Peace be with you; as my Father has sent me, so I send you

Scripture: Acts 5:27-32  •  Psalm 118:14-29 or Psalm 150  •  Revelation 1:4-8  •  John 20:19-31

I look forward to exchanging the Peace each Sunday after the homily, and before the choir's anthem and the Holy Eucharist. What happens when we exchange the peace? In John's gospel, we read that Jesus appeared to the disciples who huddled behind closed doors, undoubtedly bewildered and fearful Jesus first words to them are "Peace be with you." And he says it again after showing them his nail pierced hands and spear pierced side. But this time he adds "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

What happens when you are given, and you receive a gift? In "Exchanging the peace," The Very Reverend Anthony F.M. Clavier tells us: "Accepting a gift is a moment of self-emptying, of acceptance and gratitude. For a moment we are beholden, vulnerable, dependent as we receive that which we lack. Receiving a gift can strike our pride, can be uncomfortable. Living in the gift demands an active gratitude. It also means that we value that which we have been given. We feel it necessary to show it off. And that leads to sharing the gift. The gift of “the peace of God which passeth all understanding” is to be received as a trust to share with others. Thus when we exchange “the Peace” today, we say to those we greet, “Here is the most wonderful gift, the gift of accepting Jesus into our lives and sharing that communion with each other and out into the world.”And then there is the presence. The presence of Christ, which we experience in the Eucharist. Let us share that peace, and presence, together. In His presence, we are forgiven, and we can forgive.

In "Among his disciples," The Rev. Joshua Woods describes the fear and uncertainty of the disciples both prior to and after Jesus appears among the. As Jesus bids them peace, he also bids them leave their comfort zones as he sends them out, as his Father has sent him. What are we to do, and what do we do, with God's peace when we leave the comfort, solace, and beauty of our sanctuary, service, and liturgy?

What does Easter mean?

Scripture:

Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 65:17-25  • 

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24  • 

1 Corinthians 15:19-26 or Acts 10:34-43  • 

John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12 

Our first essay by The Rev. James Liggett, in "Outstretched Arms," uses a beautiful icon from circa 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?

Reflecting on "Hosanna"

Scripture: 

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29  • 

Luke 19:28-40

The Rev. Debie Thomas, in her "My Broken Hosanna," offers poignant, deep insight into the word "Hosanna," what it means linguistically, but more importantly, in light of Holy Week, the Passion, suffering and death of Jesus on the cross, what it means in and for our daily lives. 

Compare the contrast of the entry into Jerusalem of Pontius Pilate, and that of Jesus.

Enter, with Jesus, into Jerusalem this week. Bring with you all the baggage you have - hopes, dreams, despairs and brokenness. Experience the triumphant entry into the kingdom of the Holy One, who is always with us. Thanks be to God.

Beauty in the Breaking

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21 •  Psalm 126  • Philippians 3:4b-14  •  John 12:1-8

This week, Jesus is visiting the home of dear friends before setting his face toward Jerusalem to face the Passion, suffering, and death. This week's authors give us powerful insight into Mary's extravagant gift of expensive perfume, abandoning self consciousness and traditional mores in anointing Jesus' feet and wiping them with her hair. What about the poor who could use the proceeds of sale of the perfume, as Judas said? Extravagant waste, or more? What did Jesus say to Judas and onlookers? Why? What can we learn about comfort, grief, sacrifice, and ministering to others from John's gospel account of this event?

This is one of the most sensual and beautiful portraits of God's love and appreciation of humanity, through Jesus. Instead of rebuking Mary,  Jesus accepts the humanity, flesh on flesh, tears, and beauty of the ones he loved enough to sacrifice himself for. Read the beautiful account in Debie Thomas' "Beauty and Breaking. "

Consider the thoughts of Dan Clendenin in "She Did What She Could - Mary's Anoints Jesus at Bethany;" Katerina Whitley's "Comfort in the Midst of suffering"; and Debie Thomas' "While You Still Have Me."