"In his name the Gentiles will hope."

Matthew paints a beautiful portrait of God's chosen One, Jesus. caring for the "outsiders" resulting in both their well-being and the hope they all discover in relationship with Jesus.

Can we trust God?
    with all that we cannot see?
    with all that we do see?
    with all that is needed for living a worthwhile life?
    with the one-of-a-kind God-expression?

How did Andrew find Jesus, the Messiah? John tells the story in the first chapter of the gospel story. How about us and those we love? How do we find Jesus, the Messiah?

God has much to say to us to encourage us in expanding our Messianic expectation.

When John the Baptist drew attention to Jesus, the Lamb of God, what did his disciples hear and understand? If we understand that meaning, we can enter into their Messianic Expectation.

The Season of Advent is approaching. It is almost here. We want to prepare for the season by renewing and expanding our Messianic Expectations. We start with the Samaritan woman who visited with Jesus at a water well. In that conversation she expresses a Messianic expectation. What was that expression? Where did it come from? What the surprise for her?

"Happy are the peacemakers" is more than a platitude. These are words we must put into practice. Our world in strife is in great need of peacemakers.

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, was a disciple of John the Apostle. Both he and Polycarp learned to follow Jesus by appenticing with John. So, when Ignatius provides us with a definition of Christianity, it is good for us to listen and learn. 

"If God wills" can be an excuse for inactivity. We are considering another option practiced by Jesus. God invites us to partner with him.

We are still in John 4 where Jesus met the Samaritans. So much to learn about how Jesus shared his life with others.