Scripture Reflection March 22, 2009: Amazing Grace

Scripture Readings:
2 Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23
Psalm 137
Ephesians 2: 4-10
John 3: 14-21

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The film “Amazing Grace,” which appeared in 2006, chronicles the life of the eighteenth century British abolitionist William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was an evangelical Christian and a member of Parliament who labored passionately for the abolition of the British slave trade and the ending of slavery itself. At one point in his life, Wilberforce considered giving up his seat in Parliament and entering the ministry. But, partly through the encouragement of John Newton, he made the decision to remain in the government and to serve God by pursuing his abolitionist campaign. Newton had been a captain of a slave ship who underwent a gradual conversion to Christianity and eventually recognized the horrors of the institution of slavery. He was ordained an Anglican priest later in his life and became a popular preacher. As a priest he wrote a tract against the slave trade to aid Wilberforce in his efforts to abolish slavery. Newton also collaborated in the composition of some hymns, including the famous “Amazing Grace.” One of the lines of that old favorite is, “I once was blind but now I see.” If we think about Newton’s conversion from slave trading as we sing that line, the hymn takes on a deeper meaning for us.

I thought of this movie and that well-known hymn because the Scripture readings for this coming Sunday speak directly about the work of God’s grace in the world and in our lives. In the passage from the Second Book of Chronicles, the priestly writer interprets the tragedy of the exile as a result of the infidelity of the people of Israel. There is deep pathos in his observation that “those who escaped the sword were carried captive to Babylon, where they became servants of the king of the Chaldeans and his sons …” But amidst this description of a dark and painful chapter in the history of Israel, the Chronicler reminds us of the gracious compassion of God: “Early and often did the Lord, the God of their fathers, send his messengers to them, for he had compassion on his people and his dwelling place.” And the account concludes by recalling the gracious action of God in delivering the people from exile through the edict of Cyrus. The people are ordered to “go up” to Jerusalem because God is leading them home. The grace of God is the final word in this story.

The author of the letter to the Ephesians is passionate in his description of the grace of God that has been revealed in Christ: “God who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life in Christ…” He goes on to remind these Christians, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God.” It is because of their experience of God’s bountiful grace that these Christians are able to undertake the good works to which they have been called.

The reading from the gospel of John contains that famous verse which is often cited on placards displayed at football games and other public events: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (3:16). The Johannine reflection on God’s love in Christ is given in the midst of Jesus’ lengthy conversation with Nicodemus, who very gradually moves from darkness toward the light that Christ offers. This well-known verse really expresses the heart of the message of the gospel of John. The Christian proclamation is not that an angry God, ready to condemn the human race, decided to save the world because his wrath was appeased by the self-sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Rather, the entire Christ-event is the result of God’s gracious love for the world. God sent his Son to bring light to a world shadowed by darkness. The Word became flesh purely because of God’s passionate, faithful love for the world and every person. This same Jesus, lifted up on the cross and raised up in glory, continues to bring light to the darkness in our lives.

I believe that on this Sunday of Lent, you and I are invited to reflect on and to recognize the presence of God’s grace in our own lives. The word “grace” can sometimes seem a little vague – difficult to grasp and to concretize. But at its heart, grace really means that God gives of Self to us as One to be known and loved. Grace is God’s personal gift of Self – a gift that makes a real difference in our lives. God’s Self-gift becomes enfleshed in a marvelous diversity of ways – through people and events, in the Scriptures and the liturgy, through the consoling words of a friend, the challenging exhortation of a prophet, the smiling face of a child, the compassionate touch of someone we love. God’s grace is present and at work in us long before we realize it. One of the prefaces for the Mass expresses it well: “Even our desire to thank you is itself your gift.” Even the desire to turn to God in prayer is already a sign that God is giving of Self to us and that this gift is making a real difference within us.

John Newton, the slave trader turned abolitionist, celebrated the “amazing grace” of God that enabled him to see and that set him free. During the season of Lent, we tell the story of the wondrous power of God’s grace in human history and in our own lives. The Scriptures remind us that God’s grace is not magic and it is never coercive; we are called to respond to the promptings of grace in freedom. The gospel says, “Whoever loves the truth comes to the light so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” As we approach the table of the Lord this Sunday, may we be grateful for God’s gift of Self to us in Christ, and may we respond to this grace through the love we show to one another. 

Fr. Robin Ryan, cp