In today’s reading from Acts, the disciples are dealing with change, once again.  A couple of months ago, Jesus was alive and well and preaching to crowds in Galilee.  A little more a month ago, the women found that Jesus’ crucified body was no longer in the tomb.  Immediately after that, the risen Jesus began appearing to the disciples, continuing to instruct them about his mission and their ministry.

Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about their ministry and resources, visit www.forwardmovement.org.

​Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about their ministry and resources, visit www.forwardmovement.org.

​Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about their ministry and resources, visit www.forwardmovement.org.

​Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about their ministry and resources, visit www.forwardmovement.org.

If you're interested in checking out Quarantine with Bishop Jose', you can find it here. And earlier episodes of the Presiding Bishop's Habits of Grace series are available at the podcast's main page.

Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about their ministry and resources, visit www.forwardmovement.org.

​Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about their ministry and resources, visit www.forwardmovement.org.

​Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional offered by Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about their ministry and resources, visit www.forwardmovement.org.

When I was a young child, I was pretty strong willed.  However, I was up against two strong-willed parents, each in their own very different way.  My mother once told me that when I was very young, if I didn’t get my way,  I would hold my breath until I turned blue and pass out.  Scared her to death!  Not my dad, however.  After a couple times of doing that, he got a bucket of cold water and threw it on me.  After that I knew that disobedience had physical consequences with my dad.  My mother very different: she just gently persisted endlessly with what she wanted, until I gave in.  What I don’t remember is either of them ever suggesting that if I loved them, then I would want to do whatever they asked me to do!   But, that is exactly what Jesus is proposing to the disciples in our gospel lesson.  Let’s take a look at it.