What does God want from us?

The past couple of weeks have been full of puzzles and questions for us Christians. Actually, it's always that way. Sometimes we just don't notice. But during Lent, there always seem to be things that "pop up."

Like the TV show this coming Sunday night which will supposedly reveal new archaeological evidence that Jesus is buried with his family in a tomb somewhere. Is it true? Is it not true? How do we know? What does this mean for our faith?

Of course, for us as Episcopalians, there are other questions: what is going to happen in the relationship between the Episcopal Church and the rest of the Anglican Communion? What should happen? (There was a fascinating op-ed piece in yesterday's NYTimes on this, based on a historical perspective.)

And, for us Episcopalians in Connecticut, there's also the upcoming election of a Bishop Suffragan. Who is the right person to help lead our diocese - and help lead the entire Episcopal church - during these difficult times in our church?

As usual, I turn to Scripture for answers. And, as usual, Scripture doesn't contain play-by-play answers. What it does contain, though, is a clear picture of what God wants from us. My temptation, of course, is to focus outward, and to say things like, "well, I don't know why they just can't . . ." or "they should just . . . " But God, doesn't talk about "them" and what they are supposed to do; God talks about me and about I am supposed to do, what we are supposed to do.

Today, I found both reassurance and challenge in the daily office reading from the Old Testament - Deuteronomy 10:12-22. What does God want from us as his children and his disciples?
- "fear the Lord your God"
- "walk in all his ways"
- "love him"
- "serve him . . with all your heart and with all your soul"
- "keep the commandments . . . and his decrees"
- "you shall also love the stranger"

Whew! That should keep us busy for a while.

And perhaps if we focus, really focus, on doing these things, then we'll find the answers to these questions written on our hearts. We'll know the truth, and we'll be free to live into it.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+