He was a great doctor, a great father, a great spouse, a great church leader, a community servant. Though the funeral was uplifting and encouraging, I drove away haunted by the questions. But I drove away certain of one thing. It was obvious, of course, yet it still surprised me. Life is a gift.
Life is sacred.
When we are surprised by the obvious, we are in good company. It happened to the followers of Jesus all the time. In this morning's gospel lesson, the people ask Jesus three questions which have obvious answers. But each time they are surprised by Jesus' answer. Jesus feeds the five thousand who have gathered by the Sea of Galilee to hear him preach.