Jesus calls us to patience and preparation, in the midst of our eagerness to action.  The Book of Acts opens up with a brief recounting of the ascension of Jesus.  In this period between resurrection and Pentecost, we are given subtle instructions that help remind us that God’s timing is not our timings, and that God’s ways are not our ways.  It becomes an opportunity to exercise our patience and humility.

Sometimes, we feel as if having things removed in our lives will lead to a sense of loss or maybe even identity.  What if, in the context of being a part of the Body of Christ, it’s just the opposite?  What if pruning is just a way in which we are exposed to the fullness of relationship with God and others that we could not experience amidst all the “clutter” of our lives?

Like the Last Supper, Jesus uses the setting of the simple meal on the shore of the Galilee in order that they might remember the things they were taught when they walked with Jesus.  While Peter is instructed to “feed His sheep”, they might also have recalled that Jesus referred to himself as the “bread of life”.  What are we feeding ourselves, and one another?

We all hope for miracles at different times in our lives, and this day we celebrate the miracle that brings us all hope and eternal life! Rather than live as bound by fear and despair, we are now free to live a life of liberty joy!

The story of Lazarus seems to me to be an amazing example of Jesus compassion and understanding of human suffering. But his compassion also leads to others viewing him with distrust and fear. Might our compassion sometimes be viewed in the same way by others?.

Life presses people in tough ways. It is in these seasons that God wants us to stay awake and pray.

Our memories of the past can be our present prayer of “Do it again, Lord. Do it again.” There is no doubt that life will have challenges. May we face today in faith and with unity knowing that a change will come.