Rev. Vicky's Message April 9, 2026

This Easter, more than any other in my lifetime, has fallen in the midst of great earthly turmoil that potentially could change our lives and the world in profound and irreversible ways. The call to spiritual contemplation and action (in the words of Ft Richard Rohr) “is not a luxury for a few, but surely a cultural necessity" for us all.

As I continued to reflect on the state of our world (and my own life) in light of the promise of Easter this year, I came across a couple of quotes that have invited me to go deeper into the mystery to seek the meaning calling out to me in these times.

The first one* seems to capture a truth about the human journey that reflects not only our understanding of what Jesus’ contemporaries expected of their Messiah, but also the misunderstanding of Jesus and God that is currently being used to justify the actions of our nation today.

We want the war horse. Jesus rides a donkey.

We want the eagle. The Holy Spirit descends as a dove.

We want to take up swords. Jesus takes up a cross.

We want the empire. Jesus calls the church.

We want the roaring lion. God comes as a slaughtered lamb.

We keep trying to arm God. God keeps trying to disarm us.

In contrast, this second quote (which I could not confirm actually came from Pope Francis, but decided it didn't matter) aligns with my own understanding of truth and God – calling us to a very different path.

"God does not eliminate injustice from above by a show of power,

but from below, by a show of love.

God does not burst on the scene with limitless power,

but descends to the narrow confines of our lives."

                                                                      ––Pope Francis?

I hope you will join us this Sunday – in person, online, and/or in spirit – as we continue the Easter journey, rather than simply moving on to the mundane routines of our lives. I believe we must seek spiritual guidance, now more than ever, to hear and understand what is ours to do. Again, quoting Ft. Richard Rohr…

"Only a contemplative mind can hold our fear, confusion, vulnerability, and anger and guide us toward love. Those who allow themselves to be challenged and changed will be the new cultural creative voices of the next period of history after this purifying exile."

Namasté – Rev. Vicky

(*from the "Urantia Garden for Jesus," which refers to the online community, urantiagarden on Facebook)

#unity #unityofmontereybay #easter #peace #justice #easterjourney