Volume 32

Nearing completion in Avondale, Louisiana, the US Navy’s latest assault ship is a technological marvel. But when it hits the water later this year, its most devastating weapon will be more emotional than military. Outfitted for 360 sailors and 700 Marines who will reach shore by onboard helicopters and assault boats, the ship is the fifth in a new class of vessels designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists, and that’s where the symbolism comes in.

Though the Navy has a rule that only nuclear subs may bear the name of individual states, it gave special permission for this ship to be called the USS New York, a request made by that state’s governor shortly after 9/11. At that time, the warship was already started but, after the terrorist attacks, 24 tons of steel were collected from the rubble of the World Trade Center for use in the ship’s construction. Seven tons of it were melted down and cast to form the vessel’s “stem bar” — part of the bow, where the front of the ship cuts the water.

According to news reports, construction workers involved in the process treated the work with reverence usually reserved for religious relics, touching the steel as they walked by. “They knocked us down,”said one manager. “They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.” The ship’s motto will be, Never Forget.

At least seven warships have carried the name New York. Ironically, one of them had its keel laid on September 11th, 1911, exactly 90 years before the WTC was attacked. As for the new ships, the Navy says two more like the New York will be named for places associated with the 9/11 attacks: the USS Arlington, the location of the Pentagon; and the USS Somerset, named for the Pennsylvania county where an airliner crashed when its passengers fought hijackers planning to attack another Washington target. The Navy says all three vessels will “project... power to the far corners of the earth and support the cause of freedom well into the 21st century.”

In the Christian realm, there’s another symbol that projects power to the far corners of the earth and furthers the cause of freedom. It’s a symbol of resolve, readiness and rededication; one that teaches us to learn hard lessons from what we experience so we don’t have to suffer again the same gut-wrenching consequences that come with ignoring the spiritual threats all around us. That symbol is communion.

Also known as the Eucharist (“Thanksgiving”) or the Lord’s Supper, the bread and wine are emblems of a spiritual war on terror that culminated with the death of Jesus on the cross. By taking the punishment we deserve for our many sins, He offers us the free gift of salvation that merely requires we accept it and live a life of grateful service, to God and others.

During the Last Supper, Jesus said, “This [bread] is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me... This wine is the token of God’s new covenant to save you — an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.” (Luke 22:19,20) On the cross, with his body broken and his blood shed, Jesus looked defeated. But the resurrection was a resounding reaffirmation that even though the war on spiritual terror was far from over, victory was assured, because he was who he said he was — the Son of God.

Whenever we share the emblems of communion, they should remind us of the terrible price exacted to secure freedom from our sins: sins that knock us down but can’t keep us down, because we’re going to be back. Back with the Spirit of Christ who dwells within us, steeling our hearts and lives with the strength of his love and power. If Jesus did rise from the dead, he’s much more than a symbol. He’s a mighty spiritual reinforcement who helps us cut through the waters of trial and temptation. We are vessels with a message of hope for the world.

By Rick Gamble. Published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications. To subscribe to this free weekly article, send a note to Rick at sgamble@bfree.on.ca