“You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the Spirit.” (First Reading)
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Gospel)
Back in 1994, two memorable events took place: The release of the widely popular movie, The Lion King and the death of my father. I imagine that for many of our readers, these two events do not seem to have any obvious connection, but they do, and here it is:
I took my two nephews, who were 4 and 6 at the time to watch this very engaging cartoon movie. Those of you who know the story, and I doubt this requires any “spoiler alert” now that it has been many years since the premiere, will remember that Mufasa, the Lion King par excellence, dies midway through the story. Having just lost my own ‘king,” I immediately broke down in the theater. Thank God it was dark! Without missing a beat, my older nephew saw that I was crying and simply crawled in my lap and remained there for the rest of the movie. He clearly made my burden light.
I have no doubt that many, if not all, of us, have a similar story, where someone eased our pain by just being there. Because our lives truly are spiritual in nature as we move toward the most excellent destination of Heaven, the words of Jesus today make or should make all the sense in the world. The Messiah makes the burden of life easy by just being there beside us. His presence and grace communicated as they are through the Sacraments, the Word of God, and a deep, nourished life of prayer make it less cumbersome and more bearable.
My friends, we are not in the flesh; we are with The Lord, and He is with us. He longs to share the walk so that we might find Him alive in every situation. The yolk is, in fact, easy because he is nestled next to us all the way.
Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Jesus yolked to our very souls.
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.”