Easter and the Cause of Zion
Tony Chvala-Smith of Independence, MO, USA
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises. -Psalm 98:4
Community of Christ believes the Risen Lord has called us to pursue peace and establish the cause of Zion. We understand this as the call to share the peace of Jesus Christ in all its personal, interpersonal, community, and worldwide dimensions. In the Bible, Zion is the term for Jerusalem, the holy city. For us this image of the city has become one of our central symbols: a city is a powerful symbol of community. Shaped by these biblical images from the past, our hope for the future is communal.
As Easter restored the broken community of the disciples, so the cause of Zion calls us to promote local and worldwide ministries that signal the peaceful reign of God on Earth by working to mend neighborhoods, nations, and nature. This work is difficult, but not futile. The Bible closes with the image of the new holy city coming to Earth (Revelation 21). We take that to be a promise that community is the future of the human race. The age to come is about perfecting life together. God, whose threefold name reveals the divine community, intends human life to reflect the divine reality. That is the end to which we were created. That is the end for which our humanity is being renewed. Because of this promise, we embrace in hope the cause of Zion.
(Excerpt from A Way of Life, available from Herald House: https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/a-way-of-life-1?_pos=1&_sid=6128a2629&_ss=r&variant=20877108248679)
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Moving Toward the Peaceful One
As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
