Scripture is not hesitant to use feminine and maternal images for God. Israel was consoled by the promises of Isaiah - they would nurse at the comforting breast of Jerusalem (the dwelling place of God). And beyond that, God would make peace flow like a stream. This is, and always was, God's desire for humanity. The choice to seek consolation is always found by returning to God, the Provider. Unfortunately, humans' gluttonous desires get in the way. Egos take over, and selfishness and violence erupt. Disputes do arise. Many had been arguing over whether gentile converts needed to undergo circumcision - the sign of belonging in Israel. Paul rejected both sides in the argument. Circumcision and non-circumcision count for nothing - only Christ is important, and He transcends all human labels and barriers. In this age of polarization and shrill voices, we could take a lesson from Paul's advice.

Jesus empowered His 72 disciples with the Spirit and sent them out on mission. They were to take nothing and were to keep moving. Somehow, their duties are clearly set and this eased them to follow the guide. Returning from the mission, the disciples were quite successful - they healed people and proclaimed the kingdom of God. Jesus warned them that the most important thing was that their names were written in heaven. Our ministries should never be about egos or personal advancement and debates - it is always God's show, not ours.