Do Not Doubt, but Believe
Robin Linkhart, Council of Twelve Apostles
“Peace be with you”…he breathed on them and said… “Receive the Holy Spirit.” -John 20:21-22
It was a critical time during my journey of faith when I met Sue, a high priest from Greeley, Colorado. I was a young mother preparing for ordination. Sue skillfully guided the diverse class of learners through our Temple School course Basic Theology.
My soul’s growing hunger to understand God and faith and what it means to live a life of love had already catapulted me into a theological process of discovery and learning. I was engaged in the mind-stretching exercise of sifting, sorting, stretching, and growing. Punctuated by uncertainties, my questions tumbled out with no apparent end in sight. How would all these pieces ever fit together, and what was I to do if they did not?
Sue embraced it all. She patiently engaged my inquisitive mind and accepted my persistence. She freely shared her vast knowledge and favorite resources. We became fast friends and met regularly at Sue’s to feast on food for body and soul.
Nothing was off the table and I delighted in the safe, sacred space Sue created. She took me by the hand and led me gently through the dark. Physically unable to see, her keen spiritual eyes held more than enough vision to help me find my way. With Christ-like love, she invited me to touch the unknown places and learn for myself. Sue’s ministry and treasured friendship breathed the evidence of things not seen and embodied the promised presence of Christ’s peace.
Faith and doubt walk hand in hand. Christ welcomes our searching and beckons us to reach out, touch, explore, and know: Christ is God with us.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Moving Toward the Peaceful One
As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
