“In a world full of voices that tell us we are how we look, we are what we achieve, we are who we know, we are what we own, there is one great Voice that calls us “Beloved” just because we are – no matter how we look, what we achieve, who we know, what we own.”

The new commandment is not just that we should love one another within the family of faith, but that we should love one another as Jesus has first loved us! That is the new commandment John is referring to, that we love each other as Jesus loves us.

“In the incarnation of Jesus Christ we see that God’s intent toward us, His will regarding sinful, rebellious, suffering humankind, is not and never is to harm, to condemn, to discard, to destroy – but only to save, to restore, to draw near to Himself in mercy, love, and peace.”

“But Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just a victory over death – it was and still is also a victory over life.”

“peace be with you.”

“He has overcome death, so shall we.”