It is very interesting to me that the New Testament only “sends out” those (apostolos) who can be “witnesses to resurrection” (Luke 24:48, Acts 1:22, 3:15b, 13:31), that is, witnesses to this immense inner and outer conversation that is always going on. Otherwise, we have little to say that is really helpful, and we just create unnecessary problems for people. Negative or cynical people, conspiracy theorists, and all predictors of Armageddon are the polar opposites of witnesses to resurrection. And many such people appear to be running the world and even the churches. The Christ of John’s Gospel says, “Be brave. I have overcome the world” (16:33) and its hopelessness. Courage and confidence is our message! Not threat and fear.
— Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ, p. 175-176
Photo: Blackwater Falls, West Virginia, April 23, 2025.