When her husband was dying and life seemed absolutely out of control, Madeleine L'Engle wrote: "I will have nothing to do with a God who cares only occasionally. I need a God who is with us always, everywhere, in the deepest depths as well as the highest heights (
A Two Part Invention, p.124)."
It is, of course, the essential question: Does God care?
In this week's passage, Jesus is facing an unjust death, his disciples are threatened, and life is unraveling fast. But Jesus takes the opportunity to assure his disciples that they still belong to him, that he will not abandon them, and he will grant them the internal strength to face whatever life may throw at them.
You can read about it here.
Along with this promise, he says, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you."
The promise is that Jesus Christ will not abandon us. Not that he will save us from the storms, but that he will stay with us. It is the promise and the ministry of his presence, his complete identification with us, his assumption of our humanity, his incarnation, his becoming one of us.
This weekend, we'll explore this promise in depth and embrace the peace it can bring us. In addition, we'll enjoy an outstanding Lessons & Carols service at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary. It will be an exquisite day. Join us, and bring a friend.
Warmly,
