In his first letter John wrote, “Whoever does not love, does not know God.” This is the same John who always seemed to be with Jesus wherever he went. John had come to this conclusion by spending time in the presence of God in Christ. “Whoever does not love, does not know God.” The outcome of spending so much time in the presence of God was that it made one grow in the ability to love. This is the unique form of Christian love known as ‘agape’.
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep is probably the most common metaphor used in the Bible to describe the relationship between God and his people. While there may be many shepherds within the church there is only one Good Shepherd, and that is Jesus Christ.
This is the night Jesus gave us the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. The bread and the wine mysteriously do become his precious broken body and poured out blood. These are now signs of his suffering love for us. These are now the means by which we are strengthened in this world to continue to love despite our problems, and trials, and sufferings, and failures. God’s grace is literally given and poured into us. This is the way to that life on the other side of suffering.
Get in Touch:
St. Michael's of the Valley Episcopal Church
Physical Address:
2535 State Route 381 Rector, PA 15677
Mailing Address:
PO Box 336 Ligonier, PA 15658
