Not the ending we expected

 

It is finished!

But not the ending we expected

Resurrection power

It trampled on death

It brought forth life

Our God lives

Our God reigns

His kingdom reigns forever

It established the new

On it our faith is built

Power to live the life of the cross

To give him honour

To make him known

To lay down our lives

To sacrifice

To serve

To love

There is goodness to come

Goodness to see while we are still alive

The way of the cross

it’s a call to action

It requires sacrifice

More than we can imagine

To follow in his footsteps

To risk all

To speak truth

To use our voices

To mobilize others

To clothe ourselves in compassion

To see God’s image in every human

To stand in solidarity with the weak,

with the suffering and the marginalized

To hold power accountable

To unsettle empire

To love with a love that protects

Jesus never avoided controversy

Jesus leaned into uncomfortable conversations

He was faithful to the call

Let us follow his lead

To love with a love that does not celebrate injustice

To love with a love that rejoices in the truth

Faithful in the not yet

Faithful until the ending of unjust situations

Faithful after the ending

Faithful in the mending and fixing

To love with a love that never gives up

To be active in hope and patience

To activate our gifts from God

To release peace

To release freedom

To release mercy

To advocate for justice

Committed to the end

To love with a love that always perseveres

To love with a love that always hopes

To love with a love that always trusts

A love that never fails

A love that lays down its life for others

Together we will do this

Because of his life

Because of his sacrifice

Because of his power

Amen!