I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary
suffered under Pontius Pilate…….
But wait! What about the comma! What’s missing here folks? What about the Gospels? What about the life and ministry and witness of Jesus? Some theologians these days are suggesting that we are living in “the comma period” of the Apostles’ Creed. Yes, Jesus’ birth was important. Yes, we need to remember that Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died was buried and rose again, etc. But to leave out all that took place in between might just be one of the problems in the church and greater society today.
We want to minimize what Jesus taught us by example during his life and ministry because it’s challenging. It calls us to a place we don’t want to go. This might explain what there are so many people who only go to church on Christmas and Easter. Let’s celebrate the birth of baby Jesus and let’s rejoice and be glad that Jesus overcame death and was resurrected. Both occasions are important and we should remember and celebrate and be thankful. But, perhaps equally or even more importantly, we are to pay attention to what happened during the comma.
During the comma is where Jesus taught us how to live, and how to treat others and how to be. During the comma is when Jesus turned over the tables of those who had their priorities out of whack. During the comma, we realize how radical Jesus was. It’s during the comma that wealth was redistributed, when convicts were given second chances, when it became clear that God does not favor any race, color, gender or national origin.
During the comma is where the powerful were brought low and where we witness ways that God does a new thing when the old thing isn’t working anymore. For some of us, Jesus’ witness is good news. For others, who wish not to be disturbed, it’s easier just to skip from birth to the suffering, death and resurrection. We are called to live in the comma, my friends.
Peace, Y’all,
If you would like to print or share this edition of Claire…ification,
you are encouraged to use this pdf:
Claire – Living in the Comma
To read past editions – you are encouraged to follow this link:
https://capitaldistrictnc.org/claire-ificaton/
