We are Easter people – we have been redeemed by Christ – we have seen Him suffer for us, die on the cross for us, be buried for us but then Rise for us and just last week ascend into Heaven. So even the apostles now are alone but ready to receive the Holy Spirit. Of course, for us, we do not, did not, have the opportunity to walk alongside Jesus when He walked this earth as a man. However, we do have the opportunity every day to walk with Him in spirit and to serve Him by serving others.
As I read these readings, the words from Glorious Day (by Casting Crowns), echoed in my head.
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
There is no doubt in my mind that our salvation is in our relationship with Jesus and how our lives reflect that. Paul reminds us that our bodies are temporary – he does not fear death from life on this earth. At this point in his life, Paul wants to survive only to fulfill his mission – so not living for himself but rather his opportunity to bring others the Good News of Christ. My husband and I went to see the movie, Paul the Apostle, and while I’m not sure the details were all accurate what came across clearly was that Paul understood his mission and was willing to go to any lengths to fulfill it. These movies (books, etc) always leave me wondering, would I be able to do that? Perhaps, even more importantly, am I willing to do that now? I’m pretty sure I will not be martyred for my beliefs or anything I say or do in the name of Christ. So that it not the death I need to endure, what I need to do, however, is to be “dead” to the temptations of this world. I need to let the ego die that sometimes creates a barrier to my purpose on this earth. I remember a movie once where the last line was Satan saying, Vanity is my favorite sin. Indeed, I have no doubt it is seeing what vanity can lead any of us to do. I need to let the love of things die – not that it is wrong to have some nice things but they cannot be idolized or made of greater importance. I need to let my pettiness and resentments toward others die – if I’m seeking forgiveness, I certainly must be willing to forgive. So am I living to fulfill my true mission, my true purpose of this life?
So like Paul am I willing to say (and live it!)
Yet I consider life of no importance to me,
if only I may finish my course
and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus,
to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace.
As I close I must leave you with one more song that has been “playing in my head” (worse things could be going on in there!!). It is a song from MercyMe and offers a great way to face life and it possible once we recognize that Grace Got You!!!
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
