolight: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.” (Tuesday in Easter Week – BCP)