Unmerited Grace

 On December 7, 1941, Ens. Maurice was performing his duties when fighter planes flew overhead dropping bombs attacking and sinking ships.

He stayed at his post until his battleship was hit and he abandoned ship barely making it to safety.

In the Spring of 1995, a small group of Japanese people raising funds for a school asked to stay with members of our church.

Maurice was one of the members who housed them.

You know, what happened here is pretty amazing.

Maurice, who once barely survived an attack from Japanese planes during the war, later opened his home to a group of Japanese visitors.

By choosing kindness over old hurts, he showed how forgiveness can start with simple actions.

It’s proof that even small gestures—like welcoming someone—can help heal old wounds and bring people together.

This is what Christ’s reign really looks like in humility and sacrifice.

As Christians we are expected to extend God’s grace around us, even when it seems difficult.

Sometimes, when extending grace seems impossible and too costly, is when Christ on the cross becomes a challenge to reach beyond our comfort zone and offer mercy.

By embracing Christ’s radical call to love, we can transform spaces marked by pain and division into places of hope and restoration.

This assurance of grace is freely given empowers us to mend what has been broken and allows us to be active participants in the healing work of Christ.

Jesus’ Teaching on Uncertainty

Temple Remains

 As for these things that you see, 

the days will come when not one stone

 will be left upon another; 

all will be thrown down.”

They asked him, 

“Teacher, when will this be,

 and what will be the sign

 that this is about to take place?”

(from Luke 21:5-19)

There’s a story about a fourth-grade class that winning an attendance award. As a class they could vote between a homework pass for the day or bringing a stuffed animal to school.

Amazingly, they chose to bring a stuffed animal.

As one student explained, there’s no such thing as a homework pass because you might skip it today, but you still gotta learn it.

There’s a truth here: homework is inevitable, but school is unpredictable.

Homework guidelines are clear, but lunchroom rankings and playground bullying persist.

In the gospel, Jesus overhears a discussion about the beauty of the temple and the many offerings given there.

Instead of joining the conversation, Jesus shifts the focus to disasters ;  “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”, conflict, and persecution.

By the time this gospel was written, many of these troubling events had already happened.

The gospel’s purpose is not to predict the future, but to help people interpret the significance of these events—both for those who witnessed them and for future generations

There’s an unsettling truth in life: there’s no such thing as avoiding events that are both inevitable and unpredictable

So, how do Christians respond to these challenges, and where do we find refuge?

Jesus assures us God will provide the necessary words and wisdom while we endure the inevitable and unpredictable.  

Our God, the One who is unchanging and powerful, is present when we’re facing inevitable and unpredictable circumstances.

This promise offers comfort and guidance, reminding us that even in uncertain times, we are not alone.

A Whole New World

Cutting the Gordian Knot

 Jesus said to them, 

“Those who belong to this age 

marry and are given in marriage, 

but those who are considered worthy

 of a place in that age 

and in the resurrection from the dead

 neither marry nor are given in marriage.

(From Luke 20:27-38) 

King Gordius tied a famously complex knot that legend claimed only the future ruler of Asia could undo.

When Alexander tried but failed to untie the knot, he solved the puzzle by cutting through it with his sword.

That is pretty much what was going on when Jesus was confronted by some Sadducees.

The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection, so their question is really about the how unrealistic the whole concept is.

The Sadducees' beliefs stemmed from their reverence for scripture and their focus on legacy.

According to the Law of Moses, marriage and children keep a man’s name alive here on earth therefore a widow marrying her husband’s brother does that.

But if you don’t believe in the afterlife, your existence and time now are all that matters.

Jesus warns the Sadducees, giving advice that applies to everyone about the future.

 He points out that a whole new world is coming and will be different from today and won't follow our present traditions or habits.

Looking for clarity and assurance on their views, they have not seen the truth God has revealed

Responding to Jesus's invitation to see a whole new world enables us to interpret well-known Scriptures from a renewed perspective, recognizing God as the God of the living and increasing our knowledge of legacy and heritage.

By accepting our place in God’s story, we discover true fulfillment comes from living according to God’s purpose.

In this new world, instead of focusing on achievements or symbols, lasting meaning is found in growing through faith and hope.

Our legacy is not only what we leave behind, but how we become who God intends us to be.

Joel's Vision of Hope

Michelangelo Buonarroti,

 

“And afterward,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your old men will dream dreams,
    your young men will see visions."

(from Joel 2:23-32)

Why did God let this happen?

This past summer we experienced a record-breaking drought destroying fields of grain.

Devastating rainstorms followed with flash floods demolishing people’s homes.

Camp Mystic, a girls' camp on the Guadalupe River was hit in the middle of the night among devastating floods, killing 27 campers and counselors.

Clearly, we are in trouble as these natural disasters disrupt our daily lives.

The prophet Joel was asking the same question.

There was a violent invasion of locusts destroying people’s livelihood as the creatures laid waste to the crops.

A devastating fire swept the land devouring pastures and trees.

These disasters have caused severe financial and spiritual distress.

All this, Joel says, is punishment for not following God’s commandments.

We are suffering because we have been disobedient.

There will be a Day of the Lord.

On the coming Day of the Lord, God will intervene judging the wicked and blessing the righteous.

Therefore, people repent, turn again to God with fasting, weeping and mourning.

God’s Merciful Promise!

Joel then speaks the word of the Lord:

Be glad, people of Zion,
    rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
    because he is faithful.

And

Then afterward
    I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    your old men shall dream dreams,
    and your young men shall see visions.

This is a vision of hope.

During the coming drought, our faithful God will send the autumn rains.

No matter the calamity we are facing or living through, God will restore and bless the faithful.

Thanks be to God for this vision of hope!!!