... letting the Living Water transform us (and others)

Bethany's "movie group" was enjoying lunch Tuesday after seeing the film "The Last Supper" ... when the TV monitor at the restaurant began showing a historic moment. Everyone watched, transfixed, as the space capsule carrying astronauts—two of whom had expected their space stay to last just a few days, not months—splashed into the ocean near Florida.

Those watching were reminded of scenes from the movie they'd just seen, each having to do with water. The turning of water into wine. Disciples on the beach, feeding hundreds and hundreds of people with just a bit of bread and a few freshly caught fish. Jesus in a boat calming the storm.

The safe return home of astronauts was marvelous to behold. As were the curious and playful dolphins surfacing to check out what was happening in their neighborhood. Viewing this with fellow Christians seemed a blessing. Miracles abounding. Prayers answered. God's glory manifested in glistening waves, spirited animals and motivated humans.

On the last and greatest day of the Passover feast—which was depicted in the film—Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:37-38)

More than 2,000 years later, miraculous and exciting things are still happening. And we are so fortunate to have as nourishment the living water that has the power to transform our lives ... and the lives of all we meet.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... trusting that God is always near.

“When the road you’re on is foggy, do not fear.
The sun still shines above.”

— Nga Chau

These comforting words were spoken by Nga Chau at this week's Presbyterian Women gathering. The morning's discussion had touched on many topics, including fear and grief. Nga reminded everyone that one cannot drive speedily through fog ... that taking it slow is important. And that it also helps to know that the fog will eventually lift. The group agreed: having confidence is key ... and trusting is key.

In this season of Lent, when we reflect on our relationship with Christ, we can be assured that even when we think we are lost, sick, troubled ... seemingly alone ... our Maker is always close at hand.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... putting aside our differences.

When times get tough, it's good to know we have friends. Even when we don't always see eye-to-eye on key issues, our love for each other as fellow children of God should be enough to keep relationships on an even keel. In reality, though, we can find it difficult to be around those who don't share our own vision.

In a small congregation—which, as was pointed out in last Sunday's sermon by Rev. Stephen Smith, consists of many varying and equally essential parts—even the smallest rift or "pulling away" out of frustration or anger can stress and strain the body.

So what can we do? We can stop denigrating those who don't think as we do. We can ask in sincerity why someone believes the way he or she does and try to understand. Most of all, we can look for things that we have in common ... and continue seeking ways to serve and love one another.

God asks that we put differences aside. And that we put HIM first. Because basing everything we do on Him makes the difficult that much easier to achieve. And the rewards—such as friendship—so much lovelier to behold.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... doing the hard things.

Bethany movie-goers experienced the fun of seeing the film Paddington in Peru last Tuesday. In it, Paddington the Bear—with his adoptive British family—travels to the treacherous jungle of South America to reconnect with his aunt. As things start to end happily ever ... as they tend to do in family movies ... Paddington finds himself torn between remaining with relatives in his homeland or returning to England. His aunt tells him it doesn't really matter where he ends up living, reminding him that he is loved no matter where he goes. She also says that in searching for her, he discovered new things about himself. "In finding me, you have found yourself."

At the close of The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy learns that her ruby slippers have special powers; by clicking them she could have gone home to Kansas at any time. Ignorant of this, she has instead undergone a huge ordeal. Instead of getting angry at Glinda the Good Witch, who had not disclosed this important information, Dorothy realizes that it wasn't enough to simply want something ("there's no place like home") ... she needed to work hard to make it happen. The journey ended up being equally as important as the destination.

Last Sunday's congregational vote showed diverse opinions and varying ideas regarding how we should operate as a church. As we are not all of "one in vision" as to ministry and logistics, it's tempting to give up ... to begin disconnecting and distancing ourselves from those with whom we go not agree. Yet it is this very journey, this trek through the unknown, that might be the making of us. No one knows except God. Our faith is needed more than ever as we do the hard things.

At Bethany our journey continues.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... embracing Matthew 25.

What a fun morning we had at Bethany on the last Sunday of 2024! Instead of a traditional sermon, we held a "hymn sing" with those present calling out the titles of favorite songs. It was interesting and inspiring to learn of each others' choices.

Looking back, it's compelling to note that the majority of suggested songs focused on maintaining faith in times of conflict ("Amazing Grace," "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," "It Is Well With My Soul") and serving others ("Will You Come and Follow Me?," "For Everyone Born, a Seat at the Table," "What Does the Lord Require of You?" and "Here I Am, Lord"). These choices revealed that we at Bethany are a resilient people, ready and willing to look to God for sustenance and support ... and that we are a caring congregation, desiring to "be the hands and feet of Christ" to our neighbors.

How can we put this deep faith into action so that—regardless of our aging population and dwindling numbers—we are able to minister to as many of God's children as possible?

In what ways can we link up with others to stretch our resources and our capacity to serve?

Let's pray that we may wholeheartedly and thoughtfully embrace the challenges presented by Jesus in Matthew 25.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

“ The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

— Frederick Buechner

... a new you.

Bethany's "Movie Group" this week saw the Japanese anime film "The Colors Within." It told of an unexpected friendship between three musically inclined students, one of whom attends a Christian boarding school. As they support each other and grow in self-confidence, each finds the courage to face problems with integrity and honesty. At the end of the movie, the students' band performs a song written by one of them. Its words are profound and describe the freedom one experiences when owning up to misdeeds or admitting fault:
 

"Leave all your problems in yesterday's shirt pocket; today is the beginning of a new you."

The Bible reminds us again and again that we can be healed in both body and soul when we trust God. Two passages in Isaiah capture this. In Isaiah 43:25 we read, "I ... am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more." And we hear again of how Jesus died for our sins: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows ... We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah Chapter 53)

Acknowledging to ourselves that we have erred is hard; confessing and apologizing to others is even more difficult. Isaiah makes it clear that no one is perfect and that God helps us when we are troubled ... including giving us the right words to say when making amends to those we have wronged.

As the song in the movie so positively proclaims, a new start is possible. And when you know God is both on your side and at your side, a "new you" is always possible.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

“Start being brave about everything. Drive out darkness and spread light. Don’t look at your weaknesses. Realize instead that in Christ crucified you can do everything.
”

— St. Catherine of Siena

... bringing light to the darkness.

Last Sunday, Rev. Elias Burgos again graced us with his presence in the pulpit. He retold the story of Jesus turning water into wine—his first miracle, one performed at the request of his mother. He and she were both guests at a wedding, and she was concerned for the reputation of the host family that was fast running out of wine. What a huge breach of etiquette this could turn out to be!

Rev. Elias emphasized how the beliefs of all those who unwittingly helped—by filling empty jugs with water at Jesus's command—were changed when, a few minutes later, they poured back out out not water but delicious wine. He told those present at the worship service, "The Gospel tells you what He can do ... what WE can do ... when we are running out of something."

He asked everyone, "What are you, as a person, running out of this week? This year?" And he reminded us that God can restore and replenish us. Just like Mary, who knew in her heart that her son could make things right, we should always have faith.

Emptiness can be filled. Water can become wine. And, as Rev. Elias concluded, "If there is some darkness in your life, light can come."

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... putting our faith into action.

“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work," said Jesus to His apostles. And my, what work he accomplished in his short time on this earth.

In contrast to Christ's thirty-plus years of life, Bethany is now entering its 12th decade of existence here in Sacramento—something hard to believe, isn't it? We who have been associated with it can count ourselves fortunate. We have had a church home that has nourished us spiritually and enabled us to bless the community in many ways.

The hit musical "Hamilton" features a song performed by Thomas Jefferson on his return to America after finishing his term as the country's first ambassador to France. In it, Jefferson acknowledges that the excitement and energy of the new nation's triumph is flagging. He knows that the path ahead is not going to be easy. He sings—almost reluctantly—"Now the work at home begins."

After last Sunday's vote to continue Bethany "as is" (option #3 on the slate of choices), it's clear that we must prepare ourselves for lots of decision-making and task-sharing. Relatively few folks have been involved—as volunteers—in day-to-day operations, Christian education efforts and worship service planning. In an aging congregation such as ours, we will need to think about what additional people-power we can muster ... what new and heretofore talents and skills can be put into play. And what adjustments to expectations might be required. As emphasized in 1 John 3:18, it's not enough to simply speak of love; we must put our faith into action. And that takes prayerful dedication. And work.

Have you thought about your role within the church you consider dear to your heart? What might you be able to contribute to the life of Bethany?

“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.”

— Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

... readying our hearts for Jesus.

Today is Black Friday, with all of its so-called deals, "officially" (to the world, anyway) launching the Christmas season.

We church-goers, of course, know that the true start of the season is the first Sunday of Advent—this year, December 1. Advent comes from the word adventus ("arrival")  and marks the time leading up to Jesus's birth, a time of reflection, hope, and renewal. Each week, a different candle is lit to remind us of the promised Christ Child: the candle of hope, the candle of love, the candle of joy, the candle of peace ,and finally, on Christmas Eve, the Christ candle.

In his years at Bethany, Rev. Lew Rooker liked to have the hymn "People Look East" sung every first Sunday in Advent. (A few of us jokingly called it "the tidying song.") It was a reminder, he said, that we owed it to Jesus to have not just our worldly houses in order, but our hearts as well.

As we enter this time of preparation for Christmas, let us look around us for sadness that we can help lessen through kind words and comfort ... for hunger that we can help assuage through food both physical and spiritual ... for those lost whom we can help find a place in this often-anxious world. Because "Love, the guest, is on the way."

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

"People, look east. The time is near 
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way."

... being kind.

After a contentious and sometimes vengeful election campaign, it's good to know there is such a thing as World Kindness Day. That happens tomorrow—November 13—serving "as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity." What a relief to have fo the focus shifted—for one day, at least—away from divisiveness and toward camaraderie.

Kindness doesn't cost anything, only the sacrifice of swallowing insults you'd really like to hurl at the paper carrier who (again) threw your Sacramento Bee under the car. Kindness doesn't hurt anything either, except maybe your pride when you say, in all sincerity, "I'm sorry" after you are late for a coffee date.

Quite a few of us are smarting because our votes were not enough or the neighbors—whom we thought were such nice people—showed their true colors in posting signs for a candidate we did not like. (Won't be sitting by them at the next block party. Wait, that's not very kind.) How difficult it is to go about everyday life knowing others don't embrace the same opinions. Immigration. Homelessness. Climate change. Government infrastructure. Judicial appointments. These are only a few of the many hot topics that will be the talk of family gatherings this winter. Will Uncle Charlie stomp angrily out of the room when you mention same-sex marriage at the dinner table? Will your book club buddy "unfollow" you on social media because you argue against deportation of undocumented workers? Situations like this are kind ... of hard.

A character in TV's M*A*S*H series once said, "It's nice to be nice ... to the nice." And it is. It's not so nice to be nice to those we feel are full of prejudice or hate toward others. How do we live by our Christian principles—which tell us to stand up to oppressors and bullies—and yet also, as Jesus instructed us, to "love our enemies?"

As Jim Guida concluded his sermon last Sunday, he said that one thing is definitely needed for us to be able to love unconditionally: God's grace. It's through that amazing grace we will find ourselves available for civil conversation, for peaceful resolution to conflict, and for forgiveness. Let's practice kindness until we get really good at it.

... refusing to accept hate-fueled talk as “the norm”

Another election day is upon us. Many of us feel tense, anxious about the outcome: Will "our" candidates win? Will "our" ballot issues succeed? In a turbulent campaign year such as this—with the American people keenly divided over universal concerns—a distressing level of disrespect (and let's be honest—hatred) has surfaced.

We know there are always folks on the fringe just waiting to get their say; the Southern Poverty Law Center recently reported that 117 hate groups were being tracked in California alone. But even more scary than the organized groups is this: it might be your very own neighbors and friends who are acting out. The very people you say "hi" to each day as you pick up your mail might believe in conspiracy theories ... or secretly wish that immigrants would "go back where they came from" ... or pepper their social media with hostile comments intended to insult and hurt.

One of us at Bethany, while trying to get into a turn lane, became stuck amidst a national candidate's flag-waving truck parade on Elk Grove Boulevard. Horns honking, signs hoisted, people from her neighborhood hollering out of their SUV windows ... you'd think this would be a joy-filled experience. Instead it was terrifying. The mood of the drivers was sharp-edged and rude, with a sense of entitlement and self-endowed power permeating the scene. This was not a celebration but a calculated warning to everybody who did not share the group's beliefs. "I felt very threatened," she said, still shaking an hour later.

How do we deal with those who alarm us with their grandstanding and generalizations and ignorant exclusionary rhetoric? The Apostle Paul had a lot of experience dealing with enemies. He shared how important it is to not let the prospect of an "enemy" overpower or paralyze us ... but to regard these encounters as opportunities to tell people that their words offend and are not based on fact. To pray for change in others' attitudes and behaviors. To help them see the light of Christ and respond to it in loving ways. Paul knew this is not easy to do. But in his letters to followers, he counseled them—and us today—to not shrink from that which overwhelms and frightens ... and to have faith that God will never leave us.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

---

… looking for the small.

A friend of Bethany, someone who attended the church as a teen, is currently off enjoying the trip of his dreams. A vacation, he said, that had long been on his personal bucket list.

Jim is an engineer and—like most of his ilk—rhapsodizes over things that are (1) sort of broken and might be fix-able; (2) horribly broken but good to have on hand for spare parts; (3) in need of solutions and problem-solving (such as how to make new stuff out of broken stuff); and (4) things that are, well, just perfectly constructed and need nothing but to be admired. On this vacation, he was on a mission to achieve #4: To see, and travel through, and marvel at one of the greatest engineering feats on Earth—the Panama Canal. He was counting on being wowed and, as the cruise ship voyaged onward, he certainly was.

What he didn’t anticipate was that he would, in turn, wow someone else. Stepping off the ship later that day, he saw a man looking at him. Goggling at him. The man, a taxi driver, at once stopped trying to sell Jim on a touristy ride around the small village. He instead brought out his cell phone and asked for a selfie. “Los Papá Noel!” he exclaimed. Pointing to Jim’s shorts, sandals, straw hat and violently colorful Hawaiian shirt, the man said, “On vacation!” The taxi driver gestured again—this time waving at Jim’s very long white beard. He wanted a picture of—you guessed it—"Santa Claus" on vacation. He probably would have packed Jim into the car and driven off with him to the local school to show his children … but it was determined that a photo with “Santa Clós” would suffice. Jim graciously complied and made a new friend for life. Imagine the excitement of the kids when they saw that photo. They’ll probably never forget the day their Papi met and actually spoke with Santa. Jim figures he is by now Scotch-taped 'til infinity to the family’s kitchen cabinet, or stapled to the “Show and Tell” bulletin board in a cheerful Panamanian classroom. What a large, long-lasting legacy to come out of such a modest meeting.

It’s usually the big ticket items—like sky diving or seeing the Lincoln Memorial up close—that gain traction, as they say in PR talk. Yet it’s the little unexpected moments that can stay with us forever. Sweet moments that help define us and remind us of what’s really important in our lives. Maybe we should put ourselves on high alert so we recognize these times when they come along. Maybe in addition to making bucket lists, we can be filling our buckets. With the small, humble, occurrences that nourish and replenish us and give us reason to be glad.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

---

... sharing the wonder.

Imagine getting into a car … with no one behind the steering wheel. Traveling down city streets, halting quite nicely at red lights, merging smoothly into crowded lanes and waiting for crossing pedestrians … with no collisions (nor even any close calls). A couple of Bethany folks recently dared to try out one of the new driverless cabs in Scottsdale, Arizona, and were astounded at the experience. 

The hired vehicle arrived right on time and in just the right place, lights flashing a welcome. Once the doors automatically closed and seatbelts clicked, everything shifted into “trust mode.” There was nothing to do but, well, go along for the ride. There was no time to worry or dwell too heavily on what could go wrong. Instead, for the passengers, the sheer joy of this novel mode of transport overcame doubt and fear. The car—if it could talk—would have exclaimed over the laughter of the two customers who were clearly overcome with giddiness, wanting to shout out the car windows (if only they could figure out how to operate them): “This is amazing! You should try it!”

The woman Jesus met at the well was similarly bemused and excited. She was willing to hear what he told her … to suspend disbelief and have her eyes opened to a new way of thinking. “Give me this living water!” she told him, full of awe and wonder at his promise of life everlasting. She was eager to share her experience with others.

In what ways might we, too, shake off our doubts and be unafraid to try something new? And to be unafraid to live out our faith in a very public, very amazing way?

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... letting God prepare us.

As you read this message in 90+ degree Sacramento weather, the person who wrote it is probably sitting in unrelenting rain at Manzanita Lake. Despite the prediction of lousy weather, she was heading up north to the mountains Sunday morning ... with this note scheduled to be "auto-sent" from the home computer on Tuesday.
 Now, a lot can happen between Sunday and Tuesday, so it's kind of a leap of faith to prepare something so far in advance. We can only hope that the information in this newsletter stays the same.
 Someone in our congregation (whose name won't be mentioned; initials are J.G.) likes to joke about the aftermath of spontaneous actions: "It's easier to seek forgiveness than permission." In that vein, we can probably accept that not everything can be planned ... and not everything planned turns out as, ahem, planned.

Perhaps the unpredictable nature of our lives keeps us on our toes. At the very least, our brain cells keep regenerating from the stimulation brought about by change. And our emotions get a good workout, too, when we realize we have come smack up against something unexpected. No milk for your morning coffee? A light rail train is stuck on the tracks and you'll be late for church? Lost the car keys/phone/wallet (again)? We scream and holler and wail in frustration, all the while trying to figure out alternatives.
 Oh, if only life was as reliable as the forecasts of meteorologists (and sometimes those guys get it wrong, too).

The old Scout motto "Be Prepared" is a good one; it reminds that we owe it to ourselves and others (and to God) to be capable and confident people—problem-solvers and peace-makers in a chaotic and crazy world. And to take a raincoat. Being prepared, though, is just that: having the tools and techniques to cope with new or different circumstances. It doesn't necessarily mean that we embrace what is happening, nor that it is we who are even in control. We might, for example, "be prepared" for a drought, when instead the heavens unleash a torrent and we end up treading floodwaters. It's just not fair! (Insert: yet more screaming, hollering and wailing.)


The bible tells us that there is a time, and a purpose, for everything. This is hard to understand when it seems things aren't going our way, when change is inevitable, when solutions aren't immediately obvious. (Or—as it often happens—when solutions are obvious to you, no one else "gets it" and you feel alone or angry or upset.)
 Self-reliant and resilient we may be, but we have to face the fact that it's not what we want—but what God wants for us—that is going to happen. Perhaps it's God who is doing the preparing.

Our hearts could sure use that.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... listening.

Remember this sign? It's one of hundreds Jim Guida created for the benefit of those driving by Bethany. Wonder how many of us church-goers noticed it at the time ...

We sure needed reminding of this important message after last Sunday's worship service, when we gathered for another of our "focus meetings" on Bethany's future. As we discussed management of our church building, in particular, tempers started flaring ... miscommunication reached a height ... and then a few impassioned voices pointed out that we share a common purpose: ministry. And that any decisions about our church should be based on that—first and foremost.

Some of us are already accepting that Bethany's congregation is an aging one, unable to muster sufficient money and volunteers to keep our building going. Others are still trying to figure out ways we can maintain the building on our own. And some are frustrated, or past caring, and have already "checked out" of the church, no longer attending. We miss them and their part of the conversation.

Wherever each of us is on the road to acceptance—for that is the end stage of the grief process—we owe it to each other to listen with respect and try to understand what is really being meant when people open their hearts to us. It's hard to do. But as Christians, we must do our best.

Something to ponder in the week ahead:

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." —Proverbs 18:15

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... imagining.

Housebound, but not helpless.
Limited, but not useless.
Space-defined yet unimaginably free
we have time to explore emotions and
revive memories
clean closets
tidy loose ends
figure out what's important
and true
and with God's help,
make of it all
something
meaningful and
new.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor
in COVID-19 quarantine

... greater love.

Poor little February. Only 28 days in duration, it’s the shortest of all the months. But this little runt of the litter contains one of the most endearing holidays—Valentine’s Day. We get an entire day devoted to the appreciation of love!

AND every four years—Leap Year—we get 366 days (not 365) and Shorty February gets the honor of hosting it. Leap Year asks—no, demands—that we do something meaningful with our extra day.

What will YOU do with your 24 extra hours? You could write overdue letters to family and friends. You could grocery shop for items to give to the food closet. You could visit someone whose health makes it hard to get out of the house. You could learn the name of your mail carrier (coffee barista, gas station attendant, credit union teller, et. al.) and begin greeting him/her personally. You could pray. Oh yes, please do pray. The world, as troubled as ever, desperately needs your prayers.

On February 29, do what you can to bring about understanding, friendship, peace and love.

Take a leap … into greater love.

—CBS

... giving and receiving.

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus: “the greatest gift to the world.” In keeping with that spirit of generosity, we give presents to one another. (And Santa comes with treasures for good little girls and boys!) Every December we place immense emphasis on getting just the right thing for the right person.

Yet a Bethany member once declared that it wasn’t until he became seriously ill that he learned how to receive. He remarked that while his cancer was not a blessing, his response to it was. He said he was learning to ask others for help and for prayers. For someone whose career had been focused on helping others rehabilitate themselves, he now found himself on the receiving end. Up until his death, he proclaimed that just as much as “God loves a cheerful giver,” God loves a cheerful receiver.

During the month that lies ahead—the month traditionally promoted as filled with joy—we are bound to feel moments of sadness and longing. We may grieve for loved ones no longer with us. We may feel overwhelmed by finances or schedules. (We may even come down with the ‘flu!)

Let’s remind ourselves that the infant Jesus was as vulnerable and weak as any other newborn, needing infinite care and love. And know that this same comfort and aid is always available to us from friends and family. And from God, the greatest Gift-giver of all.

—CBS

Receiving is often harder than giving. Giving is very important: giving insight, giving hope, giving courage, giving advice, giving support, giving money, and most of all, giving ourselves. Without giving there is no brotherhood and sisterhood.

But receiving is just as important, because by receiving we reveal to the givers that they have gifts to offer. When we say, “Thank you, you gave me hope: thank you, you gave me a reason to live; thank you, you allowed me to realize my dream,” we make givers aware of their unique and precious gifts. Sometimes it is only in the eyes of the receivers that givers discover their gifts.

–Henri Nouwen

… giving thanks.

This is historically the month for giving thanks. For food on the table, for family and friends, for paychecks, for roofs over our heads. But for every blessing we can count, we can recall even more terrible, embarrassing, dangerous, thoughtless, angry or foolish things we have done. Years later, we are still pointing blame at ourselves and considering ourselves unworthy of God’s care and comfort. But God accepts us just as we are, because He knows our human struggles and frailties. (He made us in His image, after all!) You are the total sum of your experiences; they’ve made you the person you are today. Take time this month to number not just blessings, but how far in life you have come — and what you have overcome — and are, through the grace of God, becoming.

—CBS

… finding time.

As winter looms closer, the days shorten. Soon (November 3, for those who like to plan ahead) Daylight Saving Time will end, initially granting us an extra hour of sleep but inevitably dooming us to nights that commence as early as our afternoon coffee breaks. The clock ticks, the calendar pages rustle, and we find ourselves counting the days until the sun again beams brightly. During this time of waiting—for the sun (and for those of you already counting the days until Christmas) THE Son—we can reassure ourselves of the constancy of God’s love for us. AND to try to meet the challenge He has issued to each of us: to love one another, regardless of circumstances and differences. This admittedly is not always easy to do. But we’ve got lots of time to work at it.

— CBS