A great big thank you to all those who have served or are currently serving in our military. We do not take for granted the sacrifices that have been made for the freedom we now enjoy.

Before heading off into your weekend, here are a quick three things I have read or been thinking about his week. Have a great weekend!

#1

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Friday Collect from Book of Common Prayer

Friday reminds Jesus’ followers of his sacrifice on the Cross. It underscores the unfairness of this life. It witnesses to us again that the path to victory is not in our strength but in our weakness. Friday makes us remember the folly of our faith. And we give thanks.

#2

Transcendent neutrality isn’t an attitude of “I won’t take sides,” it’s compassion. It’s where you see more than just what separates people.

Susan Sontag (emphasis mine)

I am a centrist. Maybe you are too. If so, you know that we are sometimes mischaracterized as unwilling to stand for something. But we know that not to be true. We stand for those who disagree with us. We stand for those who align with us. We are naive in our belief that holding people together might actually be the way we hold people together. Transcendent neutrality or the messy middle or otherwise the people of the center needs to be reclaimed as possible and full of potential. These are the ones who are willing to hold the sloping sides of divisive positions in tension so that none of us slip off the edge.

#3

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; 19 if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book

Revelation 22:18–19 (NRSV)

I was in Revelation this week for my devotions. As confusing and misunderstood as this book is to me and many others, these verses near the end give a warning. Do not give up on them! Don’t try to explain them away! Don’t reduce them to context specific to be ignored, and/or don’t use them as a tool for manipulation from fear or confusion.

In times of confusion and doubt, opportunities abound. Some see an opportunity to throw up hands and depart. Others see a vacuum to wade into and give certainty well before it can be properly discerned. And still others allow it to diminish their faith in God and become critical of others.

The key is to do none of that when we find ourselves in those times. Remain soft hearted and curious. Remain firm minded and convicted.