A Sip from the Cruciform Cup of Salvation

Andy Brock, Winchester, VA

Michael Gorman writes in his book, Cruciformity, about Paul’s understanding of freedom in Christ through the Spirit in Galatians 5:13-14: “the freedom of the Spirit is the freedom to love, to become servants of one another.”

As I write this reflection, today’s Washington Post reported 184,884 COVID-19 cases the day before. The 7-day average of new cases was about 140,000 a day.

Likewise, deaths and hospitalizations increased dramatically over the past four weeks as people returned from vacations and began a new school cycle and jobs.

I asked myself this morning if there is a Christian response to this war against an infectious, deadly virus. For me, the answer is yes.

Jesus and his interpreters like Paul, and Gorman, believe that with the cup of Salvation comes the responsibility to “become servants of one another.”

That means we care about all peoples’ health, welfare, and general flourishing, whether family, friends, neighbors, or even enemies.

The best way to do that is to act out of love in this time of pandemic by being vaccinated, wearing masks, and practicing safe distancing.

Christian love expressed as servanthood to others directly impacts our families, friends, and communities.

I believe it will profoundly deter the spread of the COVID-19 virus and diminish the opportunities for new, more robust variants to be created.

Also, I believe eternity is steeped in this same servanthood to Christ and others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let the Spirit fill our hearts with love for you and each other that we might serve you and one another to your glory through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

A daily Lenten devotional reprinted with permission from The Society of St. Andrew to inspire help sharing nourishing food with neighbors in need.

Every $1 donated provides more than 40 servings to those in greatest need. A donation of $47 for the 47 days in Lent provides more than 1,880 servings.

What a way to celebrate the resurrection of hope and lift the cup of salvation for our hungry neighbors!