Forty days after the resurrection Jesus ascended. His ascent was not a departure from the earth. Jesus ascended in order to fill the universe. He is in his rightful place as King of all the universe. 

Happy Mothers’ Day and a reminder about the resurrection of Jesus. 

The women at the tomb were disoriented when they discovered the missing body of Jesus. When they remembered how Jesus told the first disciples this would happen, they were reoriented to following Jesus announcing the resurrection to the twelve.. Likewise, Martha questioned Jesus about his late arrival and the loss of her brother, Lazarus. Jesus reminded her of who he was which reoriented her to the reality of resurrection now and the end of days sooner not later. 

Disorientation is a normal experience for those who commit to following Jesus. Remembering how Jesus said what he said is one way to face our uncertainties and to continue our journey of faith. 

The woman at the empty tomb “wondered.” They were at a loss about the absence of the body of Jesus which they helped place in the tomb on Friday afternoon. There are times when following Jesus brings us to a place of uncertainty. How do we move through these times? 

How grateful we are for the women in the Gospel story and in the life of the church.

King Jesus, we acknowledge you as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We cry out to you for help. Help us, Jesus, with our present, everyday fears. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Jesus in the wilderness is central to the church's season of Lent. Why is that? 

The answer is found in the first 100 years of the church.

The unfolding story of our community is a tale to be told. Our vision is larger than our resources. What do we do? 

First, we will return to our Christian roots and fast on either Wednesday or Friday. Our fast will include petition for our Father's provision for our community.

Second, we will send out a crowd source funding invitation for all our friends. 

In these ways we hope to receive the resources to enlarge our garden for the sake of our neighbors who visit our monthly food pantry. Plus we want to continue to provide a safe place for our at-risk families in need of shelter.

Why did the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness? Why did Jesus endure temptations in the Wilderness? 

The third glimpse of glory seen by John and the first disciples im Jerusalem was the lame man healed at the pool of Bethsaida. What are the glimpses of glory seen in this account?

God appeared in humanity. Jesus is the Word who became flesh and who radiated the glory of divinity. We now can see God when we look at Jesus!