May 16, 2026 · 2:46 am

We are not the light

Photo: Prateek Gautam on Unsplash

Today, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quoted the Gospel of John. It seems obvious to me that they were trying to connect their work to the work of Jesus. Unfortunately as has been the administration’s practice, the verse is misused. Those that take the unique salvific role of Jesus and scripture seriously will be disappointed if not disturbed.

Image: United States Department of Homeland Security

I’m not anti-law enforcement, far from it. I was a decorated six-year police veteran in the Metro-DC region. I have served as a law enforcement chaplain for approaching twenty years. I love our law enforcement officers and understand how difficult and costly a vocation it can be. Indeed, today is Peace Officer Memorial Day, and I sorely grieve four friends who died while serving (read “loving”) their neighbors including some neighbors who might not have “deserved” their love through human eyes. Yet, I also understand there can be bad law and poorly executed even corrupt law enforcement. We can fall short. So, this is a nuanced argument I make, but an important one. What might go wrong if we too easily consider ourselves direct instruments of God’s righteousness? The Bible indicates that the answer is a great deal.

If you are not familiar with it, John 1:5 reads (NRSVue), “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” Reflecting the wider translation of the Amplified Version (Classic Edition): “And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].” John is introducing and summarizing his Gospel on a cosmic level. The forces of evil have lost. Jesus’ cross, resurrection, and his ascension has seen to that. Then after this summary, John shares his witness of Jesus in its particulars – the human, historical level.

For those that don’t know or can’t remember the context of the quoted verse, John 1:1-5 makes this explicitly clear:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” [or “understood it”].

In error, DHS has diminished the meaning of the text. They want to claim that their work is good if not sacred, on the side of the Light of the World who Jesus claims to be. (Even as our nation is not a theocracy, nor only consisting of Christian believers, they regrettably try to use Christian scripture to validate a secular government.) Unfortunately, again, their assertion is explicitly NOT what John 1:5 is about. It’s supposed to be about Christ alone, the Word that was, is, and ever will be, our God who became incarnate. It calls us to worship him, not our works. This is a very inappropriate repurposing of the verse whether for immigration control or something else.

I’m sure some will suggest it doesn’t matter or proves a minor issue. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is fighting crime and enforcing immigration laws that is good, why should one care? Well, it can blind us to our own need for repentance. The trouble remains that we are not Jesus. At best, we can only reflect the light.

In enforcement of laws or boundaries, we shouldn’t assume that our work is pure or on point. If Christian, we are called to repentance ourselves. Indeed, even our Constitution suggests this by declaring people are innocent until proven guilty. Through the Fall, even if redeemed as believers in Jesus, we are still sinners. (At least, we Lutherans believe so.) We won’t be in our fullness, similar to but never equal to Jesus, until Resurrection Day. To raise this or any human work to Christ’s level is problematic at best and sin at the worst. In our hubris, we can inappropriately be sanctifying our work that is always imperfect and demonizing people he died to save.

Even as we Lutherans speak about the Two Kingdoms theology of the Reformation in our discernment, we recognize that governments like people can fail even if well intentioned and highly functional. We should not assume they are innately good even as in our humility we should not assume we are innately good. Governments and their agencies should be critiqued and controlled, just as we should be.

I understand that we all need laws. In our Lutheran tradition, our confessions lay out three purposes for the law: 1) a curb to maintain outward order, 2) a mirror to reveal sin and our need for grace, and 3) a guide for sanctified living. Laws, too, are intended to be a gift from God. Yet like the Sabbath, they are meant to serve us, not the other way around. We must be cautious in enforcement and remember that we cannot have justice without mercy.

Here, the scripture adorns video of immigration arrests. At least in Minnesota, some documents allegedly indicated the policy was to be as harsh and aggressive as possible. This agency is still viewed with suspicion as Native Americans and other citizens have been detained, accusations of excessive force and poor conditions in detention are common, and people guilty on technicalities or with illness or disability are held rather than “the worst of the worst” according to the government’s own reports.

Indeed in this video, we don’t know if the people shown are guilty never mind evil. Indeed, humans might do evil and cooperate with it, but even then, Jesus longs for them to know him and repent. Additionally, as I’ve cited before, Jesus says we risk grave sin when we call someone evil and treat them as unredeemable, throw away persons (into hell, jail, or outside our capacity to love). Please recall Jesus’ teaching about anger:

“But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool [translated from the word, ‘Raca’], you will be liable to the hell of fire.”

Anger is not a sin, but we are not supposed to sin in our anger (Ephesians 4:26). Similarly here, it’s not just calling someone a fool but in one’s heart casting them into the darkness. In our hearts, we might say in judgment, “They are unredeemable. They can’t be saved. They are evil.” This is not how Jesus sees any of us. We might cooperate with evil, act unrighteously, even deny Christ, but still Jesus wants to shine his light on us and make us new. We might resist this, but that’s his hope until our last breath.

As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 5:15):

“And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised.”

At a time when the President or his administration has misused scripture in social media and speeches for war, depicted the President as Jesus (not a doctor, despite denials), raised a golden idol to the President as boldly as Nebuchadnezzar or a communist despot, and is sponsoring nationalistic Christian rallies when the Church is mean to be universal, no wonder I’m seeing people – even people who voted for the President or support certain policies – suggest it’s bad form or even blasphemy.

Martin Luther argued that only Jesus is the Light. All our works – other human philosophies, religious efforts, and self-made righteousness – can never drive out darkness. Indeed, even in cooperation with the grace offered us or serving the Kingdom, we find that “this little light of mine” is not ultimately ours but a gift given to us through our faith and baptism.

We are children of the Light. We pray that we reflect the Light in word and deed. Yet, we do so only as empowered by God. Let there be no mistake. Don’t accept any inference otherwise too easily. We are not the Light. As created beings, we never can be.

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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May 11, 2026 · 8:42 pm

Knowing the Unknown God (Sermon)

Image: The Via Egnatia, by Philipp Pilhofer – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

Readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter, Yr. A – Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21. This sermon was preached at Grace & Glory Lutheran Church in Palmyra, VA on May 10, 2026.

In the Book of Acts, we encounter the early Church on the move. Starting in Jerusalem on Pentecost, we hear of its spread from person to person through large cities toward what was considered at the time to be the center of the world in every sense –  Rome. This movement depicts the fulfillment of Jesus’ command (if not prophesy) heard in Acts 1:8 that receiving power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them, his disciples will be Jesus’ witnesses to the ends of the earth. This is that exact same power that we receive through our faith and baptism. Our little church community is directly connected to this grand, miraculous, universal story…Our faith has come person through person, generation through generation, until the source of that story called us to gather here today including those on Zoom.

Also, please note that this movement was not haphazard even as it spread in unpredictable, sometimes uncontrollable, willy-nilly ways. Yes, the Apostles likely discussed and planned their evangelism. (There’s evidence of this in scripture.) Yet ultimately, it was Spirit-activated and led. Relationship by relationship, crisis through crisis, the Holy Spirit used people and circumstances…even what seemed the worst of circumstances…to introduce Jesus to the world…to make Jesus known.  

So just imagine St. Paul moving from town to town along the Via Egnatia, a primary Roman road connecting the eastern and western parts of the Empire. He traveled primarily (most likely) on foot, but occasionally by ship. On his way, Paul picked up work as a tent maker and leather worker to help pay his way, but it also introduced him to strangers who were soon to become his siblings in Christ. Paul traveled over 10,000 miles…hard to believe, but true…often with great risk and personal cost. Yet, he didn’t just pass through. He left a mark as his life touched the lives of others – the mark and seal of his own baptism, Christ’s cross was shared.

Certainly, the growth of the church was facilitated by the modern roads and ships of that time, just as the digital age helps us get the word out, but it was ultimately ordinary people who brought the Good News to others that proves critical. Someone must speak of Jesus for the Good News to spread. Someone must model his love and make it concrete in a world so in need of love. The prophet Isaiah rightly proclaimed, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (Isaiah 52:7).

In knowing the “unknown god,” we inherit some responsibilities. According to the theologian, Carl Braatan, and others, our very own Martin Luther saw the Church as “an acoustical affair” (ein akustisches Geschäft). Echoing Romans 10:17, Luther emphasized that faith primarily comes through hearing the preached Word of God, rather than through visual spectacles, works that we do, or any internal contemplation. “Stick your eyes in your ears,” Luther is reported to have said. Rely on the spoken word, particularly as we hear in scripture. More than visual evidence or human reason, that reveals Jesus. In contrast to the non-Reformation congregations of his time, he argued that the churches of the Reformation were “mouth-house churches” (Mundhausen) where God’s work was spoken. The Word of God is heard through the liturgy and the readings. (If you look closely, you can find scripture in our liturgy.) The Word, which is Jesus, is couched somewhere within every sermon (even bad ones, he argued). And he highly valued music and hymns famously saying, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

Yet, we all know that not everyone will come to our building. And we ourselves cannot stay here. The Church must go out into the world. “So go into the highways and byways, and invite everyone you find to the wedding feast,” Jesus taught through a famous parable (Matthew 22:9-11). As this congregation’s first pastor taught as recently shared in a congregational history, the Church is not ultimately the building…it is us with all the saints. And the Church should not allow any walls to close us in. In our daily lives, our sacred callings (our vocations lived out in roles at school, work, or retired life, in and out of family or within tribal boundaries), we are the Church in the world. Trying to break out. Trying to share the love of Christ with everybody. For, where we are God is with us too, and more than that, we are declared to be Christ’s body.  

Shortly after the Reformation had begun in 1522, Luther preached:

“When a prince sees his neighbor oppressed, he should think: That concerns me! I must protect and shield my neighbor….The same is true for shoemaker, tailor, scribe, or reader. If he is a Christian tailor, he will say: I make these clothes because God has bidden me do so, so that I can earn a living, so that I can help and serve my neighbor. When a Christian does not serve the other, God is not present; that is not Christian living.[i]

What he is saying it that how we live our lives and relate to others is a kind of sermon too. It testifies to the God we know in Jesus.

In the time of Acts, the Church grew by fits and starts despite persecution and setbacks. St. Luke who wrote the Book of Acts shares this experience in such a way that the story juxtaposes those who resist the Gospel with those who accept it. We need to remember that Acts was originally to encourage and urge on early believers facing rejection from their families, economic consequences for their faith, and in some cases, outright persecution and death. Even the great Apostles are shown at times in Acts to doubt, argue, or make mistakes. So despite struggles or want, Luke wants us to remember that this process is the will of God and Spirit-led, and all things will work for the good of those that love God (Romans 8:28).

Today we hear that while waiting for Silas and Timothy to rejoin him, Paul addresses Epicurean and Stoic philosophers on Areopagus Hill (also known as Mars Hill). Our true God, Paul indicates, was already reaching out to them before these wise philosophers and teachers ever knew God by any name. This was evident by the altar he saw dedicated to “the unknown God.” Inherently, they somehow knew that there was more to be found, understood…known. Paul points out that God might use the ordinary and even profane to connect us…to invite us into a relationship…with the One we have been waiting for…Jesus. Nothing can stop God’s will, and as Christ’s disciples share the Good News of Jesus in the marketplace, synagogues, and homes, others become enfolded into God’s purpose. They come to know Jesus and believe.

Now please understand, there is no “one size fits all” formula for evangelizing. Like Paul, we, too, have to consider our context, abilities, audience and obstacles. First, I would suggest that we all come to understand and trust that God is all around us and always with us. We can indeed encounter the Risen Christ through all good things. This is how Julian of Norwich came to understand that even in the simple beauty of a lone hazelnut one heard preached that God made it, God loves it, and that God keeps it. This is why Luther would speculate (inspired by Romans 8) as he deeply grieved the death of his beloved dog that he fully expected to meet him again at the Resurrection, and he would have a golden tail. It is why John Calvin later taught in his systematic theology that even a sunrise can be used by God to draw a person outside of themself and ultimately toward Jesus Christ. Like the people in Athens, the person might not understand who this unknown god is (not yet!), but they hear something calling them, and they know it hints of the sacred…the ultimate love, beauty and truth we know to be God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Second, we, too, as human beings are created “things,” a being in our shell of a body. And yes, as people often say, God is in our hearts. Our selection from John 14 this morning spoke of this new reality with the Risen Christ. Christ is in us and we in him. Jesus might be seen in us as we serve, but he is also crying out from the bodies of those oppressed, hungry, or suffering in anyway…crying out for us to help him.[ii] My past spiritual mentor, Br. Roger of Taizé, argued (echoing ancient teachings of the Church) that Christ’s light shines within us, transforming inner darkness, but it is also calling us to recognize the same “silent wait of a presence” at work in all people. There’s a divine spark or light already burning within the hearts of other before they know it; waiting to become known and grow in its brightness.  

How can we serve God at all times and every place? I understand that we are not the great Apostles. Yet, we can seek to model Christ and his teachings in all our dealings as they did – loving God and neighbor along the way. We need not be afraid to speak of Christ…acknowledging him as Lord of your life…as why we try to do what we do…even amidst our imperfection, hesitancy or doubt. Don’t deny or hide that we follow Jesus. Just speak of Jesus, as we know him in our life. This does not require a seminary degree. It does not mean you must understand every theological argument or scriptural attestation about Jesus, but if you are a Christian…why? Who encouraged you? Who shared this faith with you? What calls you? Why do you do what you do? Start there, testify to what you do know, and the rest will come later within God’s timing and plan.

In sharing our faith, we don’t need to be pushy or performative. We don’t need to know it all. Instead, let the authentic, gentle nature of our own love and own seeking (our questions) be what attracts others to faith in Christ. Martin Luther and many other spiritual masters argued that faith should not (could not) be forced. Jesus invited people to follow him, but he always left it up to them to do so or not. No one can identify Jesus as Lord without the Spirit’s help. As we relate to others, offer them the patience, the forgiveness and love that we ourselves have received first. We can trust the Spirit will do something, although we might never know exactly what in our lifetime. And if we don’t have the answers, point them to someone who might and offer to lovingly wait with them for their answers.

Third, as found in Hebrews 10:25, don’t neglect the assembly. In worship, fellowship, stewardship and service, you are part of the body of Jesus Christ, and it cannot be whole without you…It cannot be as vital as it is intended to be if you are missing. Yet know this, too…Through your intentional, sincere participation…whether on Zoom, in the worship space, serving, or praying for others or the Church and its concerns…as you are able to; not with guilt or obligation but out of joy…your own faith will grow as well. Absolutely, Jesus will be made more known to you. You will meet the Risen Christ as you continue to knock, seek, and serve. Your presence might also encourage someone else’s participation in our shared life faith in ways you will never know.  

Our Orthodox brothers and sisters tell a story where one man asked a priest: “If God is everywhere, what do I go to church for?” To which the priest replied, “The whole atmosphere is filled with water; but when you want to drink it is good to go to a fountain or a well.” Through fellowship, the sacraments, the preaching and teaching, our shared service, and even quiet times, grace enters more deeply into our lives. We need to gather at times in our homes including through our Shepherds’ Team, through the internet, in the sanctuary and elsewhere out in the world.

Yet never forget, even apart, we remain part of this communion called Church. We are connected to all those believers that have come before us, those that gather throughout the world in the present, and all those believers yet to come. We are never alone…always connected by the Holy Spirit. “Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals.” Oh, no…our true God is much more than that. God is very much alive in the creation around us, in the Christ who is risen, and on the move in and through us and the world around that surround us as the Holy Spirit blows us toward where God needs us to be. Jesus will never leave us orphaned (John 14:18), my friends, and he wills to be made known in and through our lives. Amen.

[i]  Luther. M. (October 25, 1522). Sermon in the Castle Church at Weimar. D. Martin Luthers Werke: Kritische Gesamtausgabe (Weimar edition), Vol. 10/3:382.

[ii] Martin Luther argued this in a letter to his friend.

Below, please find a video of our worship service. The sermon starts at about the 27:15 mark.

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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May 5, 2026 · 8:51 pm

What, me worry? (Sermon)

Alfred E. Neuman from Mad Magazine

Readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Yr. A – Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (5); 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14. This was my first sermon as the newest pastor of Grace & Glory Lutheran Church in Palmyra, VA.

As your newest pastor, I think it is really wonderful that we have an assigned scripture reading that helps us think and talk about change. For, that’s what we are in the midst of, right? I know that Pastor William was dearly loved and appreciated, and I thank him for his stewardship and care for you. Yet, some of you might be wondering, “What about this new guy?” Well, that will all come out in time as we get to know one another, but the the Gospel which has been provided to us for today’s worship is really special considering our situation.

Among the most difficult commands of Jesus (and you might disagree), I would list three:

1)    love one another (And, that’s no easy thing even within families at times. Relationships are often hard even when healthy.)

2)    love our enemies (That’s an incredibly hard thing to just imagine sometimes, never mind do.)

3)    and using varied words, Jesus and others have repeated over and over again, “Do not worry.”

Today, we hear part of what’s called Jesus’ Farewell Discourse where he tells his beloved disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Or in other words, “Do not worry.” Here, Jesus was trying to comfort his disciples (and by extension us) as he prepared to die. As he anticipated his suffering and death on the cross, Jesus fully comprehends that the world can be a frightening and unfair place where we need one another, but most of all, we need God’s love and gracious support. Yes, we will be asked to carry our own crosses at times, and death can loom large before us (perhaps even a martyr’s death like Stephen’s), but Jesus points us toward a deeper faith…when couched within a radical trust. He urges…he invites…Jesus never compels…“Believe in God; believe also in me.”

Unfortunately for humans, that is easier said than done. As created beings in a Fallen World, we are designed to have the capacity for fear as one of our many emotions. Fear can help us survive in the wilderness which is Earth. God gifted us with this emotion, and it is good in and of itself. Yet, if we are not careful, as with anything, fear might begin to dominate us. It can lead us toward a mistake in judgement…perhaps even death. We can follow the heard instead of following Jesus. We might focus so much on our problems that we forget that Jesus promised to always be with us…always…that even if facing death, he has prepared a place for us.

Fear is a powerful and common emotion, but if not on our guard, we can slip into rumination (where we can’t stop thinking about our perceived threats, perhaps impacting our sleep and relationships). We can worry becoming hyper alert for threats or get stuck in our anxiety. This is our conundrum as human beings. It is good to recognize our fears and not ignore them. Yet, we don’t have to slip into a worry where our hearts grow weak, or perhaps worse, cold and selfish. That’s not what God wants for us, but our biology and the realities of the world can overcome us. (we need God’s help.) We might focus so much on our problems…even if we don’t want to…that we struggle to see God in the mess around us…struggle to see God in the “small stuff.” (And signs of God’s love are often found in the small stuff.)

I often think of Alfred E. Neuman at such times. Some of you might remember him. In the late 1950s and beyond, this imaginary cartoon boy provided a motto for young adolescents with an immature sense of humor as part of Mad Magazine. You might have seen Alfred E. Neuman in your own travels – a young boy with red hair, a gap-tooth smile, freckles, protruding nose and ears, and a scrawny body all too small for his bulbous head. And in my travels as a youth, I came to know him through Mad Magazine. And often with his picture, as he faced a precarious situation usually of his own making, one saw this rallying cry… “What, me worry?” Why, yes…absolutely yes, Alfred…when facing difficult predicaments, it might seem like a very good time to worry. Indeed, it might seem foolhardy if not foolish not to worry. And so, we laugh at poor Alfred in his predicament not realizing that we ourselves just might be worrying too much.

Again, recognizing a threat can be incredibly helpful. It allows us to respond and remain safe, nurturing or sustaining life. Yet giving that threat power over our lives is not helpful. Our fears can become another false god leading us toward death. And all the while, we can deeply wound ourselves and others unintentionally because we are afraid. Yet, we can make another. There’s a better choice with God’s help and our holy surrender to God’s will. Yes, when angels urge, “Do not be afraid!” or Jesus teaches, “Let not your heart be troubled,” the Word of God is not suggesting we deny our humanity or the evils of the world…but it does beg us to trust in our true God all the more – the loving God who created us, Jesus who promised to be with us always, and the Holy Spirit that seeks to guide us and intercedes for us “with groanings to deep for words” (Romans 8: 26).

These are not new teachings, but they are as old as the scriptures themselves, as when Isaiah proclaims, “And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). This truth is why Paul reminds us in his letter to the struggling congregation in Corinth, “it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry” (2 Corinthians 4:1). God is the one who has already gifted us with salvation, opportunities and blessings… gifted us with life, and all that we have including the ministry that’s before us. (Our ministry is God’s gift.) It is why Peter reminds us, “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:10). Therefore, because of this mercy… because of God’s presence…because of God’s promise…because of what God has done, is doing, and will do…we need not grow weak, weary, or fail in heart.

Some suggest that Martin Luther argued, “You cannot have worry and have God as your King.” This may or not be his quote (I couldn’t yet find the citation as I prepared today’s sermon, at least not yet), but it certainly fits his theology. When we let worry control us, we often act as if we do not trust that God will get things right…With our actions, we say that Jesus is a liar. We are God’s beloved people, and Jesus does not lie. We are God’s beloved people. This is Christ’s ministry. It is bigger than our vision. Do not doubt it. Remember all the promises of God. Remember God’s faithful, saving actions captured in scripture or in your own life’s story. For just as God was faithful in the past, God will remain faithful in the present…remain faithful in the future. For our God is only love, and God cannot love you any more than God does right now – completely…God wants the best for us. God loves us completely and will never abandon us.  

Yes, the world is a mess, and perhaps our lives are too. Yet God’s work isn’t done, nor is God done with us. As your newest pastor, I understand that Grace & Glory faces challenges…that no life nor congregation lives forever…that you and I face personal challenges as well…but I trust that God is not done with us yet. As long as we have a breath, God is not done with us yet. We are just a small part of God’s spoken story proclaiming the Gospel to the world. Whatever obstacles lie before us, we must seek to remember the God that stands behind us, with us, and before us is bigger than any obstacle that we face! It is God who has brought us here, and it will not be for naught. As someone said to me recently, “If you can stand the pull, God can get you through anything.”

Our choice is the same each day as we arise each day. Will we trust Jesus or not? Will we seek to listen and follow him even as the powers of this world tell us that we are too old, or too young, or too small, or too imperfect, or do not have enough to share? I would like to share with you a much better quote than anything else Alfred E. Newman could offer. It is a beloved poem by Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582):

Let nothing disturb you,

let nothing frighten you,

all things pass away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

Whoever has God lacks nothing;

God alone is enough.

So, what, should we worry? Holy people of God, we have enough – God’s love – and the Lord waits to be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18). Do not let our hearts be troubled but believe in Jesus. It is Jesus, the Risen One, who calls us. This is his ministry, not our own, and not even Death itself can defeat us, for it has already lost. Not one ounce of our faith, hope, and love will be wasted by God. All is well and will be well because God is with us. Now, it is our time to follow Jesus wherever he might lead us. Amen.

Below, please find a video of our worship service. The sermon starts at about the 21:27 mark.

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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April 30, 2026 · 9:43 am

Here I wait

In early October 2025, I was invited to a “financial update meeting.” There, I was notified that some of the leadership of my last congregation had decided to recommend to the church council and congregation that my call be terminated due to a financial crisis. By the end of November, I had resigned and said my goodbyes.

After five months, I recognize that my period of unemployment has proven exceedingly difficult in many ways, but there were signs of hope too – especially discovered through faithful family and friends, and particularly my wife, Kristine. I also committed to volunteer and serve wherever I could, not just to stay busy or distracted, but to best live into the hopeful future that I trusted God placed before me. Last but not least, these five months proved a time of self care, reflection and study. This period became a desert period, an exercise in radically trusting the Lord where I learned much more about God, myself and the Church.

On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, the congregation of Grace and Glory Lutheran Church in Palmyra, Virginia, called me as their new pastor. I start tomorrow, May 1, 2026, (The formal installation date will be announced soon.) I am overjoyed to be serving their congregation, especially within its rural, small congregational setting, one which I historically have dearly loved and enjoyed. This year also happens to be Grace & Glory’s 25th anniversary, a great time for communal renewal.

Before I arrived at Grace & Glory, I was invited to send a short pastoral letter for inclusion in their monthly newsletter. The result below, written before my start date, reflects my recent experience and wisdom hopefully gained, but it also speaks of our shared story and call as believers.

I want to thank all those who supported me during this time of transition through prayer, kind words and notes of encouragement, and many other forms of concrete assistance. I wish to give a special, public thank you to the person who anonymously mailed gifts to my wife and me monthly over this entire time. Your mailings were an encouragement and became yet another sign that a springtime would surely come. I also found respite and inspiration through the ministries and pastoral care offered at the Church of the Messiah Episcopal (Spotsylvania County) with The Reverend Kyle Tomlin as Rector and at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Stafford County) with The Reverend Paul Toelke as Pastor. Thank you one and all, and thanks be to God!

Martin Luther © dpa/Peter Endig. The linked article speaks of a man who sought to trust God in all things even when the futures seemed unclear or if the world seemed about to end.

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. (Isaiah 26:12)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! As I write this pastoral letter, I have recently been called to Grace & Glory Lutheran Church as your next pastor – and yet, I am not yet there! There’s a tension in life between what is and what might be, and this can signify a difficulty or joy common to life – change. Yet striving to be a good Lutheran, here I wait. 

And what am I doing while I am waiting? I am praying for wisdom, strength, and direction as I enter this new leadership role as your pastor and friend. I am starting to coordinate my arrival and first steps with your leadership team. I am gathering necessary items, considering topics for potential lessons and retreats, plus I am considering potential community contacts and partnerships as I study Fluvanna County from afar. I am intending to hit the ground running, but while I wait, I continue to volunteer and serve with law enforcement, my local hospital, and in other ways.

Still, I recognize and have experienced that waiting can be painful, too. It involves sorrowful goodbyes, changed plans, and unexpected bumps in the road. Such times also invite us to be patient. We wait on the Lord to make our paths straight, and we walk on even though we might not yet see clearly. There can be fear of the unknown or “what-ifs” that run through our head. Still, Jesus calls us forward in faith anyway. It is during a time of “now but not yet,” expectantly waiting for Jesus’ return that we people of faith wait.

What shall we do while we at Grace & Glory wait? In light of our celebration of twenty-five years and as I simultaneously arrive as your newest pastor, I’m changing the lyrics of a favorite song, While I’m Waiting, just a bit to reflect our shared path: “And [we] will move ahead bold and confident; Taking every step in obedience; While [we are] waiting [we] will serve You; While [we are] waiting [we] will worship; While [we are] waiting [we] will not faint; [we] will be running the race even while [we] wait. This echoes the faith encouraged by Hebrews 12:1.

We have much to celebrate in our shared history as a congregation. We have much to rejoice about in our present. With whatever happens, we can be hopeful for God loves us. Echoing the words of John Henry Newman, we are but links in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. Yet, God has not created us for naught. Here we wait…as we watch, as we walk, as we hope…because even as we sleep, God is awake and at work.

I give God thanks for all those that have labored to help move Grace & Glory to this point in our history. I bless and thank Pastor Strong for his loving and able care of Grace & Glory as interim pastor and for all your past pastors. I thank you for your commitment, stewardship and welcome. With as much as God has accomplished, I struggle to wait to see what God will do next!

In Christian faith, hope, and love,

Pastor Lou

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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April 20, 2026 · 3:46 am

It does not matter who started it, the Pope’s trying to finish it

Image from Philosophyball, Just War Theory

When I was a child, my little brother and I would sometimes fight. It often went something like this: I’d be playing. My brother would want attention or whatever I was playing with. He’d do something obnoxious maybe pushing or hitting me. I’d push or hit him back. My dad would come into the room angry because of our fighting. We’d both be threatened with consequences. I’d shout my lament, “But he started it!” And my dad would say, “Well, I’m finishing it. You are both wrong.”

Amidst the war game themed memes from the US and LEGO themed propaganda from Iran, a serious conversation has begun…again. When does a nation have the right to attack another nation? Historically, Western Christians have wrestled with this issue using theological, often scholarly, arguments and rebuttals over many centuries. A major component of our understanding for Roman Catholics and many Protestants is Just War Theory. Certainly, it’s not perfect, but it is helpful. And priests, pastors, full time theologians and ethicists of many stripes continue to consider it as part of further, later discernment.

Saint Augustine (13 November 354 – 28 August 430) is often recognized as its first proponent. In modern form, it applies within three specific areas:

  1. jus ad bellum (“right to go to war”);
  2. jus in bello (“right conduct in war”);
  3. and some recently speak for jus post bellum (dealing with the morality and ethics related to post-war settlement and reconstruction).

Pope Leo’s recent comments criticizing the US-Iran undeclared war (or “short-term excursion” in the words of President Trump) are rooted in this theory as well as other moral and ethical teachings – ultimately scripture. Pope Leo has a doctorate in Cannon Law, and as a member of the Augustinian Order, he certainly has expertise in all things St. Augustine. You can’t do much better (even if as a Lutheran we wouldn’t see eye to eye on all things).

The National Catholic Register is a traditionalist Roman Catholic news source in the United States. In a recent article, they argue, “Pope Leo’s insistence that war offends God should be understood as a prohibition against all but legitimate defensive actions, a view that is consistent with the pleas for peace issued by recent popes such as Francis, Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II.” They discuss how and why theologians are “pushing back” at all those in the United States criticizing him. They are focused on Roman Catholic theologians, but many Protestant ones would agree.

When I shared the article with comments, a friend suggested he took issue with Pope Leo not casting blame on the Iranians. After all, the Iranians have done many evil things including attacks on US forces since the 1970s. The US seemed to be responding to a threat. It did not start this in his mind, so why the apparent focus on President Trump? That’s a fair and common critique and question that I’ve been hearing, so let’s discuss it.

Certainly, one is absolutely correct that Iran has been an illicit source of carnage and war since the 1970s. One should trust that the Pope realizes this as well. The Iranians might not be Christian, but they have some culpability morally and ethically for their actions as anyone would be under Catholic, most Protestant or Orthodox teaching. These moral and ethical arguments thought true regardless of one’s personal belief, because they are thought to reflect God’s heart and will for us.

So, Pope Leo didn’t have to name anyone and didn’t – a somewhat political move perhaps at some level but also the correct one. He’s speaking to the world, not just the combatants. (In his later comments in Africa, he clearly denied allegations that his call for peace there was aimed at the President.) Again, Just War Theory, as a reflection of God’s own Law and Gospel, applies to everyone. To US ears, his comments likely appeared more about the President partly because of the full context of the US and Israel’s recent attacks. Many in the Church hold this heating up of the conflict does not meet the standard. Many outside the Church also express deep concerns,

It is helpful to recall that the Catholic Church tends to assert their arguments about conflict using a somewhat academic methodology. Theology is called the Queen of the Sciences after all. And as you hopefully know, solid academics, particularly theology, remains imbedded in who the Catholic Church is. (Meanwhile, the Lutheran World Federation has been less academic in its argument thus far, more diplomatic-speak perhaps, but also based on scriptural understanding and calling all parties to back away from hostilities.)

After all the headlines, I’ve not heard a single Roman Catholic bishop or Cardinal disagree with the Pope as of yet, but some might be out there. The National Catholic Register, again a traditionalist or conservative paper, is supporting him as is the pro-Vatican II National Catholic Reporter. (If the Pope was being wrongheaded, trust that the National Catholic Register would find a way to say it.) I expect this is because Pope Leo’s teaching was deemed correct under the theory and other teachings of the Church. It might sound like an attack to some, but note know names were included.

So, why in more detail might people hear the Pope’s comments the wrong way? First, Iran is an overwhelmingly Muslim nation. (Would they even listen?) Meanwhile, the US is thought by many to be an overtly “Christian nation.” Over 50% of Roman Catholics voted for this President and his administration’s policies. On top of that, some voices in the administration and supporters have been overtly framing this as conflict supported by God and some even an overtly Christian verses Muslim conflict. Thus, Pope Leo’s comments obviously resonate with Christians and Catholics in the US more – positively and negatively- as a result. They challenge assumptions and one’s conscience more easily in the US and West than in a Muslim country.

Yet, the Pope’s explicit statements in no way excuse Iran for their wrongs. They are indicted too. Wrong is wrong. The reaction from the government and many on air or social media supporters tended to frame his comments incorrectly saying he said what he did not say. He does not misunderstand the teachings of the majority of the Church as some suggest. He’s not misapplying them as accused. He has not argued that he wants Iran to have nuclear weapons. And what he did say should not reasonably be understood to indicate that he does. The Pope never questioned self defense and was not critiquing forces in World War 2. That’s all a deflective rhetorical brouhaha. (Is that theological term?)

With all the above, one should consider if what the US and Israel did in escalation meets the standard of Just War and other teachings about peace including scripture. According to Just War Theory’s “right to go to war” standard:

Were the US and Israeli attacks reasonably a last resort? People disagree on the immediate threat posed by Iran or any other options to migrate them, and there’s been few clear, detailed insights as to why we attacked now. Was it declared by proper authority for a just cause (e.g., self-defense)? Congress still hasn’t voted, and any attempt to vote has been blocked. Has it been conducted proportionally, minimizing civilian harm? For one high profile example, the Minab school strike in Iran, which killed over 100 children, is considered one of the worst mass civilian casualty incidents involving U.S. That attack also raises other moral questions about the use of AI for war.

Hence, again, in this fuller context, the US Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) and others have been trying to point people not toward politics or just one person’s fault but ultimately toward peace using the standards long established within the Catholic (and most Christian denominations’ or catholic meaning universal) world. Also, Trump made things worse when he threatened to wipe out a “whole civilization,” and Hegseth doesn’t help with his explicitly “Christian” imprecatory prayers. Of course, Hegseth’s denomination is self-described as Christian nationalist arguing for a literal theocracy under Old Testament Law (hence their leader’s recent suggestion that Catholic public processions should be illegal), so all those prayers and statements echo his worldview.

Recall, Hegseth expects a literal thousand year Christian reign before Jesus returns (dominionism) where Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox and most Christians in the world (numerically) believe in amillennialism. Jesus can come at any time, and we pray for that. The majority of Trump’s spiritual advisors are New Apostolic Reformation (also dominionist). They lean toward seeing spiritual warfare everywhere and tend to be cult-like. Dominionism is not the norm for the vast majority of Christians, and it is morally and ethically problematic as people in power concretely hope to see it play out. We should expect that it helps shape both worldview and actions.

Agree with him fully or not, it is good that the Pope is speaking clearly. It is good Christians in the West are being forced to wrestle with the use of violence. If you haven’t read the information coming from the Vatican and USCCB or the majority of Catholic scholars about this, seek it out. Read what your denomination and other Christians are saying, and not just US Christians. Talk to priests and pastors you know and trust who know something on this part of Christian history.

I understand that you might never fully agree with what the Pope says, but when it comes to war and peace, his words are worth considering. They will and should challenge us all. And in the end, most of worldwide Christendom teaches all war is steeped in sin, a reflection of humanity’s fallen condition even when necessary for defense. It’s not God’s will for us.

The US might not have ultimately started this conflict with Iran, but Pope Leo and many in the universal Church are trying to stop it. We should consider what is being said, and meanwhile as we do, you and I can (and should) pray together for a quick, just peace, any victims of war, and our enemies. Certainly, we Children of God have a lot left to learn about our call to peace.

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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April 18, 2026 · 6:04 pm

Reading the Bible is not the same as understanding it: Approaching “America Reads the Bible” with discernment

Photo by ajay_suresh – Museum of the Bible, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150180477

I admit that I have enjoyed going to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. I understand peoples’ concerns about its backers’ politics. I’ve read the criticisms over the provenance of certain artifacts, alleged scholarship issues, and an overt Evangelical Christian tone. Some Jewish people applaud it for an emphasis on the Tanakh while others are concerned that the museum is “a problematic mediator” of Jewish religion and traditions. Yet, if one is a discerning visitor, a person aware of these issues who keeps an eye out for interpretive problems and is willing to investigate further, one could still learn a lot of basics about how the Bible, our culture and nation intersect. It can be an enjoyable, informative stop on your tour of the capital.

At the same time, the museum offers plays, programs and speakers. They can host activities of other organizations. There, you might wish to use more caution in your discernment. This museum is private, and therefore, it has the right to push forward certain messaging or facilitate it. Consume that with care. One current example is America Reads the Bible. The foundation behind it is often linked to the troubling if not heretical New Apostolic Reformation which I have written and spoken about recently.

Now, I want to note that reading the Bible can be a very good thing, and reading it publicly can serve as a testimony of one’s beliefs, become an unifying and educational experience, and prove also an invitation for others to come to believe as well. I’ve had friends tell me that participating in public readings of scripture helped increase their own faith. So with the coming of this new event at the museum supposedly marking the 250th anniversary of our nation, I find myself thinking of an historic site near my first congregation. The Historic Polegreen Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is dedicated to supporting religious liberty for all.

True, I’ve been gone for awhile, so I cannot speak for today’s practices, but at the time, the Historic Polegreen Church Foundation sought to share scripture and faith through a lens of religious liberty. They memorialized and educated people about historic events and those connected to this historic congregation like Patrick Henry (who worshipped there as a boy) or an influential religious revival called the Great Awakening. Along with historical markers, the pathway to the historic building’s location (no longer standing) is made of bricks with important dates from religious history. (And yes, of course, Martin Luther is included.) As historic Polegreen Church is often called “ground zero” for the fight for religious freedom, it proves a great space to learn about and discuss the subject.

Thus, the foundation hosts events such as the National Day of Prayer where efforts were made to make sure no one faith took precedence. As we prayed for all spheres of our nation and our government together, no matter what political party, we celebrated the benefits that come with our Constitutional right to exercise religion freely (or not). In the early days of my participation, the local Church of the Nazarene hosted an overnight vigil reading of scripture at the time of the prayer event, but any citizen could participate. Everything connected to the National Day of Prayer at this location was truly a communal, inclusive vent.

Yet noting who reads what passages at such events can also prove instructive. Choices made in presentation and inclusion can profess ulterior motive. And so, be aware that America Reads the Bible, being closely aligned with NAR, likely has a hidden agenda attached – Christian Nationalism and dominionism. These harmful beliefs won’t likely be overtly proclaimed, but that’s what NAR hopes for. Articles about the event might note that it is conservative Evangelical, but many won’t clearly say or understand what is part of the event’s spiritual DNA – bad fruit.

America Reads the Bible is hosted by Christians Engaged, a nonprofit, whose head attended Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) which has strong ties to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Christians Engaged often interacts with NAR-related personalities, and the founder according to a Google search, participates in a NAR-friendly world. We should put the dots together, and beware, even as they, too, have the right to gather as long as no laws are broken. (Of course, we as citizens have the right to say why we have concerns and where we disagree.)

Fox news proclaimed, “More than 495 Christian leaders, from Washington to Hollywood, will gather for a live event this week to read the Bible aloud from cover to cover.” Fox also reports, “More than 100 faith-based ministries have partnered with Christians Engaged to support the event.” Some of these include leaders and organizations appearing to be closely aligned with or outright supporters of NAR dominionist theology. Still other participants won’t likely even understand the group they said yes to while others won’t care. Yet understand that the leaders will be a small unhealthy slice of overall American Christianity represented including NAR pastors.

The list of readers will be a list that leans unabashedly conservative. This is when the Church is never meant to cozy up to a singular political identity, left or right (thus losing its identity as one people of God) but instead love one another and strive for reconciliation. I’ve read that Democrats were invited, but I really can’t blame them for not responding. With discernment, I think one will see that this event is meant to have a particular message engrained in all that happens. It will be highly orchestrated and slick. The virtues and benefits that come with our freedom of religion will not likely be the primary focus of the messaging surrounding the primary activity. A specific view of a Christian nation will be, and that won’t be necessarily a healthy, biblical view.

Of particular but unsurprising note, President Trump will be a reader for the event, although a pre-recorded one. Many of his spiritual advisors are aligned with or explicitly stated as being part of the loose NAR movement. (NAR is not a denomination.) The passage chosen for or by him is unlikely a coincidence or providence. Within it, there exists a subtle message previously used by Christian nationalists and those favoring theocracy. As a New York Time’s article explains:

The central verse in II Chronicles 7 reads: “If My people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

“It’s been a hallmark of the religious right to cite this particular passage,” said Matthew D. Taylor, a visiting scholar at the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University.

Biblical scholars emphasize that the passage concerns the writer’s understanding of a particular covenant between God and the ancient Israelites. The books of Chronicles cover centuries of Jewish history, including the reigns of Kings David and Solomon.

Dr. Taylor knows his stuff. His research, lectures and writings focus on American Islam, Christian nationalism, and Christian extremism. Yet what he shares here is basic to proper biblical scholarship and practice. Another scholar I respect is Dr. Brian Kaylor. He agreed on social media, posting, “As I noted in ‘The Bible According to Christian Nationalists,’ that’s a popular passage to misuse.” Even amidst my earliest seminary days, I was clearly instructed to beware applying the Israelites’ unique covenantal relationship and requirements to modern life and politics. It’s not that such passages cannot teach us something, but they primarily address a specific context (the Israelites under their covenant with God).

When we suggest modern applications, we can err. We might forget that Jesus fulfilled the Jewish law and the prophets, and he expanded God’s love through the creation of the Church. It is to be a Church made of all peoples, not just descendants of Twelve Tribes. It is not to force belief but invite. Unfortunately, people have used the passage the President will read to try to shape society into their vision – and not always kindly. We should never assume that requirements necessary for Israel’s growth, mission, and survival (including survival of their faith) are applicable to modern people or times.

The above passage can indeed encourage one to repent (to turn back to God), but in the wrong hands, the passage has been used to promote political agendas or marginalize those a person deems inferior, sinful, or not simply not redeemable. This is not the Gospel. Jesus explicitly forbids it to the Pharisees and all of us. The passage can also be used to boost the Christian Nation myth when our inherited apostolic faith calls us to understand the Church as catholic (meaning universal). Just as Isaiah and other prophets indicate that Israel will be used by God to bless other nations, the Christian scriptures remind us that Jesus came to draw all people to himself.

Certainly, God will use us individually to fulfill some holy purpose, and similarly I think a nation might be used at times. My goodness, Paul writes that God will ensure all things work for the good of those that God loves…even the bad things. For example, Cyrus and the Persians were lifted up as instruments of God’s justice and care by the prophet Isaiah. Cyrus was actually names as a messiah in the original Hebrew (see Isaiah 45:1). And a thorough review of scripture reminds us that God loves the world – its people and all that God created. This doesn’t mean there are never consequences for actions in the real world, or even a necessity for war, but in short, be very cautious when applying such texts as 2 Chronicles 7. One risks becoming not just unbiblical but rationalizing overt sin including abuse and violence against one’s neighbor.

When we begin to see human beings as an anonymous “other” rather than a person loved and being called by God as we are, it becomes easier to move from anger toward hatred and much, much worse as history proves time and again. Indeed, Jesus warns against anger in Matthew 5. In verse twenty-two, he very specifically warns about unrighteous anger, or calling anyone raca or a fool. (Raca is an Aramaic term meaning roughly “empty headed.”) The evangelical site, Got Answers, sums it up nicely:

First, Jesus warns that the very act of murder finds its roots in an angry, murderous spirit: “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22a). God, who examines the very thoughts and intents of the heart, will issue judgment upon unrighteous anger. Next, Jesus warns against name-calling, using “raca” as an example (verse 22b). Then He issues a third warning against those who call someone a “fool” (verse 22c).

In summary, Jesus explains that murder begins in the heart. How our heart is disposed toward others can misshape our lives and lead us toward harm of others. It is a slippery slope. This is why Luther expands upon God’s command to the people of Israel and on Jesus’ teaching about “Thou shall not murder.” We are all murderers at times as we sin against one another.

Jesus warns about false teachers (Matthew 7:15-16 for example), and Christian supremacists (including those friendly with or espousing NAR theology) might be moving us in the above wrong direction whether they mean to or not. (Trust, some NAR theological adherents explicitly indicate they mean to.) And if we hear their “Christian music,” or read sermons or blog posts, or see memes that echo this theme (subtly or not), or expose ourselves to their well packaged events, without proper reflection, this exposure risks influencing our worldview and gifting their voice with undeserved legitimacy. NAR is often identified as a heretical movement by leaders of Pentecostal, all sorts of Protestant, Roman Catholic and Orthodox bodies, so be on guard. They aren’t Evangelical in the truest sense of the term. In fact, using that term to identify their beliefs gifts them with more unwarranted, if not dangerous, legitimacy.

I believe deeply in the values that come with freedom of religion, but it comes with risks. No religious person should be imprisoned because of their faith – even heretical or harmful faith – unless they violate the law or are hurting themselves or others. And I am not asking they be persecuted or cursed. (Although, NAR adherents commonly utilize imprecatory prayers against those who disagree with them.) Yet be cautious and intentional in engaging such events, teachings, or worship. By lifting up our nation in such an unbiblical way, we tend to subjugate and demean others. In response, we need not become aggressors. We can seek to share the Gospel as Jesus taught us and invite others to see and follow a different way than the powers of this world offers us.

Through the Bible, we have been told that our Kingdom is not of this world, and we do not need to act or react in worry. We are only asked – in both the Jewish and Christian scriptures – to trust as we love our neighbors as ourselves. And if we fail, we can be forgiven because of what Jesus’ has already done through the cross. Our repentance ultimately becomes a sign of our thanksgiving for a God who loves us and all peoples first – before we even knew of God.

That’s ultimately a very different message than either Christian nationalism or NAR offers. The Gospel speaks of Christ’s yoke that is easy and light, not their political manipulation, strong arming, and sinful pride. It is the gentler but certain message and promise that I hope all people will come to hear.

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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April 13, 2026 · 3:27 pm

In this world, not of it

I’m not Catholic, but a former one, and I critique the Pope and Catholicism at times. Others critique my tradition. That’s ok if done with some level of seriousness, respect and decorum. In the end, amidst our differences, I understand we are one Church – some parts of the Church are healthier than others of course, and some are sadly corrupted by human sin. 

Yet, I believe healthier Christians and non-Christians alike should agree that this infantile raging is a gross error and inappropriate especially for the President of the United States. It helps nothing. His meme depicting himself as a Messiah figure if not Christ is hubris if not sin. (Sadly, it is too often explained away or blamed on others.) Maybe the President “should get his act together.” 

Yet, the current President’s behavior is likely not totally his fault. He has spiritual advisors like Paula White-Cain and other New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) leaders, often deemed sketchy if not heretical by other Christians, that speak of him as a messianic figure and flatter him. Ultimately, they likely hope to use him for their ends. 

At a White House celebration for Holy Week on April 1, 2026, she foolishly compared the President’s suffering to Jesus’ own but then went further. As is common with NAR’s claims of special revelation, she said that she believed Jesus had told her to say, “because of his [Jesus’] victory, you [President Trump] will be victorious in all you put your hand to.” Well, that certainly doesn’t seem to apply to his feuding with the Vatican. 

True enough, Christians have the right to hold varied political beliefs, but don’t put up with this drivel. Let’s not forget that Law and Gospel, Justice and Mercy, go together. Jesus taught us to do good to our enemies. Paul urged us to defeat evil with good. Certainly, there are likely other factors influencing the President’s late night, bad choices, but his spiritual sycophants aren’t likely helping. 

Please understand that NAR wants a theocracy with their version of five fold ministry to govern it. They over focus on miracles, exorcisms and healings. Their “Apostles” and “Prophets” often claim direct divine revelation and spout teachings disconnected from any previous Christian belief. Their translation of scripture, the Passion Bible, strays so far away from the original manuscripts to falsely prove their teachings even Bible Gateway removed it as an offering. They specifically state their desire to control seven mountains of cultural influence, including politics, so you see them surround and financially support the President. Some call NAR “obsessed over Israel” because of their hope to rebuild the Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount. They tend to see money as intimately connected to God’s blessing. Through a Prosperity Gospel, they as pastors often get rich. They tend not to have oversight which has seemingly facilitated criminal offenses. 

Although there are likely other issues causing this kind of behavior, it seems like the President just might be listening to these kind of “spiritual advisors,” and that’s not likely a good thing. As Jesus taught, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). We are in this world but no longer of it (John 17:14–16), so in our conversation and conduct, we are to strive to reflect a better way. Test teachings and look for good fruit. As Luther taught, yes, the Spirit helps us understand, but it’s best to listen to the voices of the past and present as you discern scripture. We can deceive even ourselves, so scriptural interpretation is better done in community. 

Whatever political party we associate with, we are to be Christian first. Let’s demand better of our leaders rather than ignore such error or explain it away. Ultimately, share the Good News as best as one can, and do not be afraid. 

You can learn more about NAR and associated teachings from my interview on Secrets & Spies, and I include further references and resources as we close. 

Audio – https://pod.fo/e/3ef111

YouTube – https://youtu.be/YIwzJgdEU8g

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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April 10, 2026 · 11:31 pm

Of Secrets, Spies & NAR

Well, this is a different kind of post for me. At least, I don’t often go into the political realm – until of late as morals and ethics collide with the real world around us. Some might find my musings in this post too political. Some might accuse me of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Yet, I am actually responding to a great risk to the Christian Church (alleged heresy), a risk to our republic as we know it (Christian nationalism), and what can be a cultlike, prosperity based religious movement with what seems to be an open door at the White House. A large number of the President’s “spiritual advisors” have been identified as part of this religious-political-cultural movement. Some in this movement explicitly state that they want a theocracy with their “spiritual army” in the lead. Interested in learning more? Please read on, and then listen to the podcast.

As I’ve recently shared on social media, I first became aware of this movement, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR for short), while serving in military intelligence during the 1980s and 1990s. After attending the Virginia Military Institute, I had been commissioned in the United States Army Reserve and sent to attend my Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course (OBC) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Although not properly named yet, through open, public sources, we were shown how the theology of what was later be be named NAR was seemingly being used to help control and oppress indigenous populations in Guatemala. They often incorrectly used Romans 13 to do so. It shocked me that the modern Church could be complicit in such a thing.

Later as a police officer, I discovered their theology was influencing some hate groups. It was also being used at times in ways that broke the law especially in regards to sex and money related offenses. NAR can reportedly result in some cult-like behaviors. Over the years, I kept my eye on NAR influenced groups, just as I had kept up my very early interest in espionage. I have continued to learn about hate groups and Christian nationalism throughout the years.

If you don’t know from my earlier post, NAR has deeper roots in the problematic Latter Rain Movement. (You might remember Jim Jones cult’s suicide through poisoned Kool-Aid, a spin off of its theology.) Striving to represent the five fold ministry of Ephesians 4:11, primarily led by new “apostles” and “prophets” who often claim direct contact with the divine, who are often detached from the past teachings of the Church, and who often serve with little or no true oversight, many pastors and priests from the most conservative to the most liberal segments of Christianity find fault with their theology. Sometimes, this error even touches upon our understanding of the nature and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps worst of all they want dominion over the earth for a thousand year reign. (They are dominionist.) They tend to want to do so through their brand of spiritual warfare focusing on healings and exorcisms, but also, such leaders hope to manipulate or gain influence over seven areas of our culture. They commonly call this the Seven Mountain Mandate, and through it, they attempt to gain influence if not control over family, religion, education, government, media, arts/entertainment, and business.

NAR is often seen labeled evangelical, but it’s really something else hiding in plain site. It’s megachurches tend not to openly identify as NAR. Even its preferred Bible translation, the Passion Translation, is often criticized for straying from the original text to make the passages fit into its new teachings. This was bad enough that BibleGateway.com, one of my favorite portals to the Bible in multiple translations, removed the Passion Translation from its offerings.

And in regards to exorcisms, healings and other miracles, that’s a center of their ministry. According to A New Apostolic Reformation: A biblical response to a worldwide movement (2014, p. 182), “Three things set NAR apart from more conventional views about miracles:

  1. under the leadership of apostles and prophets, the end-time church will perform miracles that are unpreecedented in terms of their grandeur and frequency;
  2. new truths revealed by the new apostles and prophets are crucial to ‘activating’ miraculous gifts among individuals; and
  3. the followers of apostles and prophets will grow in miraculous gifting until they ‘loose’ God’s judgements on earth and become immortal.

Oh, they do want unity in the Church, but it is a unity to fit their ultimate purposes and goals. In the book, End Time Warriors, according to A New Apostolic Reformation (p. 173), the authors state, “The apostle is the one who will unify the Church into a fighting force.” For some, it is a spiritual army. Yet for others, use of force (or any means necessary) is on the table. It can prove very disturbing.

NAR lends itself to the us verses them mentality, and that can do real harm. In February 2025, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn (Ret.) attacked Lutheran and Roman Catholic social service organizations through social media as money launderers, ultimately part of a vast criminal conspiracy. He has called himself a Roman Catholic, but multiple reports indicate his connection to NAR beliefs and Christian Nationalism. His statements fit the Seven Mountain Mandate. Through what is called “strategic-level spiritual warfare,” NAR has encouraged viewing opponents (especially religious organizations that promote liberal or mainstream social views) as enemies serving evil. In the worst cases, NAR related theology is used by hate groups to support genocide.

You can often find NAR pastors and churches making public displays. Megachurch pastor, Mike Signorelli, is often identified as evangelical in the press. His church held a worship service in Times Square this past Easter. According to a report by the conservative Christian news source, Church Leaders, “The pastor said the moment was not about making history but about reaching people outside the church walls.” I have my doubts about his motivation because he is allegedly NAR affiliated, an apostle, according to a simple internet search. They want dominion.

As soon as I read about his claim of demons manifesting against him during his service in Times Square, I looked deeper. That’s a common red flag. He also alluded to going back to the ways of the first century Church, restorationism. That’s another flag. This event would likely not just meant to reflect his going to where the people are. NAR believes and teaches that demons hold sway over geographical areas. Through spiritual warfare and exorcism, through manipulation of political powers, they hope for theocracy and control in the US and beyond. Coincidentally, they often appear to get rich while doing it.

In Washington, DC, The Museum of the Bible truly has some great displays and programs. I have enjoyed visiting. Yet with the 250th anniversary of our nation, they are hosting an event called, America Reads the Bible, “a national Scripture-reading event and movement led by Christians Engaged – a nonprofit organization committed to discipling Americans on biblical worldview and their responsibilities as citizens to pray, vote, and engage for the wellbeing of our nation.” Christians Engaged reportedly is affiliated with NAR and dominionist goals. As with some of those that attend NAR congregations, I would not be surprised if those reading the Bible during the event will not necessarily understand the theology and the motivation behind it.

Sure, it seems harmless enough, in so far as reading the Bible is in itself harmless, but the event will raise the profile of NAR and likely become a platform for NAR friendly personalities. I am still waiting to see the full list of all the people who will read. I expect mostly social and political conservatives, but I also expect to find a number of dominionist or NAR-friendly pastors among them.

As stated in the podcast, my comments reflect my long time interest, reading, and study, not any agency or nonprofit that I work for. Yet, education is needed. At the end of the podcast, I share resources for news and further information. Education is likely the best defense against such abuses, but if pastors (any pastors or Christian leaders) violate the law, they should be prosecuted fully.

True, End Times theology (eschatology) is a matter of faith. No one knows the hour, as Jesus taught, nor can we explicitly know the means. Yet victimizing others or a movement working toward Christian Nationalism, theonomy or theocracy is rightly a public concern when some proponents have such profound access to the President and other members of the government.

As the authors of A New Apostolic Reformation (p. 203) argue, I agree that “the Bible does not support the NAR teaching that present-day apostles and prophets must govern the church. Nor does it support the teaching that they are revealing new truths the church needs for it to advance God’s kingdom, including new teaching and practices that will enable the church to become and end-time, miracle working army.” Are they Christian? At the best, not healthy ones. At the worst, no, they are not deeply connected to what’s come before, our inherited faith. Indeed, what they teach can be literally new and not trustworthy.

In my recent interview about the New Apostolic Reformation with Secrets & Spies, I argue that the Church is not to cozy up to political power whether liberal or conservative where our identity as the Holy People of God becomes blurred. We are to be in this world but not of it according to Jesus (see John 17:14-16). Political identities should not form our faith or become a litmus test. We all sin, and only faith in Jesus saves. So love one another, even our enemies, as Jesus lived and taught. The work of the Kingdom lies within our family and communities, especially amidst the small, the weak and overlooked, but know that political power will fail us. There is only one holy catholic (universal) Church, and we can only live into that reality with God’s help.

Sadly, if you don’t understand it by now, this theology is being normalized and is influencing many theologically conservative congregations and denominations. Worse perhaps, it is very active in the White House and halls of Congress. I have seen many prayers on YouTube where people are exorcising demons in DC. I see Pine Tree flags, as suggested by a NAR influencer mentioned in the episode as a protest fitting NAR worldview, have been repurposed and is being used by congressman and others – perhaps not fully understanding the new NAR connection. NAR’s influence is often subtle. It might not always lead to a crime. Yet, it certainly seems a shame if not sin. I suspect these so-called apostles and prophets just might be some of those Jesus warned us about in Matthew 7:15-20.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.”

Unfortunately, NAR’s music, sermons, writings and memes are influencing many others. You can learn more about this troubling movement from listening to this episode. Thanks to Chris Carr for inviting me to take part. I hope you find it helpful. My blog post and participation in Secrets & Spies are being offered for educational purposes. The podcast is available via the below links.

To listen to the podcast, visit: https://pod.fo/e/3ef111


Or, you can watch the recorded version on YouTube: 

Image credit: Secrets & Spies

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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March 30, 2026 · 4:04 pm

Come to Die (Sermon)

Cross located at Hochhädrich, Austria (2018). Photo by Thanti Riess on Unsplash

The below sermon was preached on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, as I served as a supply preacher at Madison Presbyterian Church. Readings included Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, and Matthew 26:14 through 27:66.

When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem to the shouts of “Hosanna!” (meaning Save us!), Jesus embodies the fulfillment of prophesy. The Essenes, those responsible for the Dead Sea Scrolls, were an ascetic and apocalyptic Jewish sect living in the desert. They and many others expected the Messiah to come to Israel’s political if not spiritual salvation on a warhorse. Yet the true prophets of God did not focus on the promise of a worldly, powerful warrior but rather that of a suffering servant…a Messiah who was willing to die for us.  

You might recall that the prophet, Zachariah, lived at a time coming out of the low ebb in the flow of Israel’s long history with God, the later 6th Century BC. The Temple had previously been destroyed by the Babylonians, and the people, especially the elites, had been sent into exile. The Babylonians hoped to eradicate any resistance as the Jewish culture, religion, and society was forcibly mixed into Baylon’s own.

Then, after the Babylonians were defeated by the rising Persian Empire under Cyrus, the Israelites were allowed to return to Israel. For, Emperor Cyrus had a different idea about ruling conquered peoples. He assisted them, aiming to win their favor so that they would become a faithful vassal state. Thus, Cyrus and several of the rulers following him wanted to help reestablish the Jewish cult in Israel, the center of which would be a second, rebuilt Jewish Temple.

This benevolence, seen as something directed by the hand of God, is why the prophet Isaiah calls Emperor Cyrus a messiah…not the Messiah mind you, a messiah (with a small m). Cyrus was an earthly king who would help reestablish the Temple and Israel’s religious laws. He would help regather the people of Israel, but it was never likely that he would bring world peace and the knowledge of the one true God to all peoples as the Messiah would.

Certainly, Zechariah lived in a difficult, transitional period under the later Persian Emperor, Darius. It was a time of external and internal threat and uncertainty. Therefore, much of his writings encouraged the returned exiles to rebuild the Temple (the Temple of Jesus’ time, but before Herod the Great’s grand expansion), and he urged them to repent from pagan and unfaithful practices.

Under the thumb of Persia’s power, Zechariah hoped that the Messiah would prove a truly victorious king, but he also had some curious prophetic insights to share. He foresaw a humble Messiah entering Jerusalem on a donkey. This shepherd-leader, a suffering servant, would be rejected for 30 pieces of silver. And eventually through a final battle, God would restore Jerusalem. All nations would come to worship God because of him, and the city would become a new Eden with living waters.

If this sounds like what you know about Jesus and the story of his intense suffering and death, the Passion as people call it, or even the establishment of a new heaven and earth at Jesus’ Second Coming, this is no mistake. Indeed, as Jesus enters Jerusalem, we hear Matthew clearly identify Zechariah’s text as pointing toward Jesus as the Messiah. We are supposed to see and understand the connection. Jesus came on a simple donkey. Not just that, it clearly states that it was a colt. For those with the eyes to see and a memory of scripture, Jesus was claiming the humble, messianic role.

So, it is no wonder the crowds under the thumb of Roman cruelty cry out, “Hosanna! (Save us!).” They have huge hopes after seeing or hearing about his miracles and authentic preaching. Right before them, Jesus is fulfilling prophesy! Liberation is at hand! Yet, as we will see, the crowds and even his dearest friends do not yet fully understand that Jesus is offering a very different kind of salvation than they expect.

After Palm Sunday, Holy Week rapidly transitions our focus. We move from triumph to intense grief followed by ecstatic joy. Each day through assigned lectionary readings, we can follow Jesus and his friends during his final week of human life until we come to the Great Three Days – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter – a microcosm of the overall rollercoaster that is Holy Week. After his Passover meal, Jesus will be arrested at night, tried in secret by religious and secular authorities, suffer horribly, then die the death of what his contemporaries might consider “the worst of the worst”[i] – a criminal’s death under the Roman Empire’s rule. The process of public crucifixion from scourging to hanging on a tree where one dies slowly through blood loss and suffocation helped assert and solidify Rome’s worldly rule. It served as a stark warning to others challenging Rome’s claimed dominion.[ii]

Amidst all the jubilation of Palm Sunday hosannas and the bookend of Easter alleluias, we are asked to remember the cost…Remember the cost of the cross…not gloss or rush over it toward Easter. Jesus had predicted this death, as did prophets before him. Jesus willingly came to Jerusalem to die…He had come to die! Christians debate about the mechanics, about the why and how of his suffering, death, and resurrection, and how it redeems and saves us, but within this “mystery of faith,” we are asked to understand that thanks to our faith in Jesus and because of what he has done…that alone…nothing to do with our own efforts…we become eternally saved.

Yet even then, the mystery does not end. Jesus himself taught that we who hope to be his disciples must pick up our own cross and follow. For although Sin, Death, and the Devil are defeated with his resurrection, the Kingdom is not yet here in its fullness. We have work to do sharing the Gospel with others through word and deed. Or as one of my favorite theologians, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, similarly proclaimed, “When Christ calls a [person], he bids [that person] come and die.” We die to ourselves. We die in our surrender to God’s will amidst times of trouble. We die as we try to love the Jesus in others as Jesus loves us. We might face rejection for following Jesus, and some of us might even die as Christian martyrs.

Now, we are not talking about some sort of a bait and switch here. For, Jesus is clear. To follow Jesus in a fallen world which often rebels against him infers the likelihood of suffering for Love’s sake…for God’s sake…or in other words, to fulfill God’s will for our lives and the world. This true Christianity of costly discipleship is antithetical to any false prosperity gospel, unhealthy Christian nationalism, or worldly selfishness. Through it, we discover that our good behavior does not prevent our own suffering in a fallen world.

Instead, we are asked to both love others and trust in God no matter what happens, for thanks to Jesus, our resurrection day will come. In fact, we are already victorious… we are conquerors Paul writes in Romans 8:37… redeemed…saved…whether we feel it or not, understand it or not, or fully trust in this or not. Jesus declares this, and that one day, every tear and suffering will be wiped away…just not yet. This promised perfection will only come at the Parousia, the Second Coming of Jesus.

Yes, our baptism or conversion of heart always comes with a cost. By divine necessity, we must die, yet God will be glorified in and through our suffering and sacrifices made in love…always. Love is never wasted, and Jesus will be with us. The Spirit will pray for us with a groaning too deep for words. And someday, we will rise as Jesus did to be with our Triune God forever. Death no longer has power over us, so why do we so often act as if it does?

As we heard Paul write to the church in Philippi (2:5-11), Jesus nonsensically and willingly lowered and sacrificed himself. He is no victim. He knew what he was about. It hurt emotionally and physically. He struggled, shedding tears and sweating blood in the garden (something that science shows can happen under extreme duress). Jesus even experienced all the horrors of crucifixion. And yet, he humbled himself, “becoming obedient to death even on the cross.” He trusted and understood that resurrection day would come.

Many love the exuberance of Palm Sunday, but the cross? Ah, it seems easier to skip forward to Easter, for the cross remains a scandal to many, even at times for those of us who believe. No, not all of us are called to be martyrs. I’m not saying that, but day by day, we are called to die little deaths[iii]…to offer our lives for others (perhaps figuratively, but offer them nonetheless)…to go without at times in order to help others…to offer our time, treasure and talent because of who we are, out of love, not what we might get…to give even when it hurts or doesn’t make sense only because it is the right thing to do and pleases God. We are asked to accept the realities of suffering while never giving up hope nor stopping our attempts to alleviate it.

Yes, Jesus loves us still even amidst our shortsightedness, struggles, or failures…and he has called us to this time and place to be his body. Yet make no mistake, we come to die…Still what of it? We can rejoice amidst our sufferings (see Romans 5:3-5), even if through tears. For, Jesus never lies. Resurrection Day is on its way. Amen.

[i] The “worst of the worst” reference might remind us of current immigration policy where political entities have falsely called people with administrative issues criminals and peaceful protestors terrorists.

[ii] Perhaps this, too, might bring to mind the modern dominionists who long for theocracy and theonomy, or those who dream of a political American empire shaped by Christian nationalist fervor and bad teaching.   

[iii] One of my Pastoral Care professors at Union Presbyterian Seminary, The Rev. Dr. Charles Brown, often reminded us of this.

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author. Scripture passages are from the NRSVue translation.

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March 17, 2026 · 2:27 am

Arise today


Stained-glass window of Saint Patrick from Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Junction City, Ohio, United States (Wikimedia Commons)

On St. Patrick’s Day, you often see at least part of his famous Breastplate prayer from the Fifth Century posted on social media somewhere. (The full prayer is below.) Yet, people can often miss the significance of what Patrick said when he encountered Christ in other people – in every eye that saw Patrick and every ear that heard him.

Basically, a deep, traditional belief of Christianity was that Jesus is in everyone before we ever know him. He’s waiting to be discovered and made known, calling us, ultimately to be trusted as Savior and Lord. As Martin Luther later argued in the 1500s, Jesus is in us as we seek to love and serve, and we can hear Jesus crying out to us in the suffering of others. A saintly Orthodox nun, Mother Gavrilia, warned in the 20th Century, “If you don’t like someone, remember you are looking at Jesus in the face.” (If you know me, you likely know these quotes are among my favorite for how they challenge me.)

So perhaps in modern times, we might like to add to Patrick’s prayer: “Christ in Republicans. Christ in Democrats. Christ in everyone in between. Christ in citizens and legal immigrants. Christ in those without papers. Christ in persons of all nations and races. Christ in those that love us. Christ in those who hate us. Christ in everyone I see or hear.”

If we dare recognize that Christ is in others, if we seek to find him there, how might that temper our responses to hot button issues of our day? How might it convict us and make us pause when Jesus isn’t seen in our actions or what we say? I imagine it would make us less severe. At least, it often helps me be so. We might even discover a common cause, for we already share a common call from Jesus, “Come. Follow me.”

Among the most difficult and sometimes disturbing commands of Jesus is that we love our enemies. Even those who annoy us, we are to love. As I’ve noted before, this does not mean there are never consequences for ill behavior. It doesn’t prohibit us from turning our cheek and walking away when things are too dangerous, toxic, or prove to be situations tempting us to fall into grave sin. We might not be friends, but we must seek to love.

Why? Jesus asks us in his teaching and preaching to see the sacred in others; to tread carefully as best we can for we who Jesus claims as his own always stand on holy ground. You see, he is with them and us, too. And how we respond to one another matters. He hung on his cross to draw all people to himself (John 12:32). We are not to declare others outside of his love. We are not to get in the way. Thus, many of these people drawn will likely shock us as Jesus’ associates often did the Pharisees of his day.

We struggle to live out this command to love because we are fallen humans prone to tribalism and selfishness. Still, never give up hope when Jesus is present. When we fail, which as humans we will fail, we can confess our error, ask forgiveness, and seek to make amends. Even then there’s grace.

We can arise today because Jesus loves us. We need never act in fear of “the other,” be crushed when others reject us, or doubt about ourselves because of our darkness or shame. We can arise to love others as Jesus loves us because of God’s desire that we do so. We can arise who are sinners, outsiders, and too often betrayers of Jesus ourselves because he died and rose for us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, despite whatever we’ve done or left undone, it is time to rise up and walk – wrapped in his love and forgiveness, ready to embrace the day and those we meet. Let nothing trouble us or stop us. For Jesus is in us, walking with us, and waiting to meet us on our road ahead. He is above and below us. Jesus longs to be our everything.

Image credit: Diocese of Westminster
in the United Kingdom

© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.

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