My Brother's shoes

Fellow Labourers-

This is for me a challenging article in many respects. There is an oft repeated phrase going the rounds- 'Let us bring closure to the matter.' What does this mean to you? The story of the crucifixion as recorded in St. John's gospel chapter 19 is very gripping to say the least. John told us that Jesus' blood relatives were present yet he asked one of his closest disciples to take care of his mother instead of one of them. Have you ever asked why? It is also interesting to note that Jesus never said "it is finished" until after they gave him vinegar to drink. But, the verses before that told us that Jesus knew all things were accomplished.

We are people of purpose and so we must indeed bring closure to a number of issues we face and will face in life. How do we bring closure? A reading of history especially as it is told by those present is very helpful for those of us who want to live above the superficial. There are many personal tales of Jews who survived the holocaust, and we should seek to read them. Read them not in isolation but as an adjunct to the Bible. It is so easy for us to pass judgment and come to conclusions. So easy for us to see the mote in each other's eyes, but never easy it seems to put on my brother's shoes.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart