A Place For Us

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” John 14:1-14

It's Easter Monday and a beautiful warm day. Some are still rejoicing in the wonderful gift of Christ's resurrection while many clergy are thinking about napping and trying desperately to recover from Holy Week. In any moment in time, when some might be rejoicing, others are weary and broken hearted. We never know who around us might be suffering. And on this Easter Monday, we can trust Jesus' words that there is a place for us in God's kingdom. Whether we are joyful or weeping, whether firm in faith or despairing, we have a place and are welcomed always.

Gracious Creator, your arms spread wide

across our island and across our globe

there is a place for each and every one

and your welcome is eternal and true.

We wake up to sun and to storms

we are full of life and so fearful

we have been broken and restored

all by your loving and generous heart.

Help us to rejoice in your love today

help us to trust there is room for us

help us to make room for those despairing

so your love might permeate all today. Amen.