Our first essay by The Rev. James Liggett, in "Outstretched Arms," uses a beautiful icon from 600 A.D. to convey the meaning of Easter today. From standing on the promises of God to our ancestors, to Jesus' outstretched arms, we see, experience, and are called to receive and accept the new life offered to us.
Christians around the world have entered the holiest week of the year as they journey with Jesus toward the cross and the ultimate mystery of the Resurrection on Easter morning. We can learn a lot about the Resurrection by thinking about why we need the Resurrection. Ultimately, Jesus came to us, humbled himself, obedient all the way to the cross, because we need him, and because of God's love for us. Check the following article from several bloggers who answer the question "Why I need the Resurrection."
What does Easter and Resurrection mean to you? Why do you need the Resurrection?
Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21 • Psalm 126 • Philippians 3:4b-14 • John 12:1-8
Passion
- extravagant love, in Lent? This week we have John's account of the
story of the woman who poured precious nard over the feet of Jesus, and
wiped them with her hair. According to John this is Mary, sister of
Martha and Lazarus, not Mary Magdalene, or a prostitute as we are told
in other gospel accounts. The point is that she, more than anyone else,
recognizes Jesus for who he is - humanly and as the Savior of us all -
and anoints not his head, but his feet, which will carry him to his
crucifixion, and glory. She participates in the passion of Christ,
losing herself, unconcerned about what others may think, and shows deep
and extravagant, unfettered love to our Lord.
Thanks
be to God, Jesus got to experience the honor due his name before his
Passion. Thanks be to God for this story, and Mary. Like her, we can
participate in that passion, too - for God, and each other. What better
time to reflect on such love, its beauty and sacrifice, than in the
season of Lent.
Check
out these wonderful articles which give us insight into the
extravagant, passionate love which Christ wants for us, and gives to
us.Daniel B. Clendenin's "She Did What She Could - Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany," and Rachel Mann's "Passion Sunday: the Politics of Passion (John 12-1-8).
Scripture: Joshua
5:9-12 • Psalm
32 • 2
Corinthians 5:16-21 • Luke
15:1-3, 11b-32
I had a wonderful church upbringing, but we did not observe Lent. I am thankful for the seasons my church observes. Observing Lent is taking the time and opportunity to take stock of ourselves, our lives - to reflect on what is really important. As I grow older, I am more able to part with that which is not really needed, and to value simpler things and gifts.
In "Letters to Prodigals, " The Rev. Debie Thomas sifts through what is going on in the lives of two sons Jesus tells us about in his parable of the prodigal son. In doing so, she examines her own life and perspectives, and invites to do so, also.
In her separate articles, "Commentary," and "Exposition," Sister Kym Harris contrasts the freeing joy of the father's welcome and forgiveness of his son who had gone astray, and returned, with a son held captive in bitterness, denying himself the capacity to live in dignity, freedom and love.
With youth dying from drug abuse, and the biting bitterness of our public discourse,what lessons can we learn from Jesus' parable? Shalom.
Our first essay by The Rev. James Liggett, in "Outstretched Arms," uses a beautiful icon from 600 A.D. to convey the meaning of Easter today. From standing on the promises of God to our ancestors, to Jesus' outstretched arms, we see, experience, and are called to receive and accept the new life offered to us.
