The Supreme Court has once again dealt a blow to the pro-life movement by striking down a Texas law regulating the abortion industry.

A Wyoming municipal judge is being forced to resign her position because, as a conservative Lutheran, she has said she is unwilling to officiate a same-sex marriage – even though she was never asked to perform one.

We hate to lose. From the earliest times on the playground, we absolutely hate to lose. We hate to associate with losers. If we’re on a losing team, we want to be traded; if you’re a loser on a winning team, they want to trade you. The “grown-up” kids aren’t any better. Winners like to hang with winners. In business, it’s profit and market share. In investments, it’s return and dividend. In church, it’s crowds and programs ablaze with glory. We want to see ourselves as winners not losers.

The evening has been carefully planned. All the religious bigwigs are coming to Simon the Pharisee’s home. Jesus has been invited over. He is a rabbi, but He is new to the religious scene. He has been making waves among the Jews by doing and saying some pretty “unkosher” things. He cannot be ignored any longer. So Jesus is invited over so an investigation can take place. Is Jesus a prophet or isn’t He?

We have heard a great deal about “safe spaces” this past year. A safe space is a place on a college campus where students can relax and fully express themselves without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe.

When professors or guest speakers propose opposing viewpoints, then the students can flock to their safe spaces where everyone agrees with them and there is no opposition or hurt feelings.

Brown University in Rhode Island equipped their safe space with cookies, coloring books, bubbles, Play-Doh, calming music … and a video of frolicking puppies.

Hand gestures are a very effective nonverbal form of communication. Think of some of the famous hand gestures made popular in TV and movies.

In “Star Trek,” Spock separated his third and fourth fingers to give the Vulcan blessing, “Live long and prosper.”

In the “Hunger Games” trilogy, Katniss gives the three-finger salute to express unity with people of the districts.

In “Friends” and “Seinfeld,” if someone just kept yapping Ross would give the “blah-blah-blah” gesture. Elaine’s was a bit more expressive

He was frightened by the charges of those around the fire.

He was terrified by the accusing voices in the darkness.

He was petrified by the allegations of a teenage girl.

Jesus told us to take up our cross to follow Him. He taught that we would suffer in His name. He explained that the enemies of the Gospel are always on the prowl looking to devour us.

Brothers and sisters in Christ – and especially you confirmands - it costs something if you are going to attach that title of “Christian” to your name. Don’t ever forget that. Jesus despises lukewarm Christianity. He is nauseated by a tepid faith. He is disgusted when we are indifferent to our Savior and His will for our lives.

It is Thursday night of Holy Week. Jesus is in the Upper Room with His disciples giving them some last minute instructions before He goes to the cross to die for the sins of the world. As part of those last minute instructions, Jesus teaches them, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

“Gone fishin’!”

That’s the proverbial vacation sign, isn’t it? The sign on the door of the business that’s closed because we need to get away, to spend some time alone, to clear our minds, to rest and recover from the hustle and bustle of life.

When Jesus hears that His good friend, Lazarus, is sick, He informs His disciples that they are heading back to Judea to see him (John 11:7). The disciples protest, “That’s a very bad idea, Rabbi. Just a short while ago the Jews were trying to stone you and now you want to go back there” (John 11:8)?