The Lord has always called his people, whether Israel or the Church, to go beyond the requirements and live abundantly. Take risks. Climb a tree.

We are Ambassadors of Christ proclaiming the Kingdom as it is among us now and as it will come in eternal life. In that mission Jesus tells us to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. I think that this is what Jesus is getting at in this puzzling Gospel today: We are to use the gifts God has given us wisely.

Being Lifted up with Christ involves suffering and dying and healing and living. The Crucifixion and Resurrection happen all in one action, Holy Week and Eastertide. This is the mystery and, no, I do not have it all figured out yet.