“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:8-11) This is a time of divisiveness is it not?  In our country, our culture, and even our churches we are all tempted to leave those with whom we disagree.  It is very tempting to name enemies and separate.  However, our epistle lesson this week really does take that option off the table does it not?  How exactly do we walk away from those with whom we disagree in the light of our own reconciliation?  How do we name enemies when we recall that Jesus has died for his enemies?  A long time ago, the comic strip possum, Pogo, famously said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”  How might the realization that we are the enemy for whom Jesus died change the way we look at each other and the way in which we treat each other?  I see that I am asking a lot of questions this week.  But that is the nature of Lent, is it not? (Sorry, there’s another question!)  On our way to the cross, Paul gives us plenty to consider.  I need to do some pondering of Paul in the light of Pogo.  How about you?  Have a great week!