By the Way: Crucifixion vision and resurrection vision
By REV. KRISTY REIMERS-LOADER on April 8, 2023.
As we anticipate Easter Sunday, it’s a good time to discuss eye care. As in, let’s talk about the difference between crucifixion vision and resurrection vision. Crucifixion vision makes us think sin and death are all there is. Makes us long for the good old days, blinding us to the good in today. It keeps us feeling insecure and sad, no matter how many supportive friends and family members we have, no matter what we have in the bank. It’s what makes us feel like every social media post is a personal attack. Crucifixion vision would have us believe division is the word of the day, whether the topic is partisan politics, rich versus poor, haves versus have nots, big corporations versus little folks working for poor wages, educated versus uneducated. Crucifixion vision is all about black and white: Winners and losers, firsts and lasts. Most importantly, crucifixion vision would have us believe without question that death is the end of everything, so we’d better fill our lives with as much stuff, as much pleasure, before death comes along and takes it all away. Here’s the thing, though: Resurrection vision is so much greater! It lets us look beyond ourselves and our problems, taking us beyond the narrow confines of crucifixion vision, letting us see things in perspective. Resurrection vision is the balance between weeping that spends the night and the joy that comes in the morning, and it points to that joy, and to hope, and the goodness of a belly laugh, or a deep meditative breath. It allows us to see the good things in the world, and the good people working to make them happen, building our trust that all things work together for good for those who are called to God’s very good purposes. Friends, today might be the very best time to get our ‘vision’ checked! Amen. Rev Kristy Reimers-Loader 10-9
