An Easter Sampler

Michael Hopkins' "Life in the Mean Time"

The good news of this day is that all the ways we think the world works in this mean time: aggression and greed and despair and cynicism and death have been ultimately defeated by the God of Jesus Christ, and we, ourselves, have been given a share of his spirit so that we too may be dreamers of impossible dreams, and, more importantly, doers of impossible things.

John Kirkley's "On Class Fairies and Resurrection"

In his life and death, Jesus reveals to us that with God there is no curse, only blessing; no condemnation of sinners, only forgiveness and the opportunity for new life; no sacrifice, only mercy. By occupying the space of shame freely, without fear or resentment, but peacefully, gracefully, and openly, Jesus demonstrates the vulnerability of God. Through his death on the cross, Jesus saves us by making it possible for us to see that our vulnerability can give rise to compassion and therefore healing; our vulnerability doesn’t have to be the source of fear and shame giving rise to rivalry, violence, and death.

Elizabeth Kaeton's "The Because of Things"

Here’s the truth I know about the Easter story, the ‘because of things’ I live to proclaim:

Because of God, I know about the power of the gifts of creativity and imagination to look into an empty tomb and see possibility.

Because of Jesus, I know about the power of hope to heal and inspire.

Because of the Holy Spirit, I know the confidence which is the antidote to confusion and terror.

The story of your life can be “Jesus died and then he rose.” Or, the story and plot of your life can be, “Jesus died and then he rose to love you lavishly, abundantly and beyond your wildest dreams.” The ‘because of things’ in your life can make the difference between a life which succumbs to confusion and terror or one that embraces possibility and hope.

Bill Carroll's "Why Seek the Living Among the Dead?"

When we look for Jesus, we must look for him among the LIVING. We must look for Jesus in the Eucharistic assembly. In the poor. And in every human being. We must look for Jesus in all creation, which is now made NEW and ALIVE. Jesus is risen. And he is no longer a passive object, or corpse. Jesus is instead a living, speaking, acting person, the living Lord of the cosmos. He is the living One, who died and came to life. He is the living One, who conquered death and the grave, and lives forevermore. He is the living One, who feeds us with his own flesh and blood and offers us forgiveness and new life in the Kingdom of God.

John Chane's Easter Sermon

The timeless story of Jesus, unaffected by the many layers of oral tradition, tell of a ministry and mission dedicated to non-violence, unconditional love and uncompromising forgiveness qualities sought reconciliation between parties at enmity with one another and with God. The core story of Jesus, his victory over death on the cross and his resurrection is centered in the holy city of Jerusalem . And today for Christians throughout the world it is impossible for us to celebrate the resurrection story of Jesus without coming to terms FINALLY with what is happening in Jerusalem and the Holy Land .

Harvey and Luna offer their Easter Monday reflections ...

And finally, Mark Harris offers a Fabulous Finale with this link to Hallelujah Nuns ...

HAPPY EASTER,

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EVERYBODY!

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