Thoughts Along the Journey

Today's Scripture reading was the story of the road to Emmaus.  If you're not familiar with the story, it takes place on the day of Christ's resurrection. " That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma′us, about seven miles from Jerusalem,    and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.    While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.    But their eyes were kept from recognizing him." Two of Jesus' followers were leaving Jerusalem.  Hearts broken from seeing their Teacher crucified, they were returning home.  They were discussing it all, probably trying to sort it out.  What would they do, now that the one [they believed to be the Messiah] wad dead?  Yet, the women said He was alive.  What should they make of all this?  And then, He was there.  A man that seemed to be just another traveler.   "And he said to them...

Memorial Day is full of, well, memories for me. The graves of my closest relatives are located in two small cemeteries, which are both close to the home where I grew up. One was almost across the road from our house. My dad's relatives are buried there. The graves of my mother's relatives are in a cemetery about 12 miles from my parents' home. Every Memorial Day, we would go to the closest one and place flowers on graves. The other cemetery had an annual flag ceremony, in which flags were placed on the graves of all the veterans. Stirring music would be played over the loud speakers, and a short speech given by a local dignitary. It was always a challenge to hurry and put flowers by head stones before the ceremony began. The wonderful things about this tradition were, first of all, that I learned so much about my ancestors. Who was married to whom. Whose parent was this? Whose child was this? How am I related to this person? Another great thing was that we oft...

So now that Lent is over, it is time to stop once again and reflect. God showed me a lot of things during these past few weeks. But the key is to integrate them into my life. For those of you who have traveled this Lenten journey with me, I hope these lessons are something God will help you weave into the fabric of your Christianity as well. 1. Forgiveness --given freely to all, as many times as needed. No limit. Christ's forgiveness toward us knows no bounds. Ours should reflect His. 2. Servanthood --Jesus gave of Himself over and over. That is what He calls us to do. 3. The cross --we should go through it, not try to go around it or just be near it. Jesus called us to the cross, even as He knew His destiny was the cross and all that meant. 4. Obedience --no matter what. Whatever He calls us to do is what we MUST do. It's time to move on from Lent, and, as our deacon said so eloquently at the vigil: Let's be resurrection people every day!

Happy Resurrection Day! Rejoice! He is alive! Alleluia! "...they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that He was alive." Luke 24:23b "Resurrection Morning" by Ron DiCianni "But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep." I Thessalonians 4:13-14 My offering to God: I will rejoice in Christ's victory over death and His gift of eternal life.