January 2025
A new year is here! New goals, new hope, new opportunities! That is a reminder to us that with God we are given new opportunities all the time. Opportunities to evidence the character of Jesus in our very lives; opportunities to be better, even when we have failed to be loving, supportive or to listen attentively to one another. New hope that God's grace will be present with us every hour of every day - as God has promised; though frequently we, like all other human beings, think what we want is what God should do. New goals of being a people who practice taking the time to consciously, intentionally, lovingly act as God's chosen vessels bearing divine grace and care to those among whom we live and work.
"Behold, I make all things new! The old things have passed away!" The old law many point to as what allows us to hate, divide and destroy is no more! The new law that says love God with everything you are and love your neighbor as you love yourself is in force and operable within our very lives. We are called to be healers of human divisions, of ragged emotions, or desperate lives in need of someone to care, someone to listen, someone to SEE another human struggling with life's difficulties just like them but willing to take time to CARE about THEM!
An example of how that newness can come is the disciples that simply couldn't seem to understand Jesus' teaching during the time of his earthly ministry, but became bastions of spiritual strength and divine love after Pentecost! Peter, who denied Jesus three times the night before Roman soldiers nailed the Savior to a cross, stood before religious authorities with John and said the disciples wouldn't listen to human authority, but only to Holy Authority loving, caring, and healing those on the margins of polite society.
So, take hope, sisters and brothers, and join the walk of the faithful. Live with the hope of God, with the faith of the earliest followers of the Way, with the power and persistence of the Holy Spirit which dwells within you. A new chapter lies ahead of you! The search for a new settled pastor is underway, the consideration of a public declaration of the acceptance of all people who come seeking to meet God, to see the Holy One in the followers of the Way! Peace, joy, hope and love be with each of you every day of your life!
Shalom!
