All along the US/Mexico border there are mission communities of Jesus Christ quietly doing their salty, yeasty, illuminating work. I only know of the work going on in Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras, and Acuna. But there are so many, many other points of light.
We bring the good news of Jesus' resurrection victory and all the Easter possibilities that can flow from it--personally and for the new world God is bringing. But from time to time, in this "meantime" in which we live, we mourn the senselessness of a life taken. Some times we come to harm, like the missionary in the painting by Vibert who begs to go back to the people who tried to destroy him.
Ultimately the believer is indestructible; that's the lesson Sunday's empty tomb assures. But the Friday lesson is ours as well. Bad stuff happens: betrayals, friends who let you down, institutions willing to waste you, and strangers who murder you (with words or a cross) because they're under orders and are good at it. If you follow Jesus you know that it is no waste. Do not be afraid.
Comments