The Theology Of The Cross And The Poor
A friend of mine, Beth Gaede, has just published a book with William O. Avery through Alban Institute, entitiled If This Is the Way the World Works - Science, Congregations, and Leadership. It explores the application of Margaret Wheatley’s work on new science and leadership in a congreational setting. It is a good read and I recommend it highly. There are some particular quotes that capture the essence of City House.
“The theology of the cross states, in part, that God is always active in this world but in the same way God was active on the cross. In other words, God’s acting in this world is always hidden under its opposite: weakness, helplessness, and powerlessness. When we look to see God overcoming death on the cross, what we “see” instead is defeat and death. Martin Luther talked about this phenomenon as God’s mask. God’s power is always hidden in weakness; God’s strength is always concealed behind the mask of impotence.” (Page 7)
It is my experience and that of many others to encounter the reality of this in our relationship with the poor. God’s presence is mysteriously encountered in the weakness that one finds there, both theirs and mine. Somehow, it leads to an experience of union and communion with them and with God at the same time - a mystery indeed.
