Mother Brown testifying at the Church of the Blessed Trinity (Centerville, VA)

There is something here I envy.  I sense a release in such expression like a dance which cannot be explained, but flows from the heart.  I honestly cannot understand what Sister Brown is saying, but I feel it.  In an anglo Mennonite community where we don’t even “amen” a moving point in the Sunday service, we have something to learn from such deeply expressed gratitude.

As citizens of Christ’s kingdom, we must recognize that all people are our brothers and sisters in God’s family. We would want the best for our family. We would want good education and health care for them and we would willingly help in any way possible for that to happen. If they are being victimized and oppressed we would move heaven and earth to speak out against such evil. If dictators do not respect their rights, we will not stand by and say it’s none of our business. It is our business to be where there is pain and suffering and to oppose injustice with all our strength. Our brothers and sisters are in trouble and we cannot enjoy peace if we do nothing.

-Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Painted in one of the ancient underground catacombs of Rome, this image of Jesus is one of the oldest, dating from around the year AD375. The early Christians were reluctant to make pictures of Christ, so this early painting is very rare.

If a picture could tell a story, imagine this one's tale with its clear and broad strokes.

What do you think the artist is communicating about Jesus?

I find the eyes fascinating. In them I see depth of character and feeling. Even in times of stress, I gain a sense of calm from this picture and imagine such a face saying, "Here is the bottom line: do not worry about your life. Don't worry about what you will eat of drink. Don't worry about how you clothe your body. Living is about more than dressing up. Worrying does not do any good - who can claim to add even an hour to their life by worrying? Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is enough for today."

-Matthew 6.25, 27, 34 (the Voice of Matthew)