Dearest Friends in Christ,

Recently two new saints joined the great family of saints in the heavenly kingdom, as Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were canonized by Pope Francis I.  With immense joy and celebration, our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church recognized the unique gifts that these two men possessed and the ways in which the oldest Christian denomination was influenced or changed by their ministry.  Pope John XXIII was responsible for the
convening of Vatican II, which made the language of worship accessible to all by removing the requirement to pray the Mass in Latin, and ushered the church into the modern era.  Pope John Paul II is remembered and cherished as the “People’s Pope,” and left his
passion for service as his legacy to the faithful.  Each of them in the witness of their lives strove to journey with Christ as they served His church.  For that they are revered, and are now honored as saints.

However, we do not need to be saints, or anything close to saint-like, to strive to journey with Christ.  The invitation of the Gospel is an opportunity to follow and to embrace transformation when it comes upon us.  As Jesus created community and connection wherever he traveled, we are also invited to be a part of community – both locally and globally – as disciples and followers of the One we claim as God’s Son.  We are Resurrection People across denominational lines.  Let us remember that as we journey together in the light of God’s love.

Blessings,

Pastor Gail