When stories about the Christian Church and her leaders appear in headlines today, it may cause us to shake our heads in dismay. Some of these negative stories reflect the bias of a secular culture; many we have brought upon ourselves. God’s Church is far from perfect! And yet Scripture calls her the Bride of Christ, beloved and holy in His eyes. Today’s readings remind us how God led the apostles through the failure and loss of Judas to restore unity and renew their mission to the world (Acts 1). Sent into the world (John 17), our mission is to carry the healing gifts of Christ to the nations (Rev. 22). “Built on the Rock the Church shall stand, even when steeples are falling!” (LSB 645)