Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed.

What is a greater gift than to gather with sisters and brothers and celebrate the defining moment of our faith?  The extraordinary event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which we live and breathe and have our meaning on earth.

May we live into the resurrection more and more each day-- to the glory of our God-- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

being Christian by night...

I felt a bit sad as I opened my little purple Sacred Space book today for the next to the last reading. 

The spine on it is broken, I've put bits and pieces of interesting newspaper clippings in it.  It looks quite a bit different than the shiny crisp booklet I opened on Ash Wednesday.

I wonder if I look any different-- spiritually-- than I did when I began this Lenten prayer practice?

Today's passage is about Joseph of Arimathea quietly coming to get Jesus' body and provide a proper burial for Him.  John makes quite clear in his account (19:38-42) that Joseph of Arimathea was a secret follower of Jesus.  

And our friend from early in Lent '08, Nicodemus-- who met with Jesus in the night to ask him his burning questions-- is here again in the night as well.  This time, to prepare Jesus' body for burial.

Am I a willing Christian by night, but a reluctant Christian by day?  Does it matter to me what people think of me-- and my faith in Christ?  

Tonight as we gather for our annual Easter Vigil service, we will gather to tell our story-- a story recorded in Scripture-- the story that gives us our name and our identity:  Christian.

around the table

Tonight our Maundy Thursday Scriptures focused on times that God's presence, truth, power and compassion were revealed in that sacred space found around the table.

It amazes me how many times God "joins" us around the table.  Or speaks to us in terms of food.  Or uses imagery of feasting to convey the sense of tremendous celebration-- and feasting is communal activity.  

It amazes me how many times God "joins" us around the table-- even tonight God made His presence known in the sharing of the bread and the cup.

Thanks be to God for the table and for those God brings around that table to share the meal of remembrance together.

a long journey in the same direction

Today's passage from Isaiah 50:4-9 is in the voice of the "suffering servant," who has "the tongue of a teacher," listens to and obeys God, keeps moving forward, faces suffering and adversity, trusts totally in God.

A dear friend reminded me earlier this week that Jesus is present whether or not I am conscious of Him.  Further, she pointed out, in all situations where I am worrying or anxious, Jesus is already present and at work, whether or not I see Him.  

Can I live today trusting in the ongoing, active presence of Jesus whether or not I am aware of Him?  If so, how does that trust change how I see myself, my role in the world, my minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day living?  

praying together

One of the tremendous privileges of being a follower of Jesus Christ is being together with other followers to pray.

Last night, several of us gathered at the church for Lenten prayer.  Kris led us in a time of quiet, Scripture, reflection, gratitude and intercession.

When I think back on yesterday this time of prayer was a highlight of my day-- probably my week!

God felt very close and I delighted in God's presence as I experienced it in the real presence of my sisters and brother in Christ.

Thank you, Kris, and all!  May you know God's love and care this week.  I am thankful this morning for YOU.

good morning, Jesus Club!

I'm so glad you are in church today!

In our Scripture reading for today (from John 11), Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life."

What do you think of when you think of "life"?

I think of breathing air in and out, I think of green grass growing and I think of little Nigel!  He is so lively and full of life.  I know Nigel would love to be here at Jesus Club with you today.

Please create a post and tell me what the word "life" makes you think of!

believing and starting on the way...

Yesterday's reading-- about the royal official who approached Jesus because his son was ill and close to dying (John 4:46b-54)-- stuck with me all day.  This man begged Jesus to come and heal his son.  Jesus responded by saying, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe."  And the man makes no excuses, but simply says, "Sir, come down before my little boy dies."

Jesus then said to the man, "Go; your son will live."

And it was the following phrase that struck me:  "The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way."

This man who moments earlier was begging Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his dying boy, takes Jesus at His word and starts out on his way back.  

What was that walk like for the man?  What did he feel as he took those first steps, then as he continued on the long journey (which the passage indicates was at least a day away)?  Did he wonder if he should turn around and make Jesus come with him?  Or was it a march of confidence and peace?  Scripture does not tell us.

It made me think about how I often want a sure guarantee from God that I can put my hands on before I am willing to start out on my way.  I want proof that a venture will work out before I begin taking risks.

Where in my life do I need to "believe the word that Jesus spoke to me and start on my way"?  How about you?