We live in a great time of mystery. We have not seen a time that is less explained by science since we dove headlong into the Enlightenment. Although we can identify the scourge as the COVID-19 virus, we can neither describe its boldness nor determine its weakness. We are at present powerless to contain its spread.
The early church fought similar battles against infectious diseases, but they were also more aware of another uncontrollable enemy: sin.
We bewail the impact of our present-day virus with many deaths and more to come. We have our own fear of becoming sick, but when we step back, we also perceive a new fear: of infecting someone else who cannot fight the infection and dies, only because we had contact with them through touch, breath or even because we left our mark before they came.
Paul writes repeatedly to early churches to caution them about false prophets and life-styles that were filled with sin. Early converts still lapsed and worshiped small gods that destroyed a man from within. Perhaps our desire for human touch is a small god that when worshiped results in the death of another.
In 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Paul describes our current despair at our lack of control.
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Yes, it is a mystery. But one thing we know for sure: we all shall be changed.
Blessings to you in this Easter Season!
Agatha
(“Behold, I tell you a mystery..a trumpet sounds..” from Handel’s Messiah: Philippe Sly and the Trinity Wall Street Baroque Orchestra (9:07) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13DpmWPV9IU)