Being Consoled

25Mar

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 

To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.  
    - 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

This week is a sad memory of a painful time for the followers of Christ. We will recount stories of deceit, betrayal, denial, confusion, fear, shame, cruelty, and suffering; this is a nearly overwhelming list of pain and hurt - against Christ and against God's people. In times of loss, death, and grief, we may cry out for relief, comfort, and consolation.

I am reminded that the word consolation has its roots in Latin - "con" meaning "with", and "solari" meaning "in the sun", used to indicate an open plot of land "in the sun". To be consoled is to be pastorally comforted by God's warmth. We are called, in the midst of our own grief and mourning, to seek God's comfort, even while God suffers with us. I often forget, when I am hurting, to lean on others who are going through their own sadness. But that is the very point of Holy Week: that the followers of Christ join together in our grief over the thoughtless infliction of pain and suffering not only to Jesus Christ, but also to one another through both our actions and our inaction. The word "compassion" literally means "to suffer with". It is by gathering together in shared compassion that we can both mourn and heal. This is Holy Week, a time to move forward through the pain and death with the hope of new life and resurrection to come.

Musical Reflection - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Keith & Kristyn Getty

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

- from The Book of Common Prayer, Burial Office

New TestamentEaster

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