Christians share a memory - and a belief - that gives us a place to stand, a way of getting things into perspective, and an ability to cope no matter what is going on in the world around us.

We share the memory that once, a long time ago, there was a young teacher who was totally committed to the loving purpose of God for the world. He came healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and making other loving responses to human need. He came announcing a new possibility that God offers to the whole creation and teaching people how to live in that new possibility. He came calling others to join him in a life that is open to the saving work of God and committed to the loving purpose of God. When the powerful people of his day tried to turn him aside from his purpose, he chose to endure a cruel deat…