Dear friends,
As you receive this edition of our Memos, Easter is a little
over a week away. What might we do with
these days leading up to the Resurrection of our Lord? How can we prepare our hearts and minds to
engage in the dramatic narrative that takes us through Holy Week?
In his book, Leap Over
a Wall, Eugene Peterson provides some food for thought:
Jesus knew he was
dying long before he actually died. He
deliberately set out for Jerusalem, knowing that death by crucifixion was being
prepared for him…a slow death, full of pain.
All the while he was doing that he exhibited in word and presence a
wonderful vitality, beauty, and faith.
There were
celebrations with hosannas, conversations full of hope and promise, painful
confrontations, tender acts of sacrificial love. The imminence of death didn’t cancel out the
revelation of God in Jesus, but rather gave it added poignancy and power. And resurrection confirmed it.
The recurring challenge for each of us this time of year is
one of perspective.
- How deep am I willing to
go to immerse myself in this tragic, yet glorious story of death and
resurrection?
- Will I be a casual
observer like so many in our culture?
- Or, will I elect to be an
active participant in the events of Holy Week and Easter?
- To put it even more
directly, will I let Jesus touch my heart once again?
Whatever mode of engagement you choose, I urge you to be
intentional in your spiritual reflections these days leading up to Easter. Join us in worship, join us in prayer, and
join us in the celebration of our risen Lord!
Walking this journey
of faith with you,
Pastor Mark Hagen
No comments:
Post a Comment