Christians may be tired of hearing this over and over, they seem to believe that they learned it long ago, but by the way they act I can clearly see that they barely understand how important it is.

A person asked Peter in Latin, quo vadis, Where are you going?

He shows his love for us by never abandoning us, never criticizing us, always praising us for our hard work.

He shows his love for us by never abandoning us, never criticizing us, always praising us for our hard work.

Judgement has already been rendered for the faithful by a merciful God. Now, we are given the freedom to live in the world with grace, and not with fear and danger!

Remembering past examples of God's love and faithfulness, rekindles faith in us and pleases God.

There's a big difference between having doubt, and not trusting in God's goodness.

I once heard a song on Minnesota Public Radio called “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen. The chorus begins, “I want a house with a crowded table, and a place by the fire for everyone.

When we think about stewardship, it’s so easy to become self-focused on how we use our time, our money, our talents, that we forget the core tenet of stewardship.

We hear it when a child or an adult is baptized. Maybe we hear it occasionally in a sermon. We certainly hear it in Paul’s letters. But what is it?

God is up to something, not just in our reading for today, but here in the present.

What would we make of these strange, cryptic messages? How long would we continue to follow Jesus as he heals, preaches, teaches, and communes with those on the fringes of society?

During these days of Lent, I invite you to share your story of Christ’s transforming love and power with a friend, a neighbor, or someone open to listening.

On this Ash Wednesday, may God’s gracious love guide us into Lent and deeper trust as we follow Jesus.

Real Holiness is not found at the top of a mountain, it is found in your place of work, in the place where you live, and amongst the people whom you love!