The Italian Memorandum

“Come see the place where the Lord lay”

(Matt.28: 6)

The term, “tomb” (mnemeion, Matt. 27:60) can be appreciated by the Christian on several levels. Although the concepts of the Lord’s death and resurrection are not new to us, when these two fundamental themes of the gospel are viewed in relation to the tomb of Christ, we find that both are represented. In other words, the tomb goes both ways, as Paul’s speech at Antioch of Pisidia indicates – “…they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead” (Acts 13: 29, 30). The tomb (mnemion) embraces Christ’s death and resurrection—it is a virtual sanctuary for the great themes of the Gospel.

But, is a return to the tomb really necessary? We think that it is a warranted action on the part of all Christians, novices and veterans alike. We say this in lieu of the sporadic hijacking of many Judeo-Christian concepts today: success through the Proverbs of Solomon; stable family values; money-matters; and relationships in general. But, to take all of these valuable Biblical concepts and sell them without regard to the power of the Gospel is certainly a terrible blunder of omission.

So, why should you return to the tomb?

1. It is the central sanctuary of Christian faith (2Cor. 5:15; 1Thess. 4:14; etc.).
2. It points out the futility of trying to achieve the good-life, without the good news (1Cor. 15: 1-4).
3. It asserts the historical-factual nature of the Gospel (Acts 13: 29-31).
4. It reaffirms how baptism is the watery-grave—and, such it is (Rom. 6:3-5).

– Robert M. Housby

The coffin of Wanda Horowitz was recently vandalized, likely by morbid treasure hunters. Modern generations may not recognize the name of Wanda Horowitz. She was the wife of the accomplished piano maestro, Vladamir Horowitz. Horowitz was born in Kiev, Russia and immigrated to the United States during World War II. Horowitz met his wife through his associations with the Italian conductor and composer Tuscanini. Wanda Horowitz was, in fact, formerly Wanda Tuscanini. She belonged to two of the most renowned musicologists that ever lived, her father and her husband. The criminals are at large as of our last information. Whether they found what they were looking for, or hoping to acquire by their dishonorable deed, we would not know. One thing, which we do know–that which is written on our hearts cannot be taken from us. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).

The Irish James Joyce once wrote, “When I die Dublin will be written in my heart.” Joyce seems to have understood the truth that, not even death itself can erase what is written on our heart. The early Christians were, themselves, reminded of this heart writing, “…I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God…”
(Hebrews 8:10).

We may wonder what was written on the hearts of Vladamir and Wanda Horowitz, or Tuscanini, but that is a matter now sealed for eternity. But, we may ask, when the seal of our own heart shall be broken, what will be found in the blank—“When I die ______ will be written in my heart.”

So, what is your Dublin?

-Robert M. Housby