The world has come together in 2010. Working together to rescue victims of the Haiti earthquake and to supply food, medicine and treatment and other assistance to those suffering so much loss in that country.

The world is also playing together, competing in sportsmanship. Worldwide we watch as together the nations of the world strive for the gold here in our home and native land of Canada. Before the games began though we had to mourn together around this globe the loss of an athlete. Our love and prayers surround his family and teammates during these days.

I marvel at the togetherness displayed around the world time and again. In the midst of war and suffering we can work together.

I also marvel at the ability of the athletes as they perform. Watching them on TV makes the sport look so easy. Whether they do a triple axel or score a goal, it takes years of training. Halfhearted work won’t do. They have to focus, continuously on the goal they have set. Someone said on CTV News that they have the “unfailing desire and passion to win.” When they fall, they get back up and go on, whether at this Olympics or the next.

At the Salvation Army during these days we are focusing on a “journey to Easter and beyond.” In Luke’s gospel we see the passion that Jesus had during his days on this earth. Jesus kept his focus on his goal of providing salvation for mankind in God’s timing. No matter what difficulties and temptations Jesus met with, he continue to share the love of God, healed the sick, and wanted the relationship between individuals and God restored.

During those days, he chose and instructed disciples who learned from him how to be like God. One highlight of Luke’s gospel is a section in Chapter 6 on principles for kingdom living. Included here is the golden rule that is referred to by many. ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ (v. 31 New International Version).

Jesus loved everyone no matter who they were. He didn’t always like the things that were done, but he still loved the people whether they were followers or those who judged and criticized him. Why would there be people against what Jesus taught?

Luke provides some answers. One example was when He healed on the Sabbath day. The Sabbath day was to be kept holy. There was to be no work done on that day which was set aside for rest. But Jesus took any moment to heal those who were sick. Jesus forgave people’s sins. This made the conspirators extremely angry because they knew that no one could forgive sins against God except God himself. They didn’t see Jesus as God come to this earth so they would strike out against him.

Jesus kept on towards his goal to draw people to God the Father. Jesus taught that his followers were to do to others what they would hope others would do for them. If you were in need of something, you would want someone to provide for you. So if you see someone else in need, then you were to be his or her provider. That included people they weren’t close to. That even included their enemies. And it wasn’t just a one-time deal; it was to be done over and over again, with no thought for anything in return.

Now that wasn’t the way to go for those who were against Jesus’ teaching. They would give to someone who was in need, but expect it in return when they were able, and often with interest. So Jesus was teaching a kingdom value that was foreign to them. He wanted his followers to know that God loved them so much, although he may not like what they were doing, he still loved them and wanted them to have that relationship between Creator and his creation restored.

Jesus taught to go above and beyond the status quo. He taught by example how to reach for the goal, to keep focused on the purpose for his coming to earth, salvation for all. He kept on his journey no matter what distractions and temptations came his way. He made his way to the cross, the tomb, and rose again to provide eternal life for all who would believe.

We are all invited to take this journey with him to Easter and beyond.

Maj. Jacqueline Crites is the co-commanding officer and co-pastor of the Salvation Army’s Thompson Corps at 305 Thompson Dr. N.

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