Beyond just being a good person

 Scripture: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13  •  Zechariah 9:9-12 and Psalm 145:8-14  • Romans 7:15-25a  • Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

This week's gospel is iconic for most Christian's wearied and burdened  by life's challenges, personally and communally. These are trying times for Christians, and all of God's children. What can Christians bring to the table in these times other than being a good person?

After giving us answers you might expect, such as hope, purpose, a sense of companionship of a loving,self giving God, of vocation, and the beauty of a divinely ordained and created world, a home in the real sense - all good and life sustaining - Debie Thomas gives us an eye opening answer to the question "What does being a Christian give you that being a good person does not?" in her "A Lighter Burden." A searing and incisive look at that which separates us from the peace we need - sin. This isn't just semantic, or condemnatory. It is something we, individually and in community, must seriously examine in our individual and communal lives in order to move on. Please for your sake, and that of our community, nation and world, read it, along with this:

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Also read The Rev. Dr. Joseph Pagano's "Come to Me."