Salvator Mundi, Savior of the WorldAntonello da Messina (1430-1479)
National Gallery, London
For March 15, 2009
Third Sunday in Lent
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. "... But that's so... absolute. How can you be sure?" I can be so sure because of this week's readings.
The first reason we can affirm Christ as the Savior of the world is that He is the Son of the one who has said, "I am the Lord your God" (Exodus 20:2). This God is the one who provided us with 10 commandments the observance of which defines true success in life.
The second reason we can affirm Christ as the Savior of the world is then found in this: "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). The heavens are not the product of many Gods but rather of the one true God. Their order and majesty are self-evident.
The third reason we can affirm Christ as Savior of the world is that he provided a miraculous sign to prove it. "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19). Jesus was crucified on day 1, Good Friday, and raised to life on day 3, Easter Sunday.
The final reason we can affirm Christ as Savior of the world is the experience of Christians. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18).
Are you among those perishing or among those being saved? Let today be the day you acknowledge Christ as Savior of the world.
Third Sunday in Lent
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. "... But that's so... absolute. How can you be sure?" I can be so sure because of this week's readings.
The first reason we can affirm Christ as the Savior of the world is that He is the Son of the one who has said, "I am the Lord your God" (Exodus 20:2). This God is the one who provided us with 10 commandments the observance of which defines true success in life.
The second reason we can affirm Christ as the Savior of the world is then found in this: "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). The heavens are not the product of many Gods but rather of the one true God. Their order and majesty are self-evident.
The third reason we can affirm Christ as Savior of the world is that he provided a miraculous sign to prove it. "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19). Jesus was crucified on day 1, Good Friday, and raised to life on day 3, Easter Sunday.
The final reason we can affirm Christ as Savior of the world is the experience of Christians. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18).
Are you among those perishing or among those being saved? Let today be the day you acknowledge Christ as Savior of the world.
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