Congratulations and Condolences

Congratulations and Condolences

This morning while I was getting dressed, I ruminated about words I had spoken to someone who is a newly elected bishop. Last year, I saw him at the gathering at our seminary and I blurted out “congratulations and condolences.” He was very understanding and just let it pass but I have, as I sometimes do, repudiated myself and spent too many hours saying to myself, “couldn’t you have just left it at “congratulations!”

This morning, I realize that perhaps I was not too far off track. I was thinking of all he and his wife will have to sacrifice for this new position. The move is the smallest sacrifice. The long hours, the traveling, the sense that everyone wants a piece of you, and most of all the willingness to take a stand for justice, for the oppressed, for Christ. Risking his life for the sake of the Gospel.

Then it occurred to me that “congratulations and condolences” is an appropriate greeting at baptism and confirmation, too. We generally dress up the candidates, give them gifts, and treat them as if they have accomplished something when really they are just launching on a journey of serving Christ. The congratulations are for saying “yes” to Christ. The condolences are for all of the sacrifices they will make if they take their mission seriously.

My question for today is ----Can we raise up Christians who are willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Good News of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. Churches want to grow. If we can help shape and form followers of Jesus who are willing to lay down their life, their stuff, their need to be right, their need to control others, in order to live a God filled life, the church will grow. During the Black Plague, Christians certain that they were resurrected with Christ through their baptism, nursed, cleaned-up, and stayed with those who were dying. Some of them died. Some of the sick lived and they said we want what these brave selfless Christians have. They converted and the Church grew. Are we willing to live what we profess? If so, we are to be congratulated and consoled as it will be a terrific and difficult journey.

Blessings, Karen