“Brothers and sisters: Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” Have you ever noticed how differently we address other people in our lives and how that sometimes differs dramatically from how others call to them? Let me give you an example. Let’s say your little daughter calls you Mommy. That’s all she knows. But then, an old friend of yours comes to the house to see you and calls you “Linda,” well, because that is your name. Now you wouldn’t expect your daughter to call you “Linda,” and you certainly wouldn’t want your friend to call you “Mommy,” either.
It all depends on the relationship:
In the Gospel today, a woman who had been seriously crippled for a very long time, hence the 18-year time frame, comes before Jesus. She desperately wanted healing, which would explain why she was in the synagogue, and everyone knew her poor, almost pathetic condition. Jesus sees her, calls out to her, and addresses her as “Woman.” Perhaps in some circles of society and among some cultural differences, this may seem odd. But remember this address is how God called out to Eve in the Old Testament and Mary in the New Testament, obviously linking the two in Salvation History (Eve, Mother of all living, and Mary, Mother of the Church.) So this was a loving relationship that the Lord wanted to exhibit and, in turn, straightened her life out, literally. Can you imagine the reaction from the people when they saw her stand up and praise God? It must have beautiful and awe-inspiring. Right?
Well, not for everyone:
Enter the leader of the synagogue, the “official” religious person. He seems pretty upset at the whole scene, even though this woman can actually walk upright and not hurt anymore. No, that was apparently not the most important item to notice today. This remarkable healing had taken place on the Sabbath when no work was to be done. Really? Do you call this work? It’s more like a miracle, a sign of God’s great love and mercy, especially for this bent-over woman, and by spiritual application, each of us.
So how does it respond to our “official.” Well, to say the least, it wasn’t pretty. “Hypocrites!…when he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated.” That’s what happens when you won’t see how incredibly God is working in your life or in the life of others. It is the expected consequence when we hide behind the Law and miss the Law-giver in our midst. The people who got it rejoiced; the one who didn’t was humiliated.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”