I must confess that I have never supported the war in Iraq. I'm also a bit distressed about our past support of those we now fight in Afganistan. But those things are topics for another day.

I saw the tragic results of poor support for the troops who fought in Vietnam. Those troops, like the members of our armed forces today, had no control about whether or not we go to war. if you, like me, are against war in general, please do not extend that feeling to those who serve.

And to those who serve, and have served, in our armed forces, thank you. Your work will be remembered, not just this weekend, but always.

I’m hopeless in the morning, until I have a cup of coffee.  Joan, my wife, stays far, far away. Even the cats know to keep their distance  until I can function with some degree of coherence.  But after my coffee, I can face the day with some degree of confidence in my ability to function.  

 Two-thousand years ago, our ancestors in the faith were also desperately looking for their cup of coffee; a way to empower their work.  They joyfully embraced the new reality of Jesus’ resurrection.  But they weren’t quite sure what to do about it.  They must have questioned one another continually asking, “what’s next? What do we do?  Where can we look for guidance?  How do we plan for the future?” Their answer arrived on the day of Pentecost when they were gathered together in an upper room. On that day, the Holy Spirit's wind and flame swept them out of hiding and into the streets to bravely proclaim the Good News. Did they make mistakes?  You bet.  Did they always succeed?  No.  But they knew that in the end nothing could hold them back, with the power of God at their side.   

During trying  times, it's important to remember that thee same "cup of coffee" is available to us.  For God’s Spirit still empowers the church today. That’s something we need to remember on all days and not just on the day when we celebrate Pentecost..     Can things we try fail?  Yes. Can we in fact flop right on our faces?  Sure.  Will we always like the situations we find ourselves in?  No.  But in the end, nothing can hold back the Body of Christ.  For we know that God’s Spirit walks with us, and empowers us to bravely act in Christ’s name. 

 Come Holy Spirit!

It's almost Mother's Day, one of the most popular day of the year for most florists. But Mother's Day was not invented by florists or by people who wanted to show love to their mothers. Instead it was a day of protest against the loss of sons and husbands in war. In this time of war, I think it's important for us to hear the original proclamation again. It was written by Julia Ward Howe who was also the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

"Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the bosom of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice.
"Blood does not wipe out dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.

As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace...
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God -In the name of womanhood and humanity,

I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace."

Remember her words. May there be peace in our time.