Beloveds,
This week’s selection from the Gospel of John 14:15-21 continues with Jesus’s Farewell Discourse where he tells the disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” He is reminding them of what he said earlier in 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” He also talks about believing in him, abiding in him, following his teachings, and asking in his name – which all circle back to loving one another.
As I was looking for a header picture for today’s newsletter, the above “Seeds of Love” cartoon spoke to me. I was then transported back to 1989 and the Tears for Fears anthem “Sowing the Seeds of Love”. I invite you to click the hyperlink and travel back in time with me. While the anthem is politically charged, critiquing 1980s British conservatism (specifically Margaret Thatcher) and greed, urging a return to 1960s-style idealism, unity, and social justice, and advocating for individual action to spread love, hope, and compassion over apathy, it speaks to us today here in the United States. Enjoy the visuals!
I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as we reflect upon this continuation of the Johannine Farewell Discourse. Bring a friend.
Share the love!
Rev. Michael
P.S. This Sunday, bring a picture or memento that represents a mother figure to you for the altar (or email an image to pastor@iucfc.org for printing and placing).