“Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men.” What an opening line! Paul’s dramatic language could come straight out of a Hollywood movie trailer.
And in truth, Romans 5 narrates the theological equivalent of a Hollywood blockbuster. In just seven verses, today’s first reading captures the crux of Paul’s gospel of salvation: “one man,” the First Adam, lets sin into the world; sin and death reign over all humanity; the New Adam, “the one man Jesus Christ,” offers an “abundance of grace,” justifying sinners and opening the door to eternal life in Christ. Wow! For Christians, this is a familiar gospel (“good news”), but no less awesome for that.
What struck me today is how the two Adams reflect two distinct ways of living out our humanity in the world. The First Adam offers a way familiar to any observer of the powerful men and women of our own day – insecure, self-seeking, avaricious, aiming to transcend all limits “to become like gods” (Genesis 3:5). Yet the First Adam’s ambition is also his undoing: the divine thread is severed, and he ends up painfully tilling and dying in the soil from which he was formed (adamah in Hebrew literally means the “earth-man” or “dust-man”). Jesus, the New Adam, offers a different way: righteous obedience to the Father’s will exemplified in self-sacrificial service for and with others. This is symbolized in Luke’s gospel by a master waiting on servants who have faithfully waited for him.
Both ways remain open to us, but only one door opens to abundant life. Will we take it?
Jay Carney
I am an Associate Professor of Theology who came to Creighton in 2011. My research and teaching engage Church History and World Christianity, especially modern Africa.
I am married with four children. My wife Becky is a remarkable woman, and our children have given both of us much love and laughter. I grew up in the Washington, DC area and have also lived in Wisconsin and North Carolina among other places. Prior to coming to Creighton, I worked in campus ministry at the University of Arkansas. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, playing soccer, and listening to music of all types.
After years as a reader of Magnificat and then Give Us This Day, I am now seeing the other side! These reflections entail a very different style of writing than academic journal articles, and I’ve also gained newfound respect for the homilist’s task! I feel that I am “preaching” to myself as much as anyone else. It’s wonderful to know that so many people are walking together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers!
