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From the Desktop of the Pastor – Week of the 6th Sunday after Epiphany

Hi everyone,

Man alive the weather looks nice out there. It’s really hard to believe that just a few days ago we were inundated with snow. Sure, it only lasted like a day, and the rains took care of whatever was left, but snow is snow is snow.

If you can remember that far back, that snow was actually slippery. I remember driving my kids to school and my car actually slipped a bit sideways while i was waiting for a light. I remember telling my mother-in-law that story, and she became visibly concerned. I told her it wasn’t a big deal, as if you start driving, stay in a lower gear, and take it easy then the slipping wouldn’t be a problem.

She said that she’d just slam her brakes.

Now, I should say that my mother-in-law isn’t one of those drivers who think they’re amazing behind the wheel and have no fear of anything. Far from it, actually. She isn’t the greatest driver and she knows it, so when there is snow on the ground she knows better than to venture out on the roads if she doesn’t need to. She can concede to stay home or rely on others for rides rather than putting herself and others on the roads at risk.

Anyway, I explained to her why slamming on her brakes is the worst thing to do in such a slippery situation. And she said to me, “yes, I know that, but that doesn’t mean my instinct will know that.”

Ok, then I guess it really is a good thing for her to stay off the roads when there is snow.

Here are the readings for next week:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 119:1-8
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37

Choose life, as Moses says. I love that. I’m not sure how many of us when faced with a life or death situation would choose anything other than life. It is kind of a no-brainer, and our instincts always seem to lean toward the side of preservation rather than expiration.

But I don’t think Moses means just don’t die. Rather, he is telling the Israelites to live lives worthy to be lived. Live lives full of relationship, community, and love. Live lives that give life, both to yourself and others. Now that is a life that truly is life.

I believe when we choose to live that life, it eventually becomes natural. We are strengthened and formed by the beauty of service and right relationship. Our instincts of selfish self-preservation change towards selflessness and community. Our actions cease to be about ourselves and more about the good of all people, about service to God and neighbour, and building up others to help them see this life as well.

So as Jesus goes through this list of commandments that keep us from harming others, he explains that you wouldn’t want to be doing them anyway because you’d rather not harm others. You’ll see that people aren’t objects for your own pleasure, convenience and/or happiness. But instead, people are people and equally and dearly loved by God, just as we are.

So choose life! For that is when we can see this life that truly is life, and we can live it to abundance.

Have a great week, everyone!

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