By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Scripture indicates there is an unforgiveable sin. But, only one. 

Mark 3:28-29, “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; ²⁹ but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— ³⁰ because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

They later part of that verse shows specifically what, within the claim of the Pharisees that comprised “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.”

I have encountered Christians who were tormented through believing they may have committed the unforgiveable sin. Yet, it is God who draws people to Himself. Consequently, if you have any inclinations to pray, this is because God is drawing you to Himself. Clearly, if you had committed the unforgiveable sin, a desire to pray would not exist. You can rest assured by letting that tormenting question go is a good idea. It holds no reality within your spirit.

John 6:44 assures us that, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” So, it is God who initiates prayer.

Below is an excerpt from GotQuestions.org website offering excellent commentary on this topic:

“The term blasphemy may be generally defined as “defiant irreverence.” The term can be applied to such sins as cursing God or willfully degrading things relating to God. Blasphemy is also attributing some evil to God or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. This particular case of blasphemy, however, is called “the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” in Matthew 12:31. The Pharisees, having witnessed irrefutable proof that Jesus was working miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, claimed instead that the Lord was possessed by a demon (Matthew 12:24). Notice in Mark 3:30 Jesus is very specific about what the Pharisees did to commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: “He said this because they were saying, ‘He has an impure spirit.’”

There are three passages within the four Gospels that specifically address this matter. In (Matthew 12:24, we find what Pharisees specifically said: “‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.’”

God is not mad at people. God loves people! He inspires and enlivens us as we make our pilgrimage here on earth. We do encounter times of making choices contrary to God’s holy Word and beneath the goodness God is instilling in us. Yes, we make mistakes. Ideally, we learn from our mistakes. We discover what works and what does not work for our own good and the good of others. Life with God at the helm of our lives is a grand learning experience.

2 Corinthians 3:18, encourages us along the way to know there is glory ahead, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

We are given a lifetime to pull ourselves together for growing into all we can be–for the glory of God (not our own). John 6:44 promises that: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

However, we ought not to waste time, leaving our “doing business with God” for another era within life. For another pertinent truth is made clear in the very first book of the Bible in Genesis 6:3: “So, the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh.” The rest of the versus assures us that our days shall be numbered, No one gets out of here alive. The fullness of life comes through answering the call of Christ who will then abide continuously with us through His Holy Spirit.

Revelations 3:20 makes it plain that Christ intends for us to respond to Him so He can enter our lives, “dine with us” as He abides within our souls. “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Jesus Christ walked on earth, lived, the died carrying our sins on a cross, Why? So that we might be free. He alone will be the judge over all the living and the dead in the last and final judgment of humankind prophesied in the Book of Revelations. Matthew 25:31-46 shows the picture of what will happen on that ominous day:

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’”

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

John 5:22, tells us, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” 

He has prepared the way for us to live in His love, having an inner peace that the world can observe, but never understand.

“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children, (Matthew 11:25). 

It takes becoming as a little child to enter into the Kingdom of God (trusting and leaning on God’s provisions.) Matthew 18:2-5 explains: “Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation, (2 Corinthians 6:2).

It is simple to talk with God. Speak your thoughts and let Him know what you desire.

School has started once again. Do you ever stop to savor those early memories—especially from grade school—noticing again the ones that make you smile, and those that still bring a twinge of pain?

My most vivid school memory, while in the third grade, has nothing to do with what happened at my desk, reading and studying. What was hard was the playground. I was a gentle natured child, yet at home I had a big sister that could be fearsome. So, on the playground no one matched my big sister. I knew I could take on any who tried to put the fear of God in me at recess. Then, it happened. Her name was Gladys. She was much bigger than I, yet when she threatened my existence—wham-o, she was on the ground. With me on top of her, I saw great surprise in her eyes. When we arose from the ground, the two of us never again “crossed swords.” She understood her size gave her no edge when it came to me.

Mostly, I was never teased or bullied, as word gets around on the playground. I do remember Francis, though, as she liked to pull hair. So, another vivid, jaw tightening memory is of Francis and me during our hair-pulling matches. I hung on to the nth degree. Tears rolled down my cheeks, but I would not let go until Francis’s last yank and long hold.  Finally, she gave up. We became friends after that. Another lesson of not giving up in the battles of life, but rather to hold tight until each one is over.

Now, mind you, I knew that I could not be a winner at home. So, I loved school. There, I could win.

What was the greatest thrill during those first years in school?

For me it is a tossup between the grand experience of learning and recess.

I have a mature view on things now, but home and school ground memories still play a role in day-to-day life. We pick our battles, yes, but also, as grownups we can learn from one another—even those who would like to take us on.

I am remembering a woman on the job who decided my work was gaining too much attention. She set out to get me fired. I was unnerved as Gary was in a four-year grad program and I was paying the bills.

It took standing toe-to-toe with Lady Lois and speaking some “just right” words to open her eyes to the legal help I would soon bring onboard. She begged forgiveness and promised to quit her job. I said, “No. You don’t need to do that. Just stop sabotaging my work. We can work together. And, that is what we did. Shortly after that, Gary’s program ended and we moved to Arizona for him to take his first post as a Radiologic Technologist.

We learn to win in different ways. Our experiences often prepare us for what is ahead. I was born while Dad was working on Shasta Dam in Redding, California. Ten months later my parents moved us to Idaho. We moved around a lot as my father and my grandfather worked on dams in the Northwest and the Southwest. As a teenager I was educated in three states during my four years of high school. The resulting tendency to be comfortable with all those I meet, whether or not  I have met them before, has worked well for me—especially in my work as a chaplain. All experiences prior to receiving a call to serve in that capacity developed more sides to me. It is possible to move beyond being efficacious, seeking to be “on top” . . . wanting to win.

Fortunately, I found Jesus early in life, the greatest friend ever to be found. He began to focus my life on loving, supporting and caring about the needs of others. It seems to fit that my name is Joy and my blood type is B-Positive. “Go figure.” I became a chaplain.

Friends are important to me, but having the wherewithal to assist others to get through their difficulties has become foremost on my plate.

I can tell you about Jesus, my best-friend-ever through parts of a hymn by Joseph C. Ludgate (1898):

“Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine,

O what blessed, sweet communion,

Jesus is a friend of mine!

A friend when other friendships cease,

A friend when others fail,

A friend who gives me joy and peace,

A friend who will prevail.

Maybe the Apostle Paul “got that,” as he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Certainly, he lived out these words as seen through his remarkable feats. The only difference between Paul and us is that he set out to apply personally everything he heard God saying, living up to his human potential.

In a widely read book, physician Maxwell Maltz estimated that 95 percent of all people in our society feel inferior. Environmental and cultural conditioning have played major roles in the formation of attitudes and feelings which produce low self-esteem. Some, of course, have more difficulty than others, but almost everyone to some degree must cope with this unwholesome condition.

“Why?” might be an appropriate question with this issue, for knowing a cause could allow significant changes, or advantages for future generations. Jess Lair, doctor of psychology and author of I ain’t much, baby—but I’m all I’ve got, brings out an interesting theory regarding the Zulus in South Africa, how their “cups” were filled with love, allowing self-assurance and high personal esteem.

Lair perceives that if you are, “ … born a Zulu, you were nursed at your mother’s breast and carried on your mother’s back with your bare skin against her warm, bare skin for two solid years. You were given more physical contact and more physical love and affection than probably any but a handful of children in American culture get … When his two years were up and a new baby came along, it was time for him to be put down on the ground. Often his cup was still not filled with physical love. But he had lots of kids in his village to love him. Because their cups had been filled, they didn’t hate little kids and weren’t mean to them and angry at them. When this little Zulu child cried because he needed to be carried and held, one of the older children picked him up and held him and carried him around . . . so there was a continuation of physical love and affection from both boys and girls as well as from the mother.”

Obviously, the Zulus did not have an ideal society, but they had a beautiful gift in that the whole tribe acted as “mamoos” and “dadoos” to one another. Each child grew up thinking he/she was beautiful and that belonging to his/her tribe was the greatest of honors. They treasured each other.” 

These people had optimum self-esteem—that is until the plight of their nation became such that they were compelled to move into the cities for survival. There, juvenile delinquency and interpersonal strife developed among their members in just a few decades.

The nurturing seen in the Zulu story is no doubt something we can learn from. But equally important is what we tell children about themselves as they grow – how much effort we take to build their self-esteem.

It is not too late for adults, either. There is much we can do for one another through frequent affirmation of strengths and talents—looking for beauty rather than faults, finding the “treasure” in one another. In so doing, we will not only expand our boundaries, but also those of others.

First, we must come to think highly of ourselves. A beginning step can be taken in noting and identifying all the negative messages we have been telling ourselves. Second, make an assessment of what is good and gifted about our personhood. Third, to begin listening to what God’s Word says about us, taking steps to believe it by replacing our negatives with Truth. In time, feelings of competence, worth and significance will increase, for our feelings follow our thoughts.

One psychologist claims that all personal problems are rooted in lack of self-love. Yet, as long as we entertain self-deprecating dictums allowed to play on and on in our heads, it is hardly possible to love ourselves.

Jesus said, “I came to testify to the truth.”  We are commissioned to follow His example. But wouldn’t it be a good idea to find out the truth about ourselves first?  All we have to lose are those unseen barriers made up of feelings of being powerless, inadequate, and of possessing limited ability.

Then, as Jesus said, the truth will set you free.

There were evening services after full days of play, and on each of those nights I heard about Jesus’ love and what He did for us. I had no idea that going forward and accepting the invitation to acknowledge Jesus was usually done once—and that sufficed. But, no, I chose to go forward, kneeling at the altar to pray every single night of the week-long camp. It really took.

God was never mentioned at home during those early years of my life. That did change as my parents started taking us to church. They became believers themselves soon after my sister and I came back from camp.

Back at home, my mind was so full of memories that I could barely sleep. I would often pray until I could slip into dreamland. I pondered, too, what had been said at camp about needing to ask God to forgive us for times of hurting others or for being disobedient to our parents. I remembered things I did to get even with my older sister. I knew exactly what would set her off. Even wiggling my foot just so, would send her into gyrations of drama. I decided that “might” be “a sin,” so . . . no more entertaining myself by sending my sister into hissy fits. Good-bye to that “being OK.”

Summer ended and it was time to go back to school. Mostly my school years produced good memories like the time a classmate was crying at recess. I asked, “Why are you crying?”

She told of a sad situation happening at home. So I cried, too. Then asked her, “Abbey, have you heard about Jesus?”

“Who’s that?” she asked.

To the best of my memory, I explained to her what I learned that summer, especially in girl’s camp and how my sins had been forgiven. I told her about the Bible verse in Revelations 3:20, that shows Jesus standing at the heart’s door, knocking . . . waiting for us to open the door to His great love. I explained how helpful it is to pray, especially when things scare us.

Abbey said, “I want Jesus in my heart!”

So we prayed together. Surely it was a very simple moment with two children kneeling at the back of the school house, but I often wonder what became of her life as she grew up. Did anyone support her new faith and help her grow spiritually? But the family moved away so I couldn’t follow up with friendship.

I write about this, while pondering how words can change a situation—or even change a person’s life.

Our son Tim also had a friend with whom he shared his faith. (I will call him “Andy,” here.) They were both 11 when the two of them became fast friends. Andy shared some heartaches that weighed on his mind. Tim told Andy what he had learned at home and in Sunday school about having Jesus in his life, and how comforting it was to pray to the Lord about “the scary stuff.”

Shortly after that conversation, Andy told Tim, “God and I have it together.”  

The boy shared similar words with his parents. However, his father became upset. He sharply and sternly repressed such talk. When Tim told us this, we prayed for peace to take place between the two of them.

Sadly, the little boy was tragically killed the next day. It was an unusual accident that shocked our entire community. Our whole family was stunned, painfully struck upon hearing this news, but especially Tim.

However, recently as an adult he revisited this memory and said, “I remember how hard it was to lose my friend in such a terrible accident . . . but thinking back I don’t believe I had to grieve for long. Your words made the difference.”

“What words?” I asked.

“I remember clearly. You said, ‘I believe Andy made a quick jump into the arms of God.’”

That was a “wow” for me. As a parent, I probably left that conversation thinking I had not said enough, or had not been of much help.

But, no, although it seemed “inadequate” to me, Tim, now an adult and a father himself, has not forgotten those words.

As Natsuki Takaya, the Japanese manga artist once put it, “Even the smallest of words can be the ones to hurt you, or save you.”

In 1662, Basil Pascal, a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, theologian, wrote, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing, but only by God the Creator made known through Jesus Christ.”

Forget all you have ever heard about Jesus Christ. Now read for yourself the words below that have filled the empty space for billions of souls. For this alone can replace the emptiness:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me,” (Revelations 3:20).

“Come unto Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” (Matthew 11:28 through 30).

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool,” (Isaiah 1:18).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5- 8).

“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found of you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity,” (Jeremiah 29:11-1).

Isaiah, one of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets wrote this of God, “You will keep him in perfect peace. Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength,” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know,” (John 14: 1-4).

The disciple Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me,’” (John 14:1-6).

Now, reach for a Bible; read the Book of John, paying particular interest to Chapter 3, verses 16-17 and Chapter 14, verses 22-27.

The Holy Spirit of Jesus be with you!

“Now, this is entirely off the subject,” she said (clever woman that she was), “but a few weeks ago I was looking forward to taking Pola to the dog show in Richmond.  First, I was hoping I would get the weekend off so we could go. Next, I was hoping lots of dogs would be present, making the event a major competition. Then, I hoped a certain handler would be there to show her. And, two days before we were to leave, Pola got pneumonia and I was hoping she would live.”

How intense we are about our daily incidentals, when, in truth, in just a few moments life can slip crazily out of kilter and leave us hanging by a mere thread. This is a sure way for priorities to be set straight, suddenly, and it’s obviously humbling.

This has been the pattern of my life. Everything goes fairly smooth for a period of time, then “oops,” some downtime for a medical emergency.  I have come to think of it as living on the ragged edge, a bit dangerous place to walk, but, oh, the view.

Birthdays become something more than celebrations, taking on nebulous auras, something like holiness. Little things, like shiny green beetles found on a hillside path, rain drops, and everyday moments don’t simply plod, plop and prod. Instead, they dance in the awareness of their “thereness.”

Strange how going without food for a few days promptly accentuates its importance. And, full appreciation for the hidden workings of the magnificent machine we call “car” springs forth when it no longer works to carry us about. These are times when the four-lettered word “body” gets vigorous attention.

King David of ancient Israel must have had a similar experience as we are all familiar with his eloquent prayer:

“You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways . . . For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalms. 139:13-17).

Funny little creatures we are, doing much as we please to our bodies, often failing to give them what they need. But let them break down or simply fail us in the smallest way, and we become indignantly alarmed, frustrated, angry, maybe even sullen.  A sign of pride?

Imagine being made of the dust of the earth, yet described as being “a little lower than the angels . . . crowned with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). And what a crown, that human brain. Our plans, ideas and imaginings can give us quite a high. Yet how humbling is the truth that in the twinkling of an eye we can be called forth into eternal reality for a little chat with God – no cars, clothes or cash to lean on. Naked, this little hunk of dust.

Humbling as this line of thought might be, let us balance it by remembering that what we do here on earth can and does hold importance. We are significant beings, called and chosen. The short time we have here brings forth either blessings or cursings.

To quote Robert Penn Warren, author of “All the King’s Men, “It all depends on what we do with the dirt.”

Two appaloosa colts ran about ever so carefree in my father’s pasture. They were beautiful and Dad seemed to have done a good job with them. I recall, here, what my father said back then, while still alive and working in his corral:

“You know those colts of mine?  While watching them the other day, I realized the relationship between my belonging to God and those horses belonging to me.

“I am responsible for those horses. I bought them, paid for them. Put them in my pasture. I irrigate that pasture, bring in hay, mend the fences, and meet all their needs. And, I know if I am going to use those horses, I will have to train them. ”

Dad said, “This is the way it is with God. He has bought us with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Now, if we truly trust in His redemption—act as if we belong to Him, obey His commands—He will take care of our every need. He will even be able to prepare us for His use.”

The conversation with Dad was relevant to the circumstances in Gary’s and my life at that time. Gary had just lost his job. After working as a ticket agent for Greyhound since age 18 for 26 years. He lost his job, along with all Greyhound station employees; the Boise terminal became a commissioned agency.  

Gary was designated as the commissioned agent to operate the terminal going forward. I helped with a few light duties; so the two of us worked arduously during the following seven weeks. However, after 26 years with Greyhound, Gary decided 12-16 hour days seven days a week was too much.

We could not envision living our lives that way, so we paid our bills, said our “goodbyes” and closed the book on Greyhound. At age 44, Gary began doing the college scene “with a six-pack of Geritol.” For the next four years he was a fulltime student at Boise State University studying in the field of radiology.

Having a paycheck all those years was a bit addicting. And, while grappling with readjusting, I remembered Dad’s words, “If we really belong to God—I mean really belong to Him, and are giving Him what He paid for—we are His responsibility and not our own.”

Psalm 91 speaks of dwelling in a place of trust, “abiding in the shelter of the Almighty,” a place of total dependence on a Master who provides and protects. These are words we have read often, yet can be more readily embraced and understood once our will becomes aligned with the will of our Master. It is like when the gate is down . . . work done . . . and whistling is heard. New pastures become known.

We are creatures of comfort and unless God allows some pressure to be applied we do not grow. Unlike the ponies in Dad’s pasture, we are made in the likeness and image of God, called and chosen, charted for a course to become the mature children of God spoken of in John 1:12.

About the time we settle in, thinking we have gained some ground, our faith is tested and often found wanting.

The Apostle Paul described believers as being changed, “From glory to glory,” through the trials of life. We become more patient, more humble and malleable. As we turn our angst and uncertainty over to Him, our Heavenly Father turns it all to gain. We are trusted; chosen for training and equipping—soon to serve others.

He is looking for our total trust. Otherwise, why would this be the most repeated command of Scripture, “Do not be afraid,” and the most frequent promise, “I will be with you”?

Father, help me to really trust you. Teach me Your ways. Grant me the grace to follow Your will rather than to jump fences, kick up my heels and go my own willful way.

 “We need to tighten the belt, here.” Belt? His words bring to mind the fact I have gained a few pounds—and I need to buy a new pair of jeans.

Always a writer, the following thoughts, recorded back then, were found today in my jammed-packed files:

“Making money stretch seems impossible. The car suddenly needs repairs, a wisdom tooth decides to raise its ugly head, and an insurance premium is due.  It feels like the bills rule, here. 

“I just yelled at my teenager for leaving the front door wide open, cooling the entire house. Dollar signs are seen in red. Then, when asked to drive nine miles out of my way to take a kid home who had stayed overnight, the needle on the gas gauge seems 10 foot tall.

“Good Friday finds me less than in a prayerful mood. Discouragement has come to spend the day. It’s best I stop everything, read some Scriptures and pray. But now, to pick up the phone to stop the ringing.

“It’s my friend, reminding me of this being Good Friday.

 ‘Listen to this,’ she says,’ I found three Scripture for starting this amazing day.’ (She sleeps late.)

“I didn’t hear the second passage or the third, as the first verse struck a bullseye: “The wages of sin are death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.” Yes, everything seems to cost. Expenses do win, sometimes, when push comes to shove. But here, in one short verse I see the Truth. The greatest of all gifts a believer ever receives is the gift of eternal life—and it’s free! Given without a single fee—and tax free! There, simply to be cherished and received.”

Yes. This day we call “Good Friday,” allows us to once again rejoice in what Jesus, our Lord, has done for us. His destiny was known to Him. In a brutal process of being questioned and “tried,” Jesus was given the opportunity to defend Himself before Herod Antipater, ruler of Galilee, and then by Pilate, procurator of Judea. With both, Jesus chose not to protect Himself. He knew by laying down His life for us He would become our Redeemer.

All who ask for forgiveness from sin receive His merciful touch on our lives. Restoration, lasting peace, joy and righteous living result.

Jesus said to look at the way the birds are cared for and to observe how beautifully the flowers are clothed. He promised to provide for us as we learn to trust. Sometimes, I think He looks at me and says, “Hey, you of little faith….” But, there is a smile on His face. Love is felt. When I truly seek to comprehend—it is God’s Holy Spirit living within. Following His lead will see every genuine need is met.

It is easy to become so filled with the temporal—what’s going on every day of our lives—that we cannot “see the Divine.” Yes, there will always be bills, maybe more than can be paid. But fear, frustration and anxiety need not rob us of the peace intended, once we realize how loved we are.

Surely all the little creature comforts and all the things I think are needed will continue to take their hits, but God help me to remember all that is free: sunshine’s warmth . . . a child’s smile .. . a good night’s sleep . . . the love of another . . . my very heartbeat. But the best is yet to come. Eternal life. All because one Good Friday, many lifetimes ago Jesus embraced the pain, the sorrow, the desolation and chose the cross. All because of us—and what we really need: peace and joy in the truth that the Lord Jesus has done so much for us. Undoubtedly, He is going to bring us through!  

Many things spoke of the Power and Presence of God. The hardness of marble altars, stone floors and wooden pews spoke of strength. Then I looked at the people. They were soft. Vessels of earthen clay, yet filled with spirit.

Many shy away from being called “soft.” But the softness I saw was holy. That which makes us vulnerable, malleable and capable of love.

Back home this truth was clearly seen when I visited the home of friends who had just lost their 24-year-old son in death. Neighbors, family and friends from their parish came, some with arms loaded with food. Many offered prayers from caring hearts. And as they left each carried away a piece of the pain. So much pain to be borne there in that home. Yet the grieving family knew through the people that they would not be bearing this alone. The softness of human love was leaving its impact, as love in action extends strength.

At times like this we often feel inept. Words may seem inadequate. But what we do have to give is enough. That is empathy, wrapped in flesh. When we are weak, then we are strong. The Apostle Paul exhibited that throughout the letters he left for believers who would follow “the way,” which Christ revealed to him.

When we see a fellow human hurting, something incredible occurs. There is an urging within to stop—set aside what we are doing—and go. “Be there.” It is love in action, coming from the treasure of one’s heart. Tears convey release, as solace is received.  Such “holy water” grants clear vision that this love, as it flows from others, is a healing force.

We all endure grievous trials during this life? 1 Peter 1:7, portrays how it is through these hardships that our faith comes forth “much more precious than gold that is tested by fire.” So, there is a refinement process and if we yield ourselves to it, enrichment results. And, God is praised.

While alongside my friends, I saw no anger or resentment. No bitterness spouted, although these dear people had lost another son a mere 13 months before. God is their ally, not their foe. And because of this, peace reigns in their home. Philippians 4:7, refers to this as “a peace of God which passes all understanding that guards our hearts through Christ Jesus.”

So here we are as humans, ideally all “soft covers”—no “hardbacks.” Fragile, destined for much wear and tear. Yet durable beyond comprehension. Filled with strength, having quite enough to share.

People. Earth’s richest resource. Vessels deemed worthy by God to carry His love. A love experienced most vividly when seen flowing from one to another. Oh, holy ones of God, we belong to each other.

Thank God for our hearts of flesh, capable of expanding, stretching, growing—even at the risk of breaking. Yet it is in the breaking that we are formed afresh. As Christ’s body, broken in the Eucharist and given away for the nourishment of many, we live on loving life and one another. The “breakings” do come, challenging our souls and in the end, what is remembered is that faith does hold strong when we depend on the power of the Spirit. This is what makes us more than flesh . . . And able to live forever.