Like us, the Israelites became cranky when stressed. While God always hears your prayers, complaining and focusing on the negative is not your best course of action…
Greetings, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I wish to dive deep into a theme that is at the very heart of our faith—the cross. Through scripture and experience, we find that the cross isn't merely a symbol but a profound pathway to our redemption and salvation.
Reflections from the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, we journey with the Israelites in the wilderness. These are the very people God delivered from slavery in Egypt through Moses. Yet, in the face of hardship, they questioned God's intentions. Complaints filled the air about the quality of food, a glaring display of impatience with God’s plan.
As humans, we often find ourselves echoing the Israelites' sentiments. When moments of difficulty arise, our faith wavers. The Israelites' rebellion brought a consequence—venomous snakes. When confronted with their mistakes, the Israelites repented, and God, in His mercy, provided them a way to be healed—a serpent on a stick, a precursor to the salvation we find through the cross.
The Wisdom of the Cross
Paul, once a persecutor of believers, underwent a profound transformation and bore witness to the wisdom of the cross. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, he tells us, "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."
The cross, paradoxically seen as a symbol of death, becomes the symbol of life's victory. It teaches us that it’s through God’s wisdom, not human understanding, that we come to know Him.
Jesus Christ: Our Path to Salvation
The familiar verse, John 3:16, often reminds us of God's immense love. However, we must also remember verse 17: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." Christ embodied love, sacrifice, and salvation, showing us the way through His life, death, and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
This journey compels us to ponder several questions:
- What is your relationship with the cross?
- Who truly is the person hanging on the cross?
- Do you believe in the power of the resurrection?
- Do you have faith in the salvation freely offered when you look upon the cross?
These reflections challenge us to deepen our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, the Savior.
Conclusion
As I conclude, I urge each of us to embrace the cross as our symbol of salvation. Let our days be filled with the recognition of its significance and the urgency of proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. Indeed, our Lord Jesus Christ came to save us, not condemn us. It's upon us to open our hearts to Him—confessing His sovereignty and embracing the salvation He offers in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
As I stood before my congregation, the weight of my words began to sink in. This isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring change and nurturing faith. Today, I invite you on a journey through a profound message, one that encourages us to prioritize the Kingdom of God in our lives.
A Call to Surrender
"Unto Jesus, I surrender all." These powerful words echo the essence of our spiritual journey. As we begin, let us bow our heads in prayer: "Lord our God, you left everything to accomplish your mission of salvation. Teach us to prioritize your kingdom, we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Understanding Our Mission
Drawing inspiration from the stories of Jeremiah and Isaiah, we are reminded of God's mission. Jeremiah was tasked with planting, uprooting, building, and destroying to fulfill God's plan. Similarly, God shapes us like a potter molds clay. It's the parents' role, symbolically, to mold their children. Even when we deviate, the love of God and our parents never leaves us. This is God’s unwavering mission—to mold us into the vessel He intended.
The Insightful Psalm
Psalm 139 resonates deeply: "Lord, you have searched me out and know me." He understands our hearts, our decisions, even before they unfold. This intimate knowledge should drive us to remain faithful to His mission.
Reflecting on the Epistles
Paul, often calling himself a prisoner of Christ, exemplifies selfless devotion. In sending back Onesimus to his master, Paul underscores the transformation that faith inspires, turning a slave into a brother in Christ. This symbolizes the church's role in fostering unity and love, breaking the chains that bind us, whether physical or spiritual.
Following Jesus Despite Challenges
We seek comfort and sustenance, but Jesus calls us to something greater—discipleship. It’s not merely about following Him; it’s about committing wholly. True discipleship comes with challenges—it asks us to prioritize His mission over personal desires, even when it means carrying our own cross, much like Jesus did on His journey to Jerusalem.
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Discipleship demands sacrifice. Jesus challenges us to put aside our closest ties and personal gains. It's about choosing Him over worldly possessions and comfort—a difficult choice, yet essential. Simultaneously, Jesus urges us to embody the qualities of good salt, enhancing the lives we touch.
The Heart of Jesus’ Teaching
Ultimately, every aspect of Jesus’ teaching points us toward one truth: prioritize the Kingdom of God. Whether deciding on material possessions or spiritual pursuits, His message is clear—we must seek first the kingdom, for everything else will follow.
The Choice is Yours
As I reflect, Joshua's words resonate: "For me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The choice is before us, as it was for Israel. If we choose the Lord, we choose life eternal. Our journey isn’t about discarding everything but ensuring our focus remains on God’s kingdom.
In conclusion, surrendering all to Jesus allows everything to fall into place. Let the Kingdom of God be your focus, and in doing so, you’ll find that everything else is added unto you. Seek first His kingdom, and watch your life transform in unimaginable ways.
May the grace of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with us all.
Let us begin with a prayer: Oh Lord God, let your ancient words dwell in us so that we may know your will and set people free. Amen.
The Power of Ancient Words
Today, I reflect on the timeless power of ancient scriptures. Just as the song we sung echoes, these are words that connect us through history, guiding us on how to live and be free. In today’s gospel, we find ourselves in the synagogue alongside Jesus, where His teachings resonate with profound clarity.
Confronting Oppression and Tradition
The story brings to light a woman crippled for 18 long years. She is bent so much that she can't look people in the eye, evoking images of conditions we still see today—afflictions of the bones. Back in ancient times, such ailments were often attributed to evil spirits.
In many traditional villages, it's often the elderly women who are mistakenly labeled as witches merely due to their age or physical ailments. People avoid them, refuse their kindness, all driven by fear. Yet, this woman braves societal labels and seeks healing in the synagogue—drawn to the promise of Jesus.
A Calling Beyond Order
Jesus notices her without needing her to shout or plead. He knows her struggle. A life oppressed, similar to our forefathers in Egypt, bound in chains making bricks without straw until God intervened through Moses. Jesus confronts the evil, saying, "You have been set free." It's an act that transcends tradition. Tradition should not bind us into slavery but evolve with us, freeing us to thrive.
Compassion Over Ritual
Imagine a situation at work where you feel ignored by someone meant to assist you. It mirrors the synagogue caretaker, obsessed with rules over love. Are we serving God’s law or merely following human customs devoid of compassion? The true essence of the Sabbath is love, not just ritual.
Addressing Urgent Human Needs
There are instances where adherence to tradition may hinder addressing urgent human needs. Let’s envision a scenario where someone in distress approaches you on a Sunday, seeking assistance. Can we delay their suffering? Or must we act with compassion, offering our help even if it interrupts our ritualistic observances? Jesus reminds us that service to others is the higher calling.
A Mother's Love
Reflect upon a child seeking a mother’s attention amidst her prayers. The mother is caught between spiritual discipline and attending to her child's needs. It’s a parallel of priorities — serving God through formal prayer or embodying His compassion by addressing a child’s immediate need. Thus, the lesson remains: love and humanity must guide us.
A Call to Compassionate Living
The Sabbath is a day to manifest God's righteousness and love. We are to carry this spirit into our everyday lives. The gospel tells us that even without asking, God knows our needs and helps those suffering silently. We are created in His image and called to exhibit His compassion and mercy. Even when people take advantage of our kindness, we lose nothing by offering love abundantly.
Making Every Day a Sabbath
The true essence of the Sabbath lies not just in rest but in the active pursuit of setting people free through love. As we embrace each day with compassion, we fulfill a divine purpose, helping others witness God’s good works. Let’s make each day sacred, ensuring that we offer freedom and compassion, touching lives to dwell in the wisdom of these ancient words.
In the spirit of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen.
For good or ill, fire transforms. It cooks our food, lays waste our forests, smelts our metals. In this message, I share the lessons from the prophet Isaiah, the transformative power of fire as a metaphor for spiritual purification, and the importance of perseverance and faith amid challenges.
Let’s delve into this significant aspect of our spiritual journey.
The Triune God: A Source of Strength
The concept of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is central to our faith. Each plays a crucial role in our lives. The Father, as our Creator, provides an overarching care and love that envelops us in every aspect of our existence. The Son, Jesus, symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice and the path of redemption. Lastly, the Holy Spirit acts as our guide and comforter, constantly present in our daily challenges and joys.
In calling upon the Triune God, we unequivocally affirm our faith in divine intervention and leadership. This is a personal belief I hold strongly, and I am grateful for the profound peace it brings to me.
Living with Faith in God’s Protection
Acknowledging the protection that God offers isn’t passive acceptance. It’s an active choice to live in a way that aligns with God’s teachings and love. When we decide to live under His protection, we open ourselves to incredible transformation.
Faith doesn’t shield us from life’s challenges, but it equips us with the strength to overcome them. Our journey is made lighter knowing that we are not alone; God is our shepherd, leading us to paths of righteousness.
A Communal Expression: The Power of ‘Our Amen’
The closing phrase—our Amen—is more than a conclusion. It’s a commitment to God’s word and a communal declaration of faith. It’s a reminder that we are all connected through our shared belief and that our spiritual journey is one of unity. Together, we stand, strengthened by our collective faith and devotion to God’s path.
In closing, I encourage you to reflect on this message in your daily life. Remember that with God’s protection and guidance, we are never alone. Let us transcend our individual struggles through the strength found in our unity as believers, and let our lives mirror the grace and leadership of the divine Triune God.
Conclusion: Carrying the Message Forward
My prayer is that this message of divine guidance will serve as a beacon for you. As you navigate through the challenges and triumphs of your life, embrace the protection and leadership offered by God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let this assurance guide your actions and thoughts, leading you to a life of peace and fulfillment. Amen.
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As we reflect on our place in the world and our responsibilities to one another, I am reminded of how peace begins with our smallest actions. Whether we're checking in on an elder who lives alone or welcoming a newcomer with dignity, our everyday choices shape the world we live in. True peace is forged not only on a grand scale but also in how we handle conflicts at home, in how we choose to parent our children, and in opting for forgiveness over retaliation. These paths may be difficult, but this is what we are called to do.
Embracing the New Self
In his letter to the Colossians, Saint Paul invites us to don a new self, defined by the righteousness of Christ. This represents our ultimate liberation—not merely from physical chains or restrictive systems but from everything within us that distorts our humanity, such as bitterness, prejudice, greed, and pride. We are called to break down the old barriers that divide us.
A New Kind of Family
We belong to a new family that transcends the labels of Greek or Jew, slave or free, and emerges as one people bearing the image of God. As we celebrate emancipation, we're reminded of a profound truth: God's love remains steadfast even when we falter in our faithfulness. True freedom goes beyond the physical—it's moral, spiritual, and deeply communal.
Living with Purpose
We are called to resist the idols of wealth, comfort, and ego. Instead, we should live differently, clothe ourselves with Christ, and strive to build a community that reflects these values. The work of emancipation is ongoing. It lives on in how we raise our children, honor our stories, challenge injustice, and practice hope through daily acts of mercy and bravery.
Building a Legacy
The legacy of emancipation continues in the bonds we create, the communities we nurture, and the unity we seek. We should avoid living like the man who hoarded for himself only to die without truly living. Instead, let us be rich toward God—rich in compassion, generosity, truth, service, memory, and vision. Let us build a world infused with the justice and mercy of God as we remember those who walked before us, guided not by fear or pride but by humility and the holy fire of God's liberating spirit.
May this spirit guide us today as we honor God and live in His freedom. Amen.
Welcome, everyone. Today, I want to share a message that is close to my heart, one that I have pondered over countless times. It’s about the importance of prioritizing our spiritual lives over material desires, about seeking God’s kingdom first. This is a call to live with intentionality, integrity, and a focus on what truly matters.
The Power of Spiritual Priority
We all have desires and aspirations, such as financial stability or personal achievements. But no material gain should come at the expense of our spiritual well-being. The kingdom of God should be our final destination. It's a place of unending joy, peace, and communion with the saints and our loved ones who have gone before us.
Living with Intentionality
Our daily petitions should prioritize peace, compassion, and authenticity. It's crucial to choose a life that mirrors God’s teachings, to strive for holiness and moral integrity. A life centered on God’s kingdom is a life well-lived. Scriptures remind us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, as everything else will be added to us. As we prioritize this, we place God at the helm, much like a pilot leading a plane.
Understanding Our Forebears
Before the advent of Christianity, our forefathers worshiped God in their ways. They sought balance, avoided abominable practices, and maintained a spiritual connection with the divine. This history reminds us that prioritizing spirituality isn’t new; it’s ingrained in us to seek and maintain a relationship with God beyond physical confines.
Humility and Wisdom
Let’s turn to the example of Solomon, who understood that physical intelligence could never surpass divine wisdom. He asked God for wisdom to lead his kingdom, a testament to the understanding that only through spiritual depth can we truly thrive. Today, we must emulate this by seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives.
Facing Challenges with Faith
We face challenges, battles not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. To withstand this, we’re called to put on the armor of God, to live by faith and prioritize spirituality. Emulating Christ means moving beyond intellectual beliefs to living a life deeply rooted in faith.
Choosing a Life Led by the Spirit
I challenge us to choose spirituality over worldly attractions. The Spirit gives life; the flesh leads to downfall. Joshua 24:15 invites us to choose whom we will serve, and I urge us all to choose God. In doing so, we not only live with purpose but also ensure eternal life.
Conclusion
As we go into the world this coming week, let us live by God's word and Spirit, casting aside the flesh’s temptations. Let us pray for strength to fulfill this commitment, thankful for the guidance of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In humility and faith, we shall journey together towards a life prioritized by our spirituality. Amen.
As I stand before you today, surrounded by familiar faces and a community that has become like family, I find it both a privilege and a bittersweet moment to bid farewell to Father Theodore Hunt and his family. Over the past eight years, Father Hunt has been an integral part of our lives at the Church of St. Stephen Downsview. His wisdom, humor, and dedication have touched us all deeply.
Honoring Father Theodore and His Family
Our journey today begins with reflections from our beloved Sunday School, led by the youthful voices who hold the future of our faith. They shared heartfelt messages of gratitude, underscoring the joy and lessons imbibed from Father Hunt. We are reminded that while paths may diverge, God's love remains our guide.
Throughout the day, we heard from various community members who share Father Hunt's passion for fostering interpersonal relationships. Brother David from the Sierra Leonean community and Ms. Cheryl Prescod from the Black Creek Community Health Center offered words of thanks, highlighting Father Hunt's seamless integration into our diverse community, transforming mere acquaintances into familial bonds.
The Church Leadership's Tribute
Representatives from the wardens and other ministries shared their appreciation for Father Hunt. They spoke of his unwavering commitment to nurturing our parish, his ability to inspire through his sermons, and the personal touch he brought to every aspect of church life. Father Hunt didn't just minister to us; he walked with us, celebrating joys and offering solace in times of need.
A Musical Farewell
The choir and music ministry underscored the deep impact Father Hunt has had on us. His unique ability to lead without a glance at the hymn sheet and his incredible memory are matched only by his authentic and heartfelt participation in every service.
Personal Reflections
As this event unfolded, I stood as a witness to Father Hunt's influence, echoing the sentiments expressed throughout the day. Relationships built here are real and lasting, and as Father Hunt transitions to a new community at Christchurch, Brampton, his presence will be missed greatly.
A Final Blessing and Gratitude
In conclusion, Father Hunt blessed us with words of gratitude, reminding us that relationships formed here are genuine. As we say farewell, we do so knowing that his time with us has not only been a chapter in his life but also an indelible mark on ours. It is with heartfelt thanks and blessings that we let him go, praying for continued success and divine guidance as he embarks on this new journey.
Let us continue to love and serve one another as we have been taught, welcoming new members with open arms, and witnessing the transformative power of faith and community.
Good morning, dear readers. I am excited to connect with all of you once again as we gather to reflect upon a powerful message from John's Gospel, chapter 13, verses 34 to 35. These verses remind us of a new commandment from Jesus, urging us to love one another just as He has loved us. In doing so, the world will know we are His disciples.
The Context of Love
In our Gospel reading today, we find ourselves in the intimate setting of the upper room, where Jesus shares His final meal with His disciples before His betrayal. It is a somber time, filled with anticipation and uncertainty about the future. In the midst of this gathering, Jesus performs the humble act of washing His disciples' feet. This gesture serves as a profound example of the selfless love He calls us to embody.
Navigating Life's Transitions
We've all faced moments of transition in life—times when we move from the familiar to the unknown. Whether it's the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, marriage, or changes in our careers, these periods can be challenging. Yet, in these moments, we seek things that anchor us—our identity, values, and beliefs. Jesus provides us with this anchor through His commandment to love one another, offering us stability amidst life's uncertainties.
The Love of Jesus
The love Jesus speaks of is no ordinary love. It's not merely affection, but a profound, selfless act of serving others with empathy and humility. His love is unconditional and seeks the ultimate good for all of us. It's a transformative love, encouraging repentance and faith. This divine love, rooted in self-giving, distinguishes followers of Christ.
Challenges in Loving Like Christ
Despite the simplicity of this commandment, history shows us how difficult it is to truly love others as Christ loves us. We often become self-focused, distracted by our own lives, and lose sight of the needs of those around us. Our challenge is to look beyond our cultural, social, and economic lenses and embrace others with Christ-like love.
The Importance of Community
In the early days of Christianity, the apostles' love for one another was a beacon of light in the darkness. Their selfless acts drew others to them naturally, without the need for grand gestures. By living in genuine love and service, we too can attract others to the faith by our example.
Our Call to Love
As I reflect on Jesus' impending departure, I see the urgency in His message to His disciples—a message that is equally relevant to us today. We are called to embody the love of Jesus, caring for one another not out of obligation but because it is the essence of God's love. This kind of love is transformative for both us and the world around us.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Friends, I encourage you to look at those in your life as gifts from God. Cherish these relationships and strive to love and serve each person, upholding their highest good. Remember, even our enemies are gifts, just as Jesus shared the table with Judas. May we pray for the wisdom, will, and strength to follow Jesus' example, glorifying our Savior through our selfless love.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray together: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, whose son taught us that every service done for others' sake is done for Him. Give us the wisdom, the will, and the strength to be living examples of this truth that in serving one another, we may glorify Him who is our Savior and our Lord. Amen.
Good morning, everyone. Today, I welcome you to Palm Sunday as we embark on the Holy Week. As we gather, I want to share some words from Luke’s Gospel, chapter 23, verse nine: “Herod questioned Jesus at length, but Jesus gave no answer.” This Palm Sunday marks a significant moment in Jesus’s journey, his final entry into Jerusalem, which was greeted with fanfare and anticipation.
The Contrasting Crowds
Many who followed Jesus believed this would be the moment he overthrew the Roman authorities to liberate God’s people. Others hoped for a miraculous sign proving his Messiahship. But what began with triumphant cries of “Hosanna” quickly turned into shouts of “Crucify him.” Jesus faced a sham trial, His innocence acknowledged by Pilate and Herod, yet succumbed to the crowd’s will. Even then, Jesus took the place of the guilty, exemplifying his sacrifice.
Zooming Out: Understanding the Bigger Picture
Let us take a moment to step back and comprehend the larger narrative at play. In doing so, we gain clarity on what it means to journey with Jesus in his suffering. The incarnation—God taking human form—was for our reconciliation. Jesus, in humble obedience, embraced suffering and death. Paul’s letter to the Philippians beautifully encapsulates this: Jesus was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
The Courage to Endure
We often say, “I’ll do it, even if it kills me,” expressing determination. Yet, rarely do we expect true peril. For Jesus, this was literal. His determination demonstrates true courage—doing what’s right, even at a great cost. Through this, we learn that God’s boundless love pursued our salvation despite suffering.
Silent Witness: Endurance and Persecution
Jesus’s silence in the face of false accusations stands as a profound witness. He did not retaliate but let his life testify to God’s truth. This silence invites us to a deeper faith; it’s not about refraining from words but about trusting God’s justice and embracing his will, even amidst suffering.
The Call to Obedience
This obedience isn’t learned in moments of trial but cultivated throughout our Christian walk. Through Jesus’s teachings, such as in the Sermon on the Mount, we understand the blessing in persevering through persecution. Jesus’s journey from Palm Sunday to Easter reflects meekness, not weakness—a deference to God’s will.
Reflecting on Our Journey
As we reflect, I encourage each of us to examine how our lives mirror the obedience of Jesus. In daily choices, are we willing to take up the cross of obedience, even if it means personal sacrifice? Navigating this world, remaining true to Christ’s teachings is challenging, yet essential.
An Encouragement for Believers
I conclude with encouragement from the letter to the Hebrews, reminding us to consider the endurance of Jesus. In our struggles against sin, the discipline of the Lord teaches us. As children of God, carrying the palm crosses we receive today symbolizes our allegiance and journey with Jesus. Let us mindfully carry this symbol from now until the next season of Lent.
Luke tells us that John went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin. As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Over the last year and about two months, the world’s attention has been captivated by what are perhaps the two major conflicts of the world. The war between Russia and Ukraine, and the war between the Israeli government and Hamas. The reality is that neither of these wars started in this generation. Their roots, originating from that original offense, go back for many generations. Some nations and people have been fighting for so long that they probably can’t even remember what they were really fighting for anymore. We just know that we are at war.
It takes real effort to remember an offense over many generations because it requires intentionality in holding a grudge. It requires intentionality to hand on unforgiveness, to teach those coming after us what those who have gone before us have done, in a way that engenders a desire for vengeance, even against their descendants. You didn’t do me anything, but your father’s father’s father’s father’s father did, and so you’re going to bear the brunt.
Transforming Our Path
Where does it all end? How do we stop this moving train? Or at least, how do we change its course or direction? While it may be easy for us to ask such questions about external wars, it is much more challenging for us as the people of God to address the questions of such wars which rage within us. That is the internal struggle over whether we strive to walk more and more in the light of Christ and in communion and fellowship with his body, the church, or whether we continue to try to do things our own way, on our own terms in this life, and to try to go it alone. Because that’s the war that rages within each and every one of us.
The Challenge of Identity
It is both ironic and devastatingly sad that many nations and peoples continue to fight, even to this day, against other nations. They’ve invested so much in the cause—so much into this conflict—that stopping feels impossible. The conflict has become such an integral part of their identity that they would find it very difficult to even recognize themselves if they just stopped fighting. This is who we are. Similarly, I would venture to say that we find it extremely difficult to change the course of our lives because we feel that we have gone so far down a particular road.
Our lives and our identity have been shaped by the unfortunate choices and decisions that we have made along the way, forming a kind of home for ourselves. Leaving that home or recognizing who we really are if we were to live more like the way Christ calls us is a difficult task. But yet, friends, that is precisely what repentance calls us to do.
The Call to Repent
In repentance, there is a change of heart, a change of mind with regard to the choices that we have made or the things that we have done, and therefore a change in the direction in which our life is headed. That’s what repentance means. There is authentic godly sorrow over our past deeds because in that moment of repentance, we recognize and acknowledge that God’s way was always right and that it is we who have strayed. From that moment of repentance, we endeavor in the grace of God and with the power of the Holy Spirit to continue along God’s way and not our own.
The Pathway to Peace
Repentance is stopping right in our tracks—and turning back towards the light, turning back towards God. Walking towards the light that is Christ’s life, it is in this act of repentance, stopping, acknowledging, turning, and walking towards God that we begin to experience the peace that Christ brings. God’s peace goes to the root of our conflict. It goes to the heart of our sin. It begins with truth-telling, and this truth-telling must often work through conflict to establish a true and authentic peace.
Conclusion
Perhaps the place to begin in identifying those things of which we need to repent is by giving careful attention to those areas of our lives where we do not presently experience God’s peace. As you consider who you are and where you are in the light, where is that groaning in your life? Where is that heaviness? Where’s that sense of unease? Where’s that sense maybe of complacency in the midst of the darkness?
God never called us to be peacekeepers. God calls us to be peacemakers. And making peace is by no means easy work, but it is important work. It is gospel work. It is the path of peace. It is our salvation.
