Don't Be Afraid

We live in a time where we can explain so many things that were complete mysteries in the time of the Gospels — the rotation of the earth (rather than a sun that moves across the sky), predicting the weather (rather than having little foreknowledge), controlling epilepsy (that was believed to be caused by evil spirits). Where is the mystery today? It is still there but we tend to avoid it because in its face we feel powerless, maybe even fearful. But the mystery of life, while fearful, can also be intriguing and invigorating. It can pull us out of our own small worlds and make us very aware of what is around us. Mr. Rogers conveyed to children, and us, that we live in a magnificent yet complex world. This is especially true for children who do not yet understand the extent of the world around them. But the mystery that is around us does not mean we are alone. We are surrounded by neighbors who genuinely care for us, and we for them. And there is a God who has come to earth to demonstrate God loves us everywhere and all the time.