A Journey

When we plan a journey, there are many items we must decide on. What is our destination, how many weeks do we need? And then the route we will take and the reservations we must make for lodging. How about the packing: do I need warm clothing, or will I get away with sunshine clothes. Perhaps sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries, extra clothing in the carry-on if my luggage doesn't get there the same day that I do if I am flying. Making sure there is someone at home taking care of things, making sure the animals are fed, checking to see that the mail is brought in, and oh yes if away in the winter, keeping the sidewalk clean to emphasize that we are home, not laying on a warm faraway beach. So many things to remember and the last minute's hurdles, the first days of the journey are bound to be somewhat anxiety days. Jesus went on a journey, and I don't believe he planned that journey as we would plan ours. He didn't lay on a faraway beach, nor did he sightsee beautiful castles and monasteries. Jesus travelled from town to town, from region to region on the power of his own two feet. He sat on a mountain and taught the people the Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus taught the people the prayer he taught his disciples and the prayer we pray today. "Of all things," he touched the man with leprosy and cured him. There were many that he healed on his journey among them. Jesus sat at dinner with many tax collectors and sinners, among them, Zacchaeus and Mary Magdalene. He taught that faith as small as a mustard seed can grow to be as great as a large tree and provide the faith of the feeding of the four thousand with seven loaves of bread and one fish. With his teachings, Jesus gave the people faith to believe in themselves. Many times Jesus was shunned from the communities, his own people, and instead of making a stand, he moved on to the next gathering. The Pharisees and Sadducees were forever plotting to entrap him in what he said and always Jesus had an answer for them. Jesus taught Parables to give encouragement and direction to the people of the love of God and how to share that love. The end of Jesus' journey was not like the end of our journey where we have relaxation and enjoyment. Jesus encountered betrayal, denial, carried his own cross and had a crown of thorns placed on his head. As we begin our Lenten journey at the end of this month, may we walk in the teachings of Jesus. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And Love your neighbour as yourself. (Matthew 22:37, 39) Respect, care, be aware and help the less fortunate, and always do your best to see God in the people you meet and in turn, they see God in you. Amen.- Submitted by Mary Anne Grand- lay person from Raymore United ChurchDisclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.