November 5, 2021

A woman named Camilla in Thornton Wilder’s The Bridge of San Luis Rey traded on her beauty. She climbed social classes, acquired a husband, standing and wealth. But then she contracted a case of small pox that left her exquisite face disfigured. Although those who loved her did not forsake her, she forsook them. She could not believe that she could truly be loved without her physical charm.

What do you rely on for your acceptability? I have traded on and continue to trade on any number of things that I imagine pass for social capital. Of course, they are all castles in the air. And in the end, they will all crumble. All that will be left is the only thing that has always been solid – the imputed righteousness of Christ.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 28 – BCP)