Speakeasy Theology Hail, Cross, Our Only Hope
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Sep 13, 2025 A close reading of Rahner’s Good Friday sermon and its ties to postwar theology. A deep look at faith, hope, and love as distinct yet intertwined perspectives on the cross. A challenge to find hidden crosses in daily life and to act responsibly rather than remain passive. Reflections on mysticism, Eucharist, and how the crucified Jesus grounds moral seriousness and expectant transformation.
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Faith Hope And Love Are Distinct Lenses
- Rahner insists faith, hope, and love are distinct perspectives on the cross, each necessary to fully see its meaning.
- Faith perceives, hope remembers promised fulfillment in Jesus, and only together do they make love intelligible.
Hope Is Remembering Promises That Drive Action
- Rahner redefines hope as an active memory of unfulfilled divine promises anchored in Christ, not wishful thinking.
- Hope motivates responsibility: remembering Jesus' fulfillment drives concrete action for the world's repair.
The Cross Demands Responsible Action Not Resignation
- The sermon refuses easy consolations: the cross confronts terrifying historical evils and does not abolish death or excuse inaction.
- Recognizing the cross teaches how to responsibly fight evil rather than resigning or merely wishing things improve.
