He has risen.

Holy week-- this week is such an important week in the tradition of the Christian faith. The opportunity the church has to stop and reflect on the passion of Christ is an important and rich tradition of the faith-- one that must not be overlooked or quickly passed by, but a chance for each person to pause during this privileged time to remember God's grace and the sacrifice that had to happen in order for any of us to receive this gift. As I recall from the Good Friday service last week and I quote, "we are meant to be the people of Good Friday". In other words, people that remember the darkness of that day, the loneliness Christ felt on the cross, the betrayal of the people and then his death. Not as people of the 21st century detached from the reality of that time, but people striving to join the church in the grief that was bore for our iniquities.

And now today: Easter! He has risen. He is alive! What a great revelation of God's mystery shown to us on the cross and through the resurrection and defeat Christ conquered over death and sin. You and I, friends, can partake in this new covenant of God's grace and mercy.

And even as I write this post and God reveals His truth to me I confess that I haven't spent the kind of time in reflection and quiet to remember this Holy season. I've struggled at being too inwardly focused. I share this as an encouragement that even in the midst of our selfishness God continues to reveal himself to us that we might be people who look outwardly towards Him and others. We never just 'arrive'. On the other hand, we stay on the journey of redemption, as God continues to show himself to us and we are given the choice to turn our heads once again towards our Savior: Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

Amen.

PS. Please pray for my daughter Isabelle Rose. Yesterday we rushed her to the ER, as she had a 106 degree temperature and was diagnosed with pneumonia. It'll be awhile for her full recovery. Please pray that she can eat, drink and get enough oxygen in her body. Thanks in advance for your prayers.