Thursday, April 11, 2019

BOB This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Jesus could have eradicated evil from our world; he could have annihilated his enemies. It is a mystery to us that he chose another way. He endured all that the world threw at him and responded to it with great love, and so he helps us cope with our misery. Though that is admirable, however, it is not enough. So, in warning his disciples about his passion, note that he always adds in his resurrection. In the gospels, there is no passion without resurrection. Suffering and death are linked solidly to life after death. The two are opposite sides of the one coin. Evil plays out its role and is finally encompassed by eternal life and joy. God has the last word: divine love conquers all. Let us truly celebrate God's saving actions and His grace, sufficient for all of us.