Luke 24: 36 – 45 Jesus's Last Appearance

Luke 24: 36 – 45 Jesus's Last Appearance

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And [behold] I am sending the promise of my Father* upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them [out] as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.*

Whatever doubts his disciples had about his resurrection are resolved when Jesus appears in their midst. No spirit he, but fully alive in his physical body as evidenced by his wounds and his desire to eat. He ends his time with them with a gift, a challenge, and a promise. The gift is when he opens their minds to the scriptures making everything clear. The challenge is to preach repentance for the forgiveness of all sins to all nations in his name. The promise is that they will be sent the promise of his Father and “clothed with power from on high”. Then he blessed them and was taken up to heaven. Jesus's time on earth has come to an end. He has done everything he can to prepare his followers for the future. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. The way that those disciples and fledgling followers acted in the following weeks and months and years seemed to fulfill every promise – working together to preach the gospel, sharing their resources, doing their best to follow Jesus in word and deed. Perhaps it is as simple as that – preaching the gospel through our words and our deeds, sharing generously what we have been given and loving each other as Jesus loved us. Words to ponder and I think to live by.

This marks the end of my meditations on Luke. It took me longer than I thought but through the process I learned a lot about myself and the scriptures. I thank God for all I learned and look forward to whatever comes next. I am in his hands and happy to be there.

Luke 24: 13 – 35 Emmaus

Luke 24: 13 – 35 Emmaus

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer* these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

After he had risen, Jesus appears to two of his followers as they travel to Emmaus. They are amazed when Jesus professes ignorance about the events of the last few days. Where has he been not to have heard they wonder? They confide, “We were hoping he was (the Messiah) the one who would set Israel free.” That hope, at least in a political sense was doomed to disappointment. Jesus travels along with them explaining the scriptures to them and then performing what is to become his signature act – the breaking of the bread. In this act they recognize him, an act so integral to his teaching that we continue to re-enact it today. The Eucharist, Thanksgiving.

Luke 24: 1 – 12 The Women at the Tomb and Peter

Luke 24: 1 – 12 The Women at the Tomb and Peter

But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.* Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” And they remembered his words. Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

Two days after Jesus death, three women who loved him arrived at the tomb to further anoint his body. They are keeping vigil, caring for their friend and Lord in death as they did in life, selflessly. Their humble service is rewarded. They are the first to know that Jesus is risen. The two angels present at the tomb ask them to remember what Jesus had told them. Suddenly it becomes clear – a miracle to end all miracles. The women greet the news with amazement and with faith. They rush off to tell the others. Their new is greeted with disbelief by the apostles, except for Peter. Peter who has been tested, found wanting, and forgiven. Peter whom Jesus believed in, believed in Jesus in turn. They say that experience is a great teacher. Peter is a prime example - someone who made mistakes, had to face the consequences of his actions, had to admit he was wrong and ask for forgiveness and then was given it. All of this combined to make Peter the person he is now, the person who will establish Christ's church community on earth.

Luke 23: 50 – 56 The Burial of Jesus.

Luke 23: 50 – 56 The Burial of Jesus.

Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, had not consented to their plan of action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried. It was the day of preparation, and the Aabbath was about to begin. The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils. Then they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Joseph of Arimathea, a man of influence in the Sanhedrin, asks Pilate for Jesus’ body so that it can be buried. Luke’s gospel describes him as a “good and God-fearing man who looks forward to the reign of God”. Is he one of Christ’s followers or is he a Jew? Since he has influence in the Sanhedrin he must be a good Jew, and a wise one, since that is sort of the “supreme court” of ancient Israel. And yet the description of him as a person “who looks forward to the reign of God” marks him as a follower of Christ. Maybe we should think of him as a “closet” Christian, someone who leads a double life? That’s a bit harsh. It was not easy to follow Jesus at that time, especially in Jerusalem. Your very life was at risk and Joseph was not the only follower of Jesus to wilt under the pressure. Virtually all the disciples did, including Peter who would play a huge role in establishing the church. And if I am honest with myself, I’m sure I would not have done much better. We don’t know what happened to Joseph after his brief mention in the Gospels, but I would like to think he continued to help and support Christ’s followers. Maybe eventually he became an overt Christian. I think he did. After all, he was a good and upright man who looked forward to the coming of the Kingdom.

Luke 23:32 – 49 The Crucifixion.

Luke 23:32 – 49 The Crucifixion.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]* They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent* beyond doubt.” When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.

Luke’s version of the crucifixion alone has the crucifixion of the “good” and “bad” thieves. These are the two criminals who are crucified one on each side of Jesus. One, the “bad” thief, mocks Jesus, thinking him a poor messiah that cannot rescue himself, never-mind the Jewish people. The second, the “good” thief , rebukes the first. Like everyone on the city of Jerusalem he knew of Jesus and his sham of a trial. Somehow, he recognizes Jesus innate goodness and holiness and asks to be remembered when Jesus “enters into his reign”. This is the last man outside of Jesus friends and disciples to recognize Jesus for who he really is. The rest lack faith, going along with the crowd, unable to think independently, to recognize Jesus with the eyes of faith. Following Jesus always has and will call for faith and fidelity. Faith in being able to recognize God’s work, God’s workers here on earth, and choosing to be one of them. Fidelity in choosing to stand by that work in the face of adversity, in the face of unpopularity. Jesus went his own way, bringing the word of God not to the powerful but to the poor. He embodied humility, non-violence, love of God and others. That path, if we choose it, is open to us as well - but we must choose it – that counter cultural path. We must choose it.

Luke 23: 26 – 31 The Way of the Cross

Luke 23: 26 – 31 The Way of the Cross

As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.


In my Bible this only has a small resemblance to The Way of the Cross as most Catholics know it – that is the thirteen meditations found around the walls of a church depicting the passion and death of Christ. Luke emphasizes two events in particular of that difficult, agonizing journey – Simon of Cyrene being made to carry the cross and Jesus’ meeting with the “daughters of Jerusalem”. In the first case the drafting of Simon seems pretty straightforward. The soldiers, now firmly in charge, do not want to be robbed of their spectacle. If Jesus expires before they can crucify him they and the throngs of bystanders will be sorely disappointed. In the second case, the result is less clear. Women are weeping for Jesus along the route. Jesus tells them not to weep for him but for themselves and their children. It seems like a dire warning. I’m sure that down through the ages various anti-Semitic groups have used this passage as an excuse to persecute Jews. What can Jesus mean? It is true that his ordeal is almost ended and his reward is at hand while theirs is not. Is it as simple as that? Or is Jesus commenting on the plight of any group that lacks power - as the women and children of the times seem to do – living with the consequences of “the deciders” in this case the men? I have to admit I am grasping at straws. Turns out that God will not protect us from the consequences of our own bad decisions. We have only to look around us to see that playing out all around us in the environment, in our economy, in our culture. I am decidedly feeling gloomy today on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. What do you think?

Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth."

Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Messiah, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” 5But they were adamant and said, “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here." On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.

Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. [Even] Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” (Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder.) Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.

Jesus finally faces his accusers. First the elders, chief priests and scribes, then Pilate, Herod, and Pilate again. The priests, scribes and elders want to know if he is the Messiah. Jesus replies, “If I tell you, you will not believe me.” Have not his actions, his words and deeds given enough proof? Certainly for those who see with the eyes of faith. But their minds are closed, their path already chosen. Jesus comes before Pilate on a charge of subverting the nation and opposing the payment of taxes. Pilate questions Jesus and finds him guilty of neither charge then hands him off to Herod who is only interested in Jesus the miracle worker. When Jesus refuses to “perform” Herod grows bored and returns Jesus to Pilate. This is the last thing Pilate wants. The elders, priests and scribes have followed along, accusing Jesus and seeking his death. They have burned their bridges and now incite the crowd to hysteria. Pilate finally gives in. What is the life of one poor, downtrodden Jew to him? The chief priests, elders and scribes cannot bear to be wrong so they “erase” their mistake.

Luke 22: 63 – 65 Jesus Victimized

Luke 22: 63 – 65 Jesus Victimized

The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" And they reviled him in saying many other things against him.

Jesus is about to be brought before the Chief Priest and the elders, and from there to Pilate. But first, the men holding him abuse and humiliate him. They slap him, taunt him, and blindfold him. What is it about people in power who so often take advantage of others? Is it fear of someone different from themselves? Do they feel threatened? Is it about them, the one in power, or is it about the one they have power over? What harm could Jesus do at that point? I think it must be about the one in power. Somehow that absolute power leads to abuse of the vulnerable. It is cowardly, it is despicable, but it is not about the victim, it is about the perpetrator.

Luke 22:47 – 62 Denial

Luke 22:47 – 62 Denial

While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, "Lord, shall we strike with a sword?" And one of them struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, "Stop, no more of this!" Then he touched the servant's ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness." After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, "This man too was with him." But he denied it saying, "Woman, I do not know him." A short while later someone else saw him and said, "You too are one of them"; but Peter answered, "My friend, I am not." About an hour later, still another insisted, "Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean." But Peter said, "My friend, I do not know what you are talking about." Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly.

Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Betrayed by Judas, he is taken away by men with clubs and swords. His followers offer some resistance but Jesus quells it for two reasons: 1) he does not believe in violence of any kind, and 2) he knows his hour has come. As he is taken away, Peter follows along at a distance. Several people see Peter and recognize him as one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter of course denies it three times and then the cock crows – just as Jesus had foretold. Peter goes out and weeps bitterly. This is the man that Jesus will place his church/movement into the hands of – a man who has lacked courage, who has denied him, who has sometimes been foolish and boastful. Sound familiar? It does to me. I have been all of those things and more.

Even though Peter is far from perfect, Jesus still believes in him. Jesus’ belief in Peter, Peter’s attempts to be the person Jesus knows he can be, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the needs of other, all came together for Peter and he had a huge impact on the lives of many – founding a church movement that changed the world. All of these factors can come together for us as well - our faith in Jesus, his faith in us, our attempts to live up to that faith, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the needs of others. But we have to be willing to try and fail and try again as Peter was willing, even though like him we are far from perfect.

Luke 22: 39 – 46 Agony in the Garden

Luke 22: 39 – 46 Agony in the Garden

For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, 'He was counted among the wicked'; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment." Then they said, "Lord, look, there are two swords here." But he replied, "It is enough!" Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not undergo the test." After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." (And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.) When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test."

Two things immediately jump out at me in this scripture. First, twice during the passage Jesus says to his disciples “Pray that you may not be put to the test”, and “Pray that you may not be subjected to the trial.” These are some of the same words that Jesus used when he taught his followers to pray The Our Father. Somehow, down through the ages they have been changed slightly to “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.” I guess the words are somewhat similar, although I prefer the original. The point being that life is full of tests and trials, some of which come about through our own fault and some through the actions of others or just through bad luck, accident or disaster. How we deal with them is what matters. This brings me to my second point about this scripture. When presented with a trial, Jesus turned to his Father, praying for strength to accept the test if it be his Father’s will. The scripture goes on to say, “And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him”. Tests and trials come often in life and cannot be avoided, but with the grace of God, they can be gotten through. In the end Jesus was rewarded for his fortitude. So too will we be rewarded.

Luke 22: 21- 38 Who is the Greatest?

Luke 22: 21- 38 Who is the Greatest?

"And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed." And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed. Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as 'Benefactors'; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers." He said to him, "Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you." But he replied, "I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me." He said to them, "When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?" "No, nothing," they replied. He said to them, 12 "But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, 'He was counted among the wicked'; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment."

Following the Passover meal but before they left the room and headed to the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and his followers remained at table. These are there last few minutes together uninterrupted. How do they spend those minutes? Disputes and denials. The disciples argue among themselves – who is the betrayer that Christ hinted at? Then - who is the greatest among them? Peter’s denial is also foretold. Poor Jesus. He needs his disciples’ encouragement, their compassion, as he approaches his suffering and death. Instead they are focused on themselves. Jesus patiently explains that “it cannot be that way with you”. “Let the greater among you be as the youngest, the leader as the servant”, Jesus says to them. And to Simon Peter he says, “ You must strengthen your brothers.” Jesus has done all he can for them. Soon it will be up to them and to the Holy Spirit. An amazingly, that will be enough. This is the groups that founded our entire faith – The Christian faith. With Christ’s words and deeds for inspiration and the help of the Holy Spirit, they and we are capable of many good things.

Luke 22: 14 - 20 The Eucharist, continued

This passage describes the first Eucharist, a central part of the Catholic Mass and our faith. Why is it so important? What is the deal with the emphasis on "body" and "blood"? Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ, that it is his body and blood in that bread and wine. This is as central a belief as there is for Catholics. It also was probably as shocking a statement as Jesus could have made to devoted Jews who avoided contact with blood at all costs.

Perhaps focusing on the physicality of "body" and "blood" is too simplistic, too nearsighted. Perhaps the point is Jesus's intent to give his total self, his entire being to his followers - to strengthen, inspire, console and encourage them. The physicality of the sacrament, the very, shall we say unusualness of it, makes it unique and memorable. But at bottom it is a symbol of all the richness and depth that Jesus brings into his follower's lives by his words, his deeds, his wisdom, his compassion, his humility, his love for us and for God. That is worth remembering and giving thanks for. Eucharist. Thanksgiving. Amen.