Paul reminds us that our citizenship is ultimately in heaven. Keeping this in mind moves us beyond optimism or pessimism and into a mindset of hope— that Jesus has already conquered death and whatever is happening here and now, in the end, Jesus triumphs over all.
Does God really respond to our prayer? Jesus promised us that "if we knock the door will be opened." Our head might believe this, but our hearts sometimes doubt, and that gets in the way of prayer. Trust.
Jesus taught his disciples the "Our Father" when they wanted to know how to pray. This is a prayer that does not supplant our own voice, but guides it into looking for the right things from God. Find your own voice in prayer. Ask for what you truly want and need.
Jesus issued a prophetic challenge the cities of his day that they might hear him and repent. God's sends us prophets as well. Do we have the faith and courage to listen?
Jesus challenged his disciples that his words might bring division in families, because the truth he brings is more important than any kind of truth we have created for ourselves. The Good News is that Jesus will never stop fighting for us. Sometimes that fight will be painful, but it will be worth it.
Jesus said not to swear to the truth but to simply let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. In this world, we accept that people lie and therefore need these markers that this time we are not lying. But in the Reign of God, everyone will simply speak the truth all the time, and so we should move in that direction now.
