Faithful Friends

One week from today is Good Friday. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday.  Our focus moves directly to the events the week before the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, for in the blinking of the eye, they will be upon us.  Jesus has stood strong in his mission throughout his public ministry, being opposed time and again for "breaking the law" or the traditions of the fathers. but his chasing of the money changers and raising of Lazarus revved up the ire of the Pharisees and Sadducees to the point of no return: Jesus must be eliminated.  Confrontations grow stronger, yet Jesus remains calm, continuing to instruct and enlighten and invite people to believe in him.  All of this reaches a climax with the trial and condemnation to death on the cross.  Not the end, however, for the mission reaches its fulfillment in the resurrection, which places the crown of final victory on him...and us.
In our own day, confrontations and opposition beset the Church everywhere, for her mission is not to conform to the mores of the times, but to enlighten us with the Truth, and help them see and accept God's great love and purpose of our creation. If we stand true to Jesus, we will suffer, and in some ways be condemned for our beliefs and convictions.  By our steadfast belief and stance we remain his faithful friends, perhaps foreseen by him throughout his passion.  As he stands by us, let us stand by him.
Bro. Rene