Father Snort

Jesus' disciples are fearful and doubting, even after his resurrection. Jesus says to them "peace be with you." As people of the resurrection, peace is our way as well. We live lives of forgiveness and peace, helping each other through our fears and doubts, allowing for them with grace and love.

We often wonder about how and why exactly Jesus' death and resurrection is salvific for us. We wonder what then we're to do about it. Sometimes, however, we can simply accept it, enjoy it, and do nothing beyond resting in God.

At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples to love one another. Amidst their worry about what would happen to him and what would become of them, Jesus' disciples are simply told to love one another - all shall be well.

Jesus said "Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me." Some folks then misread Paul's letter to the Romans, believing that what we do matters very little. Jesus seems to disagree with that assesment.

Jesus speaks of those who love darkness more than light. We all have some darkness in us, and part of us likes the darkness. Being a Christian does not eradicate the darkness in us. Rather, "the cure has begun, and we have relapses."

The cure has begun, and we have relapses. John 3:16 is a favorite verse for many Christian in showing the love God has for us. We must also recognize there is still darkness within us and be ok with that. God is.

Paul was all things to all people. Like a student who traverses cliques in school, Paul was not false or fake with people. He was all to all out of love for God and love for people.

Drawing near to God was primary in Jesus' life and teaching. When he broke the rules, it was because keeping them would take him farther from God. Jesus took time, sabbath time, to be with God, and teaches us to do the same.

We can't know the truth of God. We believe because we have found the love, awe, and respect of God to be the beginning of wisdom. We believe because we've found the story of God's love and redepmtion of the world to be the most beautiful, compelling story we've heard.

We're told not to fear, but to hold God with respect (maybe a little fear) if it helps us live well.