In the Seinfeld episode “The Strongbox”, George Costanza has planned to break up with his girlfriend after much serious consideration. Her response is a dry “No.” Thoroughly confused, George pauses and quizzically questions her. She responds gently but firmly a second time that no, they are not breaking up and George hesitatingly complies. Later he compiles his case and presents it again informing her that yes indeed, the relationship has ended. She disagrees refusing to quit the relationship. George is increasingly upset that he is the only one trying to end their bond. She is unconvinced and seemingly unfazed. George relents again. Then he tries sabotaging the relationship but again his girlfriend is sure that what they have is too meaningful to end and George’s body language languishes in defeat as he agrees once again to continue in the relationship.
Re-imaging church history in the style of the comedy sketch above creates an outcome of continued oneness in the days after the bull of excommunication hit the Altar.
“You are excommunicated.”
A gentle ‘No, we are one.’ reaffirms communion together.
‘There are many reasons for why you must be excommunicated.’
‘Mmm. No, we are not excommunicated.’
Pressing with proclamations of, “Yes, you are excommunicated; we are now divided.”
‘I decline to accept the proclamation. It is true, our relationship is strained and diverse but it is too meaningful to just end after all this time. Our relationship is worth working on and continuing. We must continue receiving the Eucharist together for it is God alone who heals our divisions. This is in line with how St. Paul guided the Corinthian Christians. With God’s grace and help- while one- we will of course grow closer to each other and maybe even agree on issues. ’
How different the Church would be today if Christian leaders decided to respond the above way and in favor of the oneness already created by our Cornerstone and Lord Jesus Christ!
Cornerstone Unites 