Joy is much sought after in all times and in all places. For this reason, in our day, countless books and many self-help seminars offer the secret to finding and experiencing joy. Unfortunately, they all fall short of offering a joy that is a forever joy and a fierce-able-to-endure-anything joy.
Everlasting and Enduring Joy Read More »
Father, You have safely brought us to the beginning of this day. Defend us in the same with You mighty power and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger, but that all our doings, being ordered by Your governance, may be righteous in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Most celebrations in our world last a few hours–or in the case of some great professional sports win, maybe a week. Here in church we have celebrated Easter for seven Sundays–a week of weeks! The Easter season concludes today with powerful words from Jesus. He is praying for His people in the world–for us! His prayer for us is at the same time comforting and challenging: “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one” (John 17:11). How comforting it is to know that Jesus’ prayer is for the Father to hold on to us no matter what. How challenging it is–in light of the ways that we divide and scatter–that Jesus wants His followers to be one. Today, in Holy Communion, we catch a glimpse of both. The Lord holds on to us by drawing us together to receive Christ’s body and blood; at the same time, we who gather to receive are in that moment one, a foretaste of the feast to come. The Lord is risen! What a celebration!
Resurrection Witness Read More »
O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
In a round world, how might we fit…as square pegs? Jesus’ words both enlighten and empower us.
