October 5, 2021

“Vampires are the best metaphor for the human condition. Here you have a monster with a soul that’s immortal, yet in a biological body…. A vampire is perfect…because he transcends time — yet he can be destroyed, go mad and suffer; it’s intensely about the human dilemma.”

That’s from author Anne Rice. She’s got a point, I think. We are bound for the Promised Land, signed, sealed, and delivered by the cross of Christ, yet we still suffer and even go mad. And we also know that our bodies will be destroyed as well.

Yet – hear these words from Job, quoted at the beginning of our funeral liturgy.  “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)

Thankfully, we fare better than vampires. Although, it must be said, we are sustained by the Blood of Christ!

“The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto eternal life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.” (BCP – p. 338)