Drew Downs

Make a New Normal

Easter 7B

  • Jesus asks his followers to live differently: from what they know, from their families, and from the world around them.

  • When Jesus says that we are not “of the world,” he isn’t talking spiritually. We try to avoid thinking about what it really means for us.

  • In preparing his disciples for his departure, Jesus prays that his joy be in them and that this joy be complete—a truly possible hope.

  • In a time of confusion and conflict, the disciples need help. We need help. And Jesus prays for us because we need it.

  • Going Away

    For SundayEaster 7B Collect O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives…

  • In Acts 1, the disciples take their first act after the Ascension: replace Judas. But the story of our lives shows that replacing him only papers over the trauma. Jesus taught them as much. Their work isn’t to forget their enemies, but to love them. Not to pretend the world is broken, but work to…