This year appears to be a crisis of authority. Daily Breaking News inundates us with news reports that suggest ever increasing challenges dealing with economics, racism, intercultural relationships, birth rights and citizenship and beyond all understanding.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame. and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

WAIT FOR THE LORD; BE STRONG, AND LET YOUR HEART TAKE COURAGE;

But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us

In the intentional words of Jesus, when he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same, with the cup after supper saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.