The Sixth Sunday of Easter will bring us ever closer to the advent, the coming, of the Holy Spirit's full sway.  The gift we have been given to open is the gift of a "fresh start" in Jesus, a Future unfolded by the Spirit when we yield to such.  The challenge I am presenting to myself right now is to privately enumerate those things of which I am most fearful.  What do I dread most?  And am I willing to let the Spirit deal with it all?

The First Letter of John 4:18 encourages us:
"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. the one who fears is not made perfect in love." (NIV)

This quote begs for much "unpacking," but right now it is sufficient to say that we are challenged to reflect God's heart by being immersed and by radiating the warmth of the One who reached to pluck me (and you) out of sticky clay and Who gives us the means to pluck up others as well...