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.

All throughout the scriptural story of redemption there have been easy answers; wide gates offered to people of faith as they follow the Lord. Just say and do the right things and all will be well. But this has never been the road God has called us on