Have you ever heard of blessings in disguise? Do you understand that I am with you always, and that means that you are surrounded by grace? This may be obvious when you come to my house of worship, when you pray and read the scriptures. Yet there will come times when this isn’t obvious, in the mundane routines of life, and times when you doubt it, in your trials and afflictions. My presence and grace surround just as much at these times, even if they are deeply hidden. They are easier to see in hindsight. Haven’t you looked back to see how I sustained you during difficulties even though you were not aware of it at the time? I want you to learn to be aware of the consolation of my Spirit when you receive it. 

My word refers to women as weaker vessels. Does this bother you? Note that the purpose and context of the passage is to give honor to women and it is not a statement of value. A string of pearls is weaker than an iron chain, but is not of lesser value. Note also that this occurs in the economy of grace, which is different from the usual striving for equality, or more often, domination. The Kingdom principles of laying down your life, esteeming others better than yourself, and in honor preferring one another apply universally to all at all times. If you can follow these then the question of who is the weaker vessel shouldn’t be an issue. 

Do you understand that your identity does not consist of what you own? I taught that the abundance of a man’s life does not consist of what he possesses. Blessed are those who understand this, but there are some who do who still identify strongly with their own body, and they are not pleased with it. You are not what you weigh. You are surrounded by false images of artificially underweight people and you should not accept this as a standard. There may be good reasons for you to lose weight, but the real essence of your identity is spiritual rather than physical whether you are young and slender and fit or not. 

Do you think there is nothing less spiritual than paying your taxes? I paid my taxes, and it involved a miracle with a fish and a coin. I also answered a question about paying taxes to distinguish between the things that are Caesars, and the things that are Gods. I did not say that the things that are Caesars are inherently spiritual, but I did use the occasion to teach a spiritual lesson. There are some things you must do in this world in the course of your life here, but you don’t have to accept a division of your life into the secular and the spiritual. If I could find a spiritual lesson in paying taxes you can too.