PASSION WEEK:  As we bring closure to this most sacred week—Holy Week—we have much to be thankful. As believers, we know Christ. Many do not have this privilege. Neither, can they perceive the love and indebtedness to our Savior, who shed His blood at Calvary. However, we understand the estrangement that kept us distanced from the Father, until He sent His Son, Jesus (St. John 3: 16). Fully human and fully divine, Jesus became the propitiation for the sins of this world; bridging the gap between God and humanity. This reconnect, now, allows us to have full and intimate fellowship.

Through Jesus’ passionate love for us and obedience to the Father’s will (Luke 22: 42), He endured great suffering and later die a cruel and humiliating death on the cross. But, the narrative does not end here. HE ROSE, early on a beautiful Sunday morning, in all of His glory–fully divine! We, now, can know Him, intimately, in the power of His resurrection and in the fellowship of His suffering (Phil. 3:10). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, daily transformation conforms us into His image.

So, what is required of us? The prophet Micah posed this question over 2,700 years ago (Micah 6:8). The response is still the same. We are to do justly, especially in the face of injustice. We are to show mercy and to provide it with much liberality. And we are to walk humbly before God; trusting Him in all things. For it is He that sees the heart, hold the future, and will reward according.

Therefore, as we continue to celebrate this Holy Week with large gatherings, mini-sermons, colorful hats/dresses, designer bags, Stacy Adam’s dress shoes, colorful eggs/baskets, and other expressions of joyful celebration, let us be mindful of Jesus’ love, joy, compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, patience and long suffering. Let us be determined to humbly emulate such, before our heavenly Father, fifty-two weeks of the year.  In Him and so grateful, Rev. Dianthia