Stay Woke

                               

Luke 23:32-34 is of Jesus praying on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

I like the declaration many are using in the justice movement today, "Stay Woke." In spite of all that is going on around us, we must not become so overwhelmed, get too busy and distracted, or become so comfortable that we lose consciousness of what is really going on around us and fall asleep. Certainly, we must remain alert at all times. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. We must "stay woke," especially and particularly to the presence of God in our lives. Prayer is the foundation of our spiritual consciousness. Jesus prayed persistently to the Father. He was always conscious of the presence of the Father in his life. Even on the cross, where I would have understood if Jesus was unconscious or asleep, but, he was not. He stayed woke praying to the Father for his enemies, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing."

Stay woke, sisters and brothers to your opportunities to forgive others who have mistreated, hurt, or wronged you, particularly in the household of faith, and experience the reconciliation, love and the peace of God in your life. Stay woke to your chance to mend fences, repair broken relationships, and clear up misunderstandings from so long ago. Understand that we must forgive others to be forgiven. Unforgiveness is like a cancer. It eats at the soul and mars the container of your mind, body and spirit. Don't let bitterness and unforgiveness destroy you while the other parties have gone on with their lives. The power to forgive and live again is available to you through Jesus' saving victory on the Cross. This is one of the important reasons why we celebrate the Resurrection. Jesus saves!