The God who comes to us comes to us as a Person. This truth means that God is not only the Creator of the universe but also a compassionate, merciful presence who speaks to our hearts & minds directly. We see this played out beautifully in Gods call to Abram to strike out on a journey of faith and Abrams response of a dynamic yes to leave his country in search of the Promised land.

We also are called to sojourn with God and say our yes to his overtures of love and his invitation to vocation and meaningful living.Watch at: https://youtu.be/VMUzWgsMvmg

God reveals himself to us as a God who continually comes towards us and is present within his creation. The theological word for this truth is immanence. As a result, we are called to pay attention and discern the movement of Gods Spirit within his created world. If we are disciplined in this spiritual practice and live with open eyes, we will recognize Gods presence in all expressions of life, light, and most of all in love.Watch at: https://youtu.be/EoQWJLlzVH4

The women go to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus but they are worried about who will move the stone away from the tomb's entrance. When they arrive they find the stone already has been shifted aside and hear from an angel that Jesus is risen! Not only that, they receive the commission to go and tell Jesus' disciples that he will meet them in Galilee. It is a word of joy but the women are fearful and say nothing to anyone. Similarly, we are often bound by our fears and refuse the joy of the resurrection that Christ offers us. The encouragement is to rise up above our insecurities and embrace the true hope that is ours through the present risenness of Jesus as Lord of our lives.Watch at: https://youtu.be/x95_3IjXGJI

In each of the synoptic Gospels Jesus tells the parable of a landowner who builds a vineyard and leases it out to tenants to run. The parable acts as an allegory of Israel's relationship with Yahweh and parallels the religious establishment's rejection of Jesus. The parable concludes with the statement that the vineyard will be given to new tenants who will bear the fruit of the kingdom. As such we are invited to enter God's vineyard and bear fruit for him through word and deed as we enter into a relationship of love with His Son, Jesus Christ.Watch at: https://youtu.be/teWAYTSSyIc

Jesus enters Jerusalem sitting on a humble donkey to decry the popular understanding of a political Messiah who will drive out the Roman invadors. Instead Jesus speaks of an interior kingdom where one meets God "within" then flowing out in a stream of love, peace and joy.Watch at: https://youtu.be/-JnSBzyNCRg

James has been concerned about the unhealthy communication patterns within the Jerusalem Church as evidenced in grumbling, complaining and petty criticism. Instead he wants the church to practice healthy speech patterns which are manifested in prayerful, loving relationships. Problems will arise but reconciliation takes place through the practice of love as John of the Cross affirms, "Where there is no love put love and you will find love."Watch at: https://youtu.be/DoA0xUo7KOE

As James is moving towards the conclusion of his letter he encourages his community along three lines:

Be patient

Dont grumble

Strengthen your heart

All three exhortations speak to practical issues that shape the life of the community of faith - then and now.Watch at: https://youtu.be/1ApP4m0MgaM

God created us for himself. The God of love desires to be in intimate relationship with us. Now and forever more. Indeed we are invited to become his friends even as Abraham was called a friend of God. In light of these truths James exhorts us to not become tied up in dissension and frustration but to draw near to God who draws near to us this means live in love, peace, hope, and joy. Yes, even joy! Because the eternal Lover of our souls binds us to himself for all time.Watch at: https://youtu.be/JD1WeqI6TzE

In the Gospels Jesus says that the greatest commandment is to love God and your neighbour as yourself. James agrees with Jesus and calls it "The Royal Law". The Royal law is the law of love. It is a law that does not allow for any form of prjudice, hatred or descrimitation. As such the Royal Law ramins central to the Christian tradition calling us to reject any nuance of racism and pursue the path of justice and equality for every person under God's sun.Watch at: https://youtu.be/4Yq5OHqPbEw

Frederick Buechner reminds us that "many people think that religion is a good thing as long as you don't take it too seriously." James does not agree with this popular understanding (nor does Buechner!) Rather, receiving the "implanted word" of God is the most serious thing one can do. Hearing and doing the word is what gives us life and enables us to live wise and blessed lives before our Creator God.Watch at: https://youtu.be/nx1rKDBBJ0U