MY EASTER LETTER TO ALL

Beloved,
We have raced through Mark’s hair-raising gospel as if we were on a scriptural roller -coaster ride wondering what we would witness next and before we know it, we are walking through Jericho on our way to Jerusalem. I have never been much of a mountain climber, and the distance from Jericho, which lies 846 feet below sea level , to Jerusalem is a daunting 17 miles uphill increasing in elevation on the way to 3400 feet. The route is exceedingly difficult and dangerous to travel, but it is the shortest route to Jerusalem. Even though we are looking back at the events of Holy Week through binoculars from 2000 years hence, we can see ourselves among those who follow. In these days, are we not walking among the disciples, among those who’s hearts are on fire with hope and a sense that their lives are about to change? Are we not climbing the dry as a bone, treacherous, craggy mountain pass as if toward the city of David? Are we not trekking with those longing for liberation, and renewal? And when we reach the peak and begin our descent into Jerusalem, are we not among those rejoicing as the new king is hailed, anointed and crowned, the long awaited messiah? The way is prepared, and we, with the Palm Sunday people are ready for salvation. Our vision of salvation, like the crowds and the disciples, is one of triumph and a restoration of former prosperity, security, health and wellbeing, but Jesus’ vision was and continues to be a different one. He taught us about love and sacrifice. He taught us that the key to our own redemption and the redemption of the world is to love mercifully and to live sacrificially unto our own transformation. This Jesus showed us how to be merciful forgiving those who could not forgive themselves and forgiving those who mocked him and tormented him as he was dying on the cross. He taught us the meaning of sacrifice offering his own life to redeem ours. And when we were grief stricken, thinking all was lost, he rose again. The promise of Easter morning comes when we, in the company of the women disciples, find the tomb empty! We hear with them the assurance that the risen one will see us again in Galilee. We have a choice, in that moment, to let this glorious Good News sing in our hearts, to let our mourning be turned into dancing, to be liberated, renewed and “YES” transformed to live the life that God intended for us all.

Happy Easter,

Rev. Amanda