As the disciples try to figure out what resurrection living looks like, they are invited, over and over again, to recognize that they are a part of something bigger than themselves, something bigger that God is up to. 

The forty days of Lent, including the customs associated with the discipline of sacrifice, came about in imitation of the period which Jesus spent in the desert immediately following his baptism and the announcement that God’s favor rested on this servant. The sequence of events may help us to understand Jesus’ retreat a little more deeply.

I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me not to get caught up in my awe for someone like Absalom Jones. How did he do it? Bear the abuse? Keep the faith? Not punch someone in the face? Like, a lot.

As the church, we have a responsibility to participate in these conversations about prophets. They are a part of our tradition while also connecting us to other religious traditions.

The hardest thing for Jonah to swallow in this story is God’s mercy to those Jonah was 100% sure were lousy, totally undeserving people.  He basically hated it when God got all loving, forgiving, and merciful to others. And the uncomfortable truth is we tend to think the same way-that God should definitely love and forgive us, but really should take a firm line with others.

Jesus’ baptism story is essentially the story of Jesus joining us in the mud- hopping in the pit and wallowing right along with us.

 Mary was keenly aware that God invites each of us to participate in the great and eternal mystery of life- in God’s project.