Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to visit an old friend whom I had not seen in some time. As we spoke and caught up with each other, we also reminisced. Then, at the end of our time together, with a mutual sense of joy and good will, we parted ways, looking forward to the next time.

Thinking back on the occasion, in the course of calling to mind and sharing our experiences of various situations, some similar, some not, more than anything, the Spirit stemming from our common ground, the essence of God within each of us, is what shaped and formed our time, making it special… enflaming peace and joy within.

In Scripture, it is written in more than one verse… in more than one book, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” The poet, Robert Southey, wrote, “No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth.” Each other’s worth…

It is interesting how over time, as we get to know people better and allow ourselves to search for, and strive to reach the place of common ground, it is easier to see and to connect, or re-connect, with the goodness in them, as well as within oneself, and to value each other. It is also interesting how, in some situations, it is much more challenging to connect with or to be open to continuing to look for that goodness when it may not be immediately apparent, or soon after approaching. It can be tempting to choose avoidance or to altogether close the door. However, we are often called to something higher than that. We are often called to keep looking, trusting in the value that God brings to the picture. And… we are called to let God be the judge.

In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 23:39-43, it is written:

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
“Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
“Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”