When we see images of communities ravaged by tornadoes, earthquakes, or by any of nature's power...when we see or experience violence against our fellow human beings...when we see or experience suffering of any kind, we may think that the world is not only chaotic and cruel, but that God seems ever distant if around at all. I think that it's quite normal, even for persons of faith to have such thoughts. We can look to the sciences and find many of the answers and the theories about why things are as they are, both physical and biological.
For us, who live also "by faith,", the Good News of Easter provides some additional assurances if not the answers to some of these cosmological questions. Yes, God may seem distant at times, but we persevere in believing that God is still "hanging around". The Resurrection does not deny our human heartaches, brokenness, or loneliness, but it can and does transform them. With Easter eyes we see that the things of this world are always, at best, the next to the last thing that happens. The Good News and the reality of Easter is that all will be finally healed, renewed, and given new life. Easter is God's ultimate "yes!" to humanity to all of creation...a "yes" that resounds beyond the stars and yet, is ever so personal...a "yes" for you and me.
Jesus proclaimed and lived this Good News for you and me in many wondrous and beautiful ways. One of the most familiar and comforting image of Jesus is that of "The Good Shepherd:,. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says,
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd".
Like sheep that know the sound of the shepherd's voice, God speaks to us and knows us each by name. Jesus' personal message of God's love for all people is clear. By describing himself as "the good shepherd", he comforts us with God's intentions for each of us, as spoken by the ancient psalmist.
"The Lord revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me...Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.".
So take heart, dear Easter People, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, may we never forget to listen for the Good Shepherd's voice and the desire to bring all into "the fold" and to "revive" each and every "soul.".
UPCOMING EVENTS
Event
Date Time Title
05/13/12 9:00 AM Serenity
05/13/12 10:15 AM The Holy Eucharist
05/14/12 8:30 AM Morning Prayer
05/15/12 8:30 AM Morning Prayer
05/15/12 5:00 PM Fermenting Faith
05/16/12 8:30 AM Morning Prayer
05/16/12 12:00PM Holy Eucharist
05/16/12 6:00 PM Youth Group
05/17/02 8:30 AM Morning Prayer
05/17/12 5:00 PM Brotherhood of St. Andrew
