From today’s lessons, it is pretty clear what God expects from us. 

Leviticus 19: 18  “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Thessalonians 2:8 “So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.”

Matthew 22:37-39 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it;  “You shall love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.”

God expects us to show love and care to the people around us.

That is exactly what happened to Barabas.  The people around him loved him so much that they gave of their time and their talents and their treasure.

While Barabas was in the hospital, Mr. Gym Teacher came every day to help Barabas with his school work.  That took a lot of time.  And Mr. Gym Teacher was happy to do it, because he loves Barabas.

And Nurse Fran!  Her skills as a nurse are well known.  She used her talent as a nurse, above and beyond what was required of her.  And she was happy to do it because she loves Barabas.

And Aunt Gertrude!  Even though she doesn’t LOOK like she is kind and loving and she doesn’t LOOK like she has a lot of treasure (that means money), she was able to pay the hospital costs that Uncle Floyd could not afford.  And she was happy to do it, because she has come to love Barabas.

And look what their love has done!

It has helped Barabas to heal.  His new vase is just fine!  And that inside part of Barabas that was so sad is now gone, and so is his angry face. It is like a miracle.

When we love God so much that it causes us to love our neighbor, it provokes us to give of our time and our talents and our money.  And then miracles DO happen.  Barabas is living proof.     THE EN

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