As disciples in the School of Christ we are not to be controlled by anxiety, worry or fear for the future.  Rather we are invited to live under the sheltering presence of God who cares and provides for us on a daily basis from his abundant treasure houses.

Jesus invites us to exchange our burdens and agitated mindset and receive the peace, rest and equanimity that flows from his loving heart.  We are invited to become a part of the ‘Jesus team’ that offers shalom to a peaceless world.

The first lesson in the School of Christ is to hear and respond to the invitation of Jesus.  Our response begins with the act of repenting or turning to God.  It speaks of a complete re-orientation of how we live our lives - a continual turning to Jesus so that he becomes our true compass orientation. 

As we launch into 2019 we are encouraged to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  It is his name which we write on the banner over our hearts as we embrace the days of the coming year.

The incarnation of Christ plants the seed of the world's re-creation - indeed in Christ all things are made new! As a result, we travel forward in hope, confidence, and the assurance of God's loving and compassionate presence.

Paul rejoices that we have become children of God through the gift of God’s son who has worked for our redemption and adoption into the family of God.

Simeon's song is a song of letting go and opening up to God. He lives his life by leaning on the Holy Spirit at all times. He seeks to be in tune with God and because of this does not miss his "kairos' moment which fills him with peace and joy.

Mary's magnificat is a powerful message that God's perspective does not support the prevailing mores of competition and power-over models that are commonplace in our day. Rather God is on the side of the marginalized and works to restore, uplift and enliven all the peoples of the earth.

The compelling story of the Good Samaritan raises the question of ‘Who is our neighbor?’ As we hear the story we are invited to reach beyond our own ‘group’ and to show the love and compassion of Christ to all who cross our paths.

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man reminds us of the import of receiving the Word of God and not being side-tracked by unnecessary distractions or pursuing a life of pleasure and personal comfort.  We have a deeper calling and that is to be attentive to the Spirit of God and to our participation in the Kingdom rule of compassion and love.