Father of Mercies

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

We have entered Holy Week during which the church commemorates the passion of Jesus Christ. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday each remind of us of poignant events through which our Savior passed before arriving at Easter and the resurrection. And as disciples we are called to walk with Jesus, from the table on Thursday evening through the trial and crucifixion on Friday, and the silence of Saturday. But to fully understand and appreciate these events and the depth of their meaning we need help. Paul’s words to the church in Corinth offers help. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” writes Paul, ”the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation…” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

Of course God is present in the events of Holy Week. As the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ God suffers the loss of an only child. But God is also the “Father of mercies” and the source of “all consolation.” This means that God addresses our concerns, too, the pain and sorrow that we face, the fear of death that clings to us, and the effects we and others suffer from sin. God, as the font of every blessing, is at work in Jesus Christ bringing light and hope to bear in our world, this week and all weeks.

Prayer: Lord of all, may our walk though Holy Week grant us the peace that we seek. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yes Is the Answer

2 Corinthians 1:12-22

In his song “Mind Games” John Lennon, the former Beatle, sings, “Yes is the answer, and you know that for sure. Yes is surrender, you gotta let it go.” What Lennon was saying was that the way to peace and reconciliation is through positive actions, affirmations, putting the other first. I think he was right, but only to a point.

Here’s how Paul said it: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who we proclaimed among you…was not ‘Yes and No’; but in him it is always ‘Yes.’ For in him every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes’” (2 Corinthians 1:19-20). For Paul it all comes back to the promises of God which are always fulfilled. Indeed, Jesus is God’s way of saying “Yes” to the world in all of its pain and suffering, all of its sin and apathy. It is not an affirmation of the way things are, but a challenge to live to a higher standard, to do it God’s way. Are we forgiven? In Jesus Christ, Yes. Has death been defeated? In Jesus Christ, Yes. Is there reason for hope? In Jesus Christ, Yes. Is God’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven”? In Jesus Christ, Yes. In the mean time we are to embrace the “Yes” of God as disciples of Jesus Christ, and live toward peace and reconciliation as best we can. That’s the part John Lennon got right.

In the days ahead, as you engage in conversations at work or school, as you respond to difficult circumstances or are confronted by conflict, give thought to what God’s “Yes” might mean in those situations. And then live that “Yes” as a disciple of Jesus Christ. By God’s grace we will find “Yes” really is the best answer.

Prayer: Lord, help us to live as your people, expressing your divine love to the world and sharing the grace of your gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.