“When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human One has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately. Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer. You will look for me—but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now—‘Where I’m going, you can’t come.’ “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”” (John 13:31–35, CEB)
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A command to love seems simple, yet bears repeating, because through the ages we have shown
a tendency toward favoring the opposite -- hate and division.
Although loving another is inherently attractive, adding substance to supportive unity,
it may be harder to assume, imagine, envision.
Endeavoring and earnest, emphasized by a helping hand, and heartening grin,
God enables a responsive attitude, to dignify, raise, another’s chin.
After all,
it’s a call.
Embodied, despite political spin,
beyond our nature to lose, or to win,
overcoming hate, division, and sin,
challenging, cherishing, crowning the din…
short, medium, tall; ample, midsized, thin;
loving action, ties us in
as social, spiritual, kin.
Pastor Rich Wagner
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May 15, 2022 Fifth Sunday after Easter
Worship 9:30 AM
Scripture Readings:
New Testament Revelation 21:1–6
Gospel John 13:31–35