On this Easter weekend I am thinking about what I am called to do as a follower of Jesus. To me the most important thing I can do is love thy neighbor as myself. There are so many people who display their faith in such a proud and boastful way. I don’t think that is what Christ had in mind. As a believer I am told to pray in solitude and to fast without letting others know I am doing it.

In short faith is something best expressed in small, meaningful events and moments. A simple act of charity is more important than anything one could ever build or say. Faith is more important than works here. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and that set the example of humility and service that would span space and time.

I reject the evangelical movement that wants to be more religious than to love. We live in a time when love, peace, charity and grace are needed more than ever. So many people are on the fringes and I believe those folks have a place of God’s table. Too many people need to belong to something and I say why not the family of God.

As you have seen in previous posts I embrace LGBTQ people and in the modern context of faith I believe they have a place in eternity. Inasmuch as racism, poverty, sexism and homophobia have been on the rise lately I think Jesus shakes his head and sheds tears because people are not loving people as he said we should. His death on a cross was an example of how much we should love as He loved humanity.

Easter should be about a new beginning that is available to ALL not SOME. The fundamental thing we should focus on is God’s love and everything else will take care of itself. For God so loved the world has meaning. Pray without ceasing means a constant contact with the creator. Love thy neighbor as thyself is the most powerful of commandments, not suggestions.

So as we come to Easter Sunday know that I love you as my brothers and sisters. I pray for you all that you have comfort and community in this season. I think this season is about coming together and celebrating goodness and light and most importantly the Christ of the universe. Blessings to each of you.