When it comes to spirituality there are faithful people who are “true optimists.” That is, they demonstrate a “peace of mind that passes all understanding.”
I suspect these folks would embrace a phrase what John Dear once wrote: “Even as we enter that life of peace, we are transformed; we discover a wholeness, a joy, a presence not of this world…nothing could be more exciting, more challenging, or more meaningful than such a life as pursuing the depths of peace and witnessing to a better world.”
I wonder, do you have a favorite phrase or Biblical passage? One of my favorite Biblical passages is from the Psalms: “Be still and know that I am God.” This passage reminds me that Christ is present in our lives and that I can turn my life over to God.
Throughout my life’s journey I am reminded that with the power of the Holy Spirit we are interconnected with our siblings in Christ here and throughout the world. Held lovingly by God with them we proclaim the joy of our Lord! With them we prayerfully and faithfully participate in Christ’s mission. With them, even in the most difficult moments, we can take a deep breath and gather ourselves knowing we are in God’s hands…knowing that God will sustain us. Knowing this we boldly step out prayerfully in faith as we share the burdens and joys of all God’s children.
I know it would be easier to simply be silent than boldly speaking against, say, injustice and inequity. But being silent or apathetic is not how God creates us to be. As Christians we understand that to be silent can deny space for God to work…to openly and publicly dwell among us. I believe God creates us to speak. And to speak loudly. We are to proclaim the Good News by our words and actions…we are not to hide under a bushel basket.
Being in ministry with you, I am filled with hope and with optimism. I pray you are as well. For gathered by God we are continually exposed to our new lives in Christ. We are made whole in Christ. That is what God does to and for us in the resurrected Christ. As Christians we embrace the good news that God in Christ opens new opportunities for you and I to experience that we may share God’s renewing work within our lives as well as throughout creation.
Christ’s Peace be with you,
Pastor Steve