We all have doubt in something. We all experience locked doors. These often do not bring us peace. Jesus says “Peace be with you” three times to his disciples. In our hussle of everyday life, we can find peace in the presence of Christ.
Death is not the end all, be all. The death of a loved one may sting but there is hope in the resurrection. Lazarus and Jesus walked among their people after being dead. Not sure we all will have that same experience but do know that Jesus’ love for us provides each of us a place with the saints that have gone before us.
How do we live out our baptism promises? We strive to live among God’s people in peace, care for creation and others by showing them God’s love and forgiveness, and giving everyone dignity. In baptism, we are called beloved. We are all beloved children of God through Jesus’ baptism.
When life throws a curveball and one ends up in the hospital, religion often becomes an important aspect of the hospital stay. Comfort your hearts with God and with Jesus. Spiritual care is important at all times, but it is often incredibly needed for patients receiving medical treatment, as well as for their families and loved ones.
Life in a metropolitan area often lacks green space. We do not have to travel far to see God’s creation. We have parks, rivers, forests, zoos and animal rescues in the DC area and some just a short drive away. An invitation this week is to take time out of our busy schedules to rest and reflect on God’s abundance of creation. What do you hear? See? Feel?
Experiencing God’s love in a chaotic world may seem impossible. We are often reminded in scripture that God’s love never fails and God’s most precious gift was Jesus. Jesus invited everyone to the table without condition. As Jesus invites us to the table, let us open our tables to others without conditions.
The Lord tells us to be ready. Are you ready for whatever comes your way? Hip hop artist, Suga Free, sings the line, “if you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready.” As the body of Christ, we are charged with the task of being ready to serve. A month ago, Jesus reminded us that we are to serve our neighbors. We are to serve each other. We need to break away from the walls of the church and be servants of Christ in the world.
What makes someone a neighbor? Explore the parable of the Good Samaritan in our context today. How are we neighborly? How are we not neighborly? Does it matter who our neighbors are? Some tough questions to ponder but in the end Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors. Period. There are no exceptions. It is hard to give unconditional love but as Christians, we are commanded by Jesus to love our neighbors.