“First, Jesus does not come back as a ghost. That is what all those eating-with-Jesus stories are about. The dead don’t eat. That he is often not recognized points to the metaphysical change which we are to expect at the End Time. The second point is that only believers can see Jesus.”
Sometimes, our moments of greatest challenge, are opportunities for the greatest witness to our faith
Luci and Jordan explore the life of Macrina the younger, the eldest sister in a remarkable family and a leading light of faith in her own right
“I light a candle and chant a favorite hymn. The sadness and anxiety that has lodged itself in my soul shakes loose and flows out of me with the music. I go for a walk, breathing deeply, acknowledging the springtime that is spreading through the world. In this moment I remember that I am not in charge; I am only your helper. The sticky pull of the world’s suffering eases a little. Living or dying, I give you my heart and my complete trust, O God.”
“Be a reflector for God in the world, continue to hope, work for mutual respect among people, and try to stay safe, for yourselves and those around you. Practice love, even toward those who are unloveable.”
A conversation with author and spiritual leader, Elaine Heath on the Christian tradition of “celebration,” especially in the midst of suffering.
When Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; what does that mean for us and how do we talk about that in the here and now?
“Julian’s visions, and the joy she got from them–not fear–became the impetus for her to cloister herself and get about the business of writing them down. It’s extraordinary that in a time in history in which ordinary life was dirty, brutal, and generally chronologically short, and Christianity is way more about sin, Hell-avoidance, penance, and flagellation, that Julian envisions a God whose fundamental DNA is love.”
“While some have interpreted Jesus as a gate being exclusionary, I am reminded that a gate works both ways. Jesus never excludes, but invites us into deeper fellowship, watching over us and encouraging us with his sheltering hand. As we have remained largely behind closed doors and gates these past many weeks, and for some time in the future, I also pray for those who do not have a door or gate to protect them.”
“God says God’s way is the way of truth and love. It requires humility – no, you are NOT God! It requires admitting that we are imperfect but there is a path toward greater holiness.”