Humanity’s “dominion” or “rule” over creation is not a right, entitling us to do whatever we wish with creation. Rather, it’s a responsibility to manage and care for all of God’s creation just as God would, to the very best of our ability.

Rights look inward—what can I get? What am I entitled to?

Where responsibilities look outward—how can I best care for or be in community with that which is around me?

In virtually every transformative movement in human history – the abolitionist movement against slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, the movements for women’s suffrage, labor protections, the list goes on – in each of these cases, people of faith have been at the center of the action. Catalysts. Laborers. Visionaries.

And now, as we confront what is arguably the greatest challenge in human history, God is calling us to step up once more.

To love the world – and put our love into action.

To care for creation – and pass it on to the next generation better, healthier, and hardier than we found it.

Throughout Lent, we’ve learned about our own faith journeys as we’ve learned from the life and faith of the disciple Peter. We’ve watched as Peter dropped his nets to follow Jesus; trusted Jesus enough to step out of the boat and walk on water towards Jesus; professed his faith by declaring Jesus the Messiah—the one the Jewish people were waiting for; and then was rebuked by Jesus for not understanding or trusting God’s plan; was humbled by having his feet washed by Jesus; then denied Jesus 3 times; and the ran to the tomb when the women shared that Jesus was alive.

And now, we come full circle with Peter, as he meets Jesus once again fishing at the shore of the Sea of Galilee, just like when Jesus first calls him.

On this Palm Sunday, we are invited to think about what kind of king we're looking for in Jesus. Do you have the courage to say “I love you,” to this Jesus? A king of compassion and God’s justice—of God’s Truth and Love?

In Peter, we often see ourselves—someone who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. Someone who loves Jesus with all his heart, and struggles at the same time.

This coming week, I challenge you to be mindful of the ways you’re clinging and fixating on “what you know to be true” and missing God’s bigger truth. How might it feel to release your grip, and follow God into the unknown?”

our series is titled “Wandering Heart.” We are studying the faith journey of the disciple Peter, and connecting that with the lyrics of the hymn “Come Thou Fount.” So to set the stage, we’re going to be singing “Come Thou Fount” each Sunday. If you’ve been around the Church a while, it might sound a little different than you’re used to, but the message is still the same and so is spirit behind it.

As a new disciple, perhaps Peter wants to prove himself. Boldly, in

the middle of a storm, Peter steps out of the boat to join Jesus who is walking on top of the waves. He, too, walks on water until the wind shakes his trust and he begins to sink. Many of us know what it feels like to be thrown off balance, to feel as if we’re sinking. Maybe this looks like doubt, unexpected change, too-busy seasons of life, devastating grief, or distance from God. In this story, we empathize with the desperation Peter feels as he cries out, and we pray for God to save us when we sink.

This Lenten season—these 40 days leading to Easter—we are going to focus on the life and faith of Peter. After Jesus, he is the most frequently mentioned individual in the Gospels and New Testament. He is a consistent presence throughout Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves.

As we close out this series on living out our faith, may this story of Eutychus and the early church remind us that our journeys are not linear and that living in faith looks different, depending on the situation and time of our life. People do fall, and when they do, we as a community of faith are called to sit with them, celebrate their life, and be God’s loving presence.