The persons of the Trinity and how they relate may be a mystery, but the love they share in our communities faith is never a mystery. We dwell together with the divine community every time we gather.

Today we contemplate what the Holy Spirit is doing. While the work of the Holy Spirit may not be as explicit as it was in the 1st century, it is certainly active in all circumstances today, providing guidance and hope.

As we move forward and "return to normal," we are going to be looking around at new ways and opportunities of living into our Christian vocation. It is a call to balance anew presence and absence, just like the Apostles at Jesus' ascension.

Jesus calls us to friendship for the sake of the world. To “abide” in him, acting like he acted, loving how he loved. True friends put everything on the line for one another, because this is what Jesus did for us.

Our text from Acts has a surprising moment of witness as an unnamed man asks to be baptized. Nothing was going to get in the way of his faith, but not all are so fortunate, as markers of "other" can lead to deeper barriers and division.

Everyone wants to be known. Sometimes we're known for one thing, but today we celebrate that we are known by God in and through our relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We are members of the flock, which includes all people.

What evidence do we have that Jesus lives? Us! Our hands and lives are witnesses to the good news--now we just have to share our part of the story with others.

The resurrection is not the end of the story, but instead a new beginning. It disrupts our lives and points us back to God as we find new life each and every day through Christ.

When the world offers us scary moments filled with fear, we must take the lead of Mr. Roger's mother, and "Look for the helpers." Indeed, there are plenty of helpers to be found, even in the shadow of the cross.

Love doesn't seem very tangible compared with footwashing and the breaking of bread. But love is real, and sharing our love with others is what Jesus mandates we do.